Intelligent façades

Automatic fire-retardant windows

Windows that automatically lock in case of fire. Blitta developed this innovative form of building intelligence for the façade of Eusebiushof in Arnhem. 

Eusebiushof, developed by de Architekten Cie in conjuction with Royal Haskoning Architecten, and to be built on the site of the former ‘Arnhems Gemeentelijk Waterleiding Bedrijf’, links up new build with the Arnhem municipal office. As the building was meant to connect with existing buildings, many façade elements had to be equipped with fire-retardant features, and this also went for the glazing. In order to meet these stringent requirements, Blitta, in conjunction with system supplier Schüco, developed special fire-retardant aluminium windows with dimensions 280 x 256 cm. These were fitted with bottom-hung sash windows that are connected to a fire alarm system, so that they automatically lock in case of a fire.

Tests carried out by Efectis Nederland indicated a fire resistance of thirty minutes. Blitta used this form of building intelligence again for the new build of Syntess in Zierikzee.