Ensuring continuous fire protection in multi-unit buildings with Firestop
The SoundDown™ In-floor Firestop Batten is designed to close the fire protection gap between units and common areas in mass timber buildings with raised acoustic floor build-ups.
In buildings with raised acoustic floors, one area that is often overlooked is the space underneath the fire door where units and common areas meet. Neglecting to fire stop this area can undermine other fire stopping in the building and risk the spread of fire between these areas. Build Anatomy has developed a prefabricated fire batten system to address this issue and maintain the integrity of the firecell: the SoundDown In-floor Firestop Batten.
Applications
The Firestop Batten is designed for use in buildings with mass timber, cassette and standard joisted floor systems where there’s an unprotected space beneath the fire door in between the apartment or unit and the common corridor space. It is ideal for apartments, retirement villages and multi-unit commercial buildings where it provides a prefabricated, engineered solution that effectively maintains the continuity of each firecell.
Key performance benefits
Enhanced fire protection in multi-unit buildings
By maintaining the continuity of the firecell at the fire door threshold within raised acoustic floor build-ups, the Firestop Batten helps reduce the risk of fire spread. The system has been assessed via independent engineering judgement as capable of 90 minutes integrity and insulation, with the overall FRR is governed by the lowest of the wall, doorset or in-floor fire stop.
Prefabricated to save time on site
The system’s build-up features a 20mm Magnedure board top, 16mm GIB Fyreline sides, acoustic rubber feet and a 90 x 45mm LVL carrier which are prefabricated off-site into a single easy-to-install batten. Specifying a prefabricated fire stopping batten saves valuable time on site while offering the peace of mind of a fully engineered solution.
Seamless incorporation into SoundDown™ floor systems
The Firestop Batten is manufactured to be seamlessly incorporated into SoundDown’s Tranquillo and Legato Acoustic Floor systems. It is installed directly on the CLT substrate beneath the doorset and between fire-rated walls, allowing the finished floor to continue seamlessly on both sides of the door. By specifying both the batten and floor system from the same supplier, designers can ensure seamless compatibility and streamlined installation.
Design support
Build Anatomy’s knowledgeable technical team is on hand to assist architects in incorporating the SoundDown In-floor Firestop Batten into their floor designs. This includes taking them through options for different height build-ups and providing a full set of detailed specifications. Where the standard 80mm-high option doesn’t suit the project, Build Anatomy can manufacture a bespoke batten that is job and site specific — including consulting with their engineer, and where necessary, getting a site-specific engineering judgement to ensure the system is compliant and fit for purpose.
History of use
The SoundDown In-Floor Firestop batten has already been installed in a range of retirement villages across the country where it provides additional protection and peace of mind. Build Anatomy has also manufactured bespoke 3m-sized Firestop Battens for a new Fisher and Paykel building that required a custom solution.
Warranty & maintenance
The system requires no maintenance and is backed by a 15-year warranty. It is designed to perform for the lifetime of the building.