Bullet-proof: protect your home with fire-rated aluminium joinery
Written by
24 October 2023
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5 min read
The clue for what fire-rated joinery is, and does, is hidden within the term’s very construction: it’s joinery rated to withstand fire.
Marius Koen of ACMF, a proud member of the Heco Group and the only accredited aluminium fire-rated joinery supplier in New Zealand, says the company isn’t stopping there.
“The Reynaers CS 77-BP system incorporates specialised electroplated steel inserts and accommodates bulletproof glass up to 47 mm thick, allowing for the creation of bullet-proof windows and doors,” says Marius. “This system achieves a Bullet Resistance rating of BR6, complying with EN 1063 standards for enhanced security and protection.”
For those unfamiliar with European ballistics standards, that means the system can withstand a round, most commonly used by the US Army for long-distance small arms engagements with light machine guns, sharpshooter rifles, and shorter-range sniper rifles, fired at a velocity of 830 m/s at a distance of 10 metres. Put more simply, still: the CS 77-BP is built for John Wick’s house.
Bullets are one thing, fire something else entirely. Marius says there are many reasons why fire-rated joinery has become an essential aspect of modern building design.
“Our range deals with multiple concerns: it significantly enhances fire safety by containing fire, smoke, and heat - granting occupants valuable time to evacuate, and emergency responders the opportunity to intervene effectively; it meets stringent building codes and regulations by ensuring legal compliance and preventing liabilities; and it safeguards property by minimising fire-related damage and reducing repair expenses in the case of an unfortunate event.”
Marius says ACMF’s partnership with Reynaers Aluminium, a prominent European leader in aluminium systems “renowned for its cutting-edge designs and engineering excellence”, delivers a range, all fully certified by BRANZ, that offers the highest possible energy rating due to the aluminium’s thermally broken structure, reducing heat transfer through frames.
“This partnership enables ACMF to leverage Reynaers’ advanced technology, research, and development to create high-quality fire-rated joinery solutions,” he says.
“Reynaers’ CS 77-FP aluminium fire-rated windows incorporate specialised fire protection filling materials. These fillings are inserted into the cavities of the aluminium profiles, effectively enhancing the windows’ integrity and insulation capabilities, achieving -/30/30 and -/60/60 fire ratings.”
The system is “designed to excel in tough conditions”, and has been engineered with all the elements in mind. It has strong wind resistance - Class 5 (2000Pa) for windows and Class 2 (800Pa) for doors - and it’s also highly energy efficient with low Uw values of 1.3 W/m²K for windows and 1.4 W/m²K for doors, keeping heat transfer minimal.
The system ensures energy-saving climate control indoors by maintaining air tightness (Class 4 at 600Pa), and has a water tightness rating of Class E900 (900Pa) for windows and Class 7A (300Pa) for doors, guarding against potential leak damage. ACMF provides a 10-year guarantee, a powder-coated finish, and AGC Pyrobel Glass, and guarantees the workmanship for five years.
Marius says aluminium windows and doors offer a multitude of benefits over traditional building materials like steel or timber. The metal’s innate strength and durability has the benefit of longevity and low maintenance, while its lightweight nature allows for larger windows and door designs without compromising structural integrity. Robust surface treatments make painting or varnishing unnecessary, with regular cleaning with lukewarm water and mild soap the extent of the maintenance required to ensure longevity and resistance to corrosion and weathering.
He says the sleek aesthetic of aluminium complements contemporary architectural styles, and points to the eco-friendly benefits of a fully-recyclable natural resource that requires less energy to refine than other materials.
“Its exceptional thermal conductivity also allows for better energy efficiency when combined with thermal break technology. This, in turn, can lead to reduced energy bills and a smaller environmental footprint.”
ACMF “specialises in everything exterior”, encompassing the entire building envelope from cladding, flashings, louvres and screens, balustrades, roofing, and fire-rated aluminium joinery.
“From initial design to product selection and installation, we cater to high-end residential and commercial ventures, ensuring the long-term upkeep of buildings,” says Marius. “Our in-house team manages every facet, from design and engineering to fabrication and installation - engineering cutting-edge solutions that combine exceptional aesthetics with enduring quality.”
Over the past year alone, ACMF has successfully completed 35 projects running the gambit of the New Zealand building industry. In the residential realm, ACMF has contributed to multi-storey high-density housing at a Kāinga Ora development at 139 Greys Avenue, Auckland, while across the city, its ranges have been integrated to allow the upmarket townhouses of Victoria Lane Apartments a quality and sophistication uncommon for urban dwellings. On the commercial front, ACMF has blended functionality with visual appeal through its involvement in a project at 500 Queens Street, and the development of Ormiston Town Centre.
Marius says the goal, no matter what the project, remains the same: “seamless fusion of form, function, and sustainability that adds value to any building project”.
Bulletproof glass comes optional.