The sky(light) is the limit

LAMILUX products are finding their way into both new builds and retrofit projects. Together with its subsidiary roda, LAMILUX is expanding its focus to include natural ventilation and smoke extraction solutions for buildings, such as the AEROJET louvred ventilator, the AIRSTREAM louvred window, as well as the FIREFIGHTER and MEGAPHÖNIX double-flap ventilators.

The products allow the diverse requirements of a wide variety of buildings and industrial sectors to be met according to specific needs, including smoke and fire protection. At the specification stage of each installation, the company analyses the interaction of the building envelope, daylight utilisation, natural ventilation, thermal insulation, energy efficiency and safety.

It can’t happen here

LAMILUX says many building operators think there is no danger of smoke or fire in a building, and neglect planning for fire protection.

“This is when defensive fire protection comes into play,” says the company.

“When constructing a building, structural fire protection comes first. Structural fire protection is the generic term for all prophylactic measures related to the building. 

“Structural fire protection partly overlaps with the measures of system-related fire protection, which also counts as preventive fire protection. In particular, overlaps are found in systems that ensure the supply of extinguishing agents, fire extinguishing equipment, gas extinguishing systems and fire alarm systems.”

The company says the third category, organisational measures, includes all precautions that can be organised by the respective company – such as rescue and escape plans, the provision of small fire extinguishing equipment (such as fire extinguishers), fire safety and fire prevention instruction for employees, and how to act in the event of a fire.

But the number one danger to people in a building during a fire is not the flames – it’s the smoke. Therefore, one of the most important functions in fire protection is smoke extraction; usually via a Smoke and Heat Exhaust Ventilation System (SHEVS).

“But SHEVS, like the other individual measures, must not be considered in isolation,” states LAMILUX.

“This is because SHEVS can only be correctly designed and dimensioned if the overall package of preventive fire protection is considered and taken as a basis.”

LAMILUX says for complex buildings such as high-rise, shopping centre, industrial facility or an underground car park, the fire protection and smoke extraction concepts demand the highest level of expertise. The company works with specialist planners, engineers and building operators to plan fire protection and smoke extraction systems.

LAMILUX also retrofits systems into existing buildings.

“Enhancing existing buildings in terms of energy efficiency, functionality and design will be a key task for planners and contractors in the years ahead,” says the company.

“This interplay plays a vital role, particularly in sustainable building operations,” says LAMILUX. “High-performance glazing, thermally insulated constructions and airtight connections form an important foundation for an energy-efficient building envelope.”

Read more about LAMILUX here.

Feature image courtesy of LAMILUX.

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