Designing Outdoor Spaces in the Age of Safety

In high-rise design, fire safety regulation has become a defining influence on the shaping of outdoor spaces. Across the UK, balconies and roof terraces are being reimagined. Materials once chosen instinctively for their warmth or texture must now perform when it comes to fire safety too. 

While roof regulations may allow for the use of non-Class A materials, non-combustible options are typically specified. So, architects face a new challenge: how can we design inviting outdoor spaces using only non-combustible materials? 

Fortunately, innovation in materials has transformed what’s possible. Porcelain decking now comes in ‘wood-grain’ finishes, which offers the organic warmth of timber in a fully non-combustible, Class A1-rated material. This new generation of surfaces is allowing fire safety and design expression to beautifully coexist. 

From Components to Systems

For outdoor spaces, fire-safety compliance depends on the application area:

• • • • • • Balconies are assessed component by component, with every element, from the sub-frame to the deck board, required to achieve Class A1 or A2 standards. 

• • Roof terraces are tested as complete assemblies under BROOF(t4), confirming that the full system can resist fire spread under flame and radiant heat. 

                                                  Example of a BROOF(t4) build up showing all the components that need to be tested together

These two approaches are changing how decking is specified. When performance and design intent are considered together from the outset, it’s easier to achieve fire-compliant outdoor decking that fully supports the architectural vision.

Design Without Compromise: Zerodeck Porcelain 

The Zerodeck Porcelain system strikes a balance between performance and design. Made from the finest quality 20 mm porcelain, the boards are fully non-combustible and Class A1 fire-rated. Available in four wood-grain finishes that capture the texture and tone of natural timber, Zerodeck Porcelain adds a material richness to compliant outdoor spaces.

For balconies in high-safety applications, the boards can be combined with the A-PED sub-frame for a compliant solution where every component is Class A fire-rated.

For roof terraces, it can also be specified as part of a BROOF(t4) certified roofing build up, (including the more economical Buzon PB range of pedestals). As a complete and compliant decking system, it has unrestricted usage on roof terraces.

Each board is clip-fixed to aluminium joists, providing a secure solution against wind uplift while maintaining a clean, concealed finish. Altogether, Zerodeck Porcelain delivers a:

• • safe,
• • high slip-resistance
• • low maintenance,
• • and timeless aesthetic,
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that works seamlessly across contemporary and biophilic design schemes. 

In an era where safety drives specification, porcelain wood-effect decking is proof that regulations can still inspire creativity, enabling beautiful and safe outdoor spaces.

Request the full technical datasheet here or speak to one of our experts today about a compliant, specification-ready decking solution.