Continuing in our series following design trends, we’re looking at how safety demands have impacted design choice and specification. And there’s no where that’s seen a more seismic shift than specifying fire safe products in high-rise buildings.
Born out of the need for greater testing and performance, product systems used on modern high-rise designs need to achieve breakthrough levels of safety. But that grade of performance doesn’t need to come at the cost of design.
Meeting and exceeding this requirement can be difficult. With more robust testing, architects and designers must find the complete solution that meets their design and safety needs.
A system approach is vital for external roof terraces where BROOF(t4) is applicable whereas balcony regulations are component-led with each component of a decking system required to be non-combustible.
One such decking system that meets both requirements is Zerodeck Porcelain. The deck board itself is Class A1 fire-rated, and can be paired with different sub-frame options to ensure compliance for balcony or roof terrace applications.
Design values and safety in one
'Higher-risk buildings' are defined as buildings of at least seven storeys or are at least 18 metres high containing two or more residential units, and subject to the stringent safety regime established by the Building Safety Act 2022.
The high-risk classification imposes certain restrictions on what can and can’t be used, with fire safety and performance being paramount. Balconies must be made of non-combustible components (e.g. Class A1 or A2 materials) to comply with Approved Document B.
From an architectural point of view, this limits the types of materials which can be used, particularly when curating a biophilic-inspired outdoor space as natural materials become harder to specify.
Zerodeck Porcelain offers the perfect solution to this dilemma, providing the natural look of timber in the form of 20mm external porcelain. The four colour tones invoke a warm, natural finish which can perfectly complement a lush, green outdoor space.
With a high level of slip resistance and minimal maintenance requirements, it is ideal for terraces, balconies, and elevated communal areas demanding both safety and style.
Delivering on performance
Design and safety go hand-in-hand for Zerodeck Porcelain. When specified together with the A-PED sub-frame, Zerodeck Porcelain is suitable for use on balconies and anywhere requiring maximum fire safety. as each component of the system is Class A Fire-Rated.
It is also available as part of BROOF(t4) certified systems with specific roofing build ups, including the use of the more economical Buzon PB range of pedestals. This gives the system an unrestricted usage on roof terraces.
Example of a BROOF(t4) build up showing all the components that need to be tested together
BROOF(t4) classification is the highest external fire performance rating for roof coverings under UK Building Regulations. It confirms that the system will resist fire spread when exposed to flame and radiant heat, even in windy conditions. This is a critical requirement for flooring systems used on terraces and podium decks where external fire risk must be mitigated.
In addition to maximum fire performance, Zerodeck Porcelain also delivers on another safety concern for tall buildings: wind uplift. The boards are clip-fixed to aluminium joists providing a natural solution to this issue, with all fixings being hidden for a flawless finish.
Specification-Ready
As developers, architects, and consultants take on increasingly complex urban projects, decking is no longer a detail left to the end. It’s part of a strategic, safety-critical approach to the design and needs to be treated as such. This is particularly pertinent for roof terraces where BROOF(t4) is required as your roof build-up will determine what finishes are compliant. If your roof build-up is not part of a tested system that includes a finish, then you may well be restricted to using a fully non-combustible system.
Zerodeck Porcelain is the complete decking system for this next generation of outdoor spaces: fire-rated, structurally sound, and architecturally refined.
Request the full technical datasheet here or speak to one of our experts today about a compliant, specification-ready decking solution.
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