Case Study: Fire Curtain Installation for an Open-Plan Office

Project Overview

A growing technology firm approached Security Direct after expanding into a new open-plan office space. While the layout supported collaboration and natural light, it also created challenges in meeting fire compartmentation requirements under UK Building Regulations. Traditional fire doors or partitions would have disrupted the space, so the client needed a discreet, compliant, and efficient fire protection solution.

Our recommendation: a fully automatic fire curtain system, designed to deploy in the event of a fire to protect escape routes and slow fire spread, while remaining almost invisible during day-to-day operation.

Client Requirements

The client needed a solution that would:

•    Meet Approved Document B fire safety requirements
•    Preserve their modern, open-plan layout
•    Offer a nearly invisible installation with minimal structural disruption
•    Integrate with the building’s fire alarm system
•    Provide a minimum 60-minute fire resistance rating

They also wanted the system installed quickly to avoid downtime for their growing team.

Challenges

Open-plan offices naturally lack internal fire barriers. With no existing partitions or fire doors, the building required a system that could:

•    Create a protected escape corridor during a fire
•    Avoid obstructing sightlines or walkways
•    Provide certified fire resistance without altering the office’s aesthetic

Traditional solutions like fire partitions or fixed fire shutters would have been too bulky and visually intrusive. A fire curtain was the ideal balance of safety, functionality, and design.

Our Solution

Security Direct installed a bespoke fire curtain system housed within a slim, powder-coated headbox hidden in the ceiling void. When not in use, the curtain is completely concealed, preserving the open and spacious feel of the office.

Key Features Installed

•    120-minute fire-rated curtain tested to BS EN standards
•    Automatic deployment triggered by the client’s fire alarm
•    Fail-safe motor with gravity drop technology
•    Compact guide rails designed to blend into interior walls
•    Emergency override and reset controls

This setup ensures that in an emergency, the curtain deploys seamlessly to form a robust fire barrier, protecting escape routes and slowing fire spread, allowing safe evacuation.

Installation Process

Our engineers carried out a site survey, coordinated with the client’s facilities team, and scheduled installation outside peak office hours to avoid disruption.

The process included:

1.    Structural assessment of the ceiling void
2.    Fabrication of the curtain to exact bespoke measurements
3.    Installation of headbox, side guides, and bottom bar
4.    Integration with the site fire alarm system
5.    Full commissioning and fire-test demonstration

The installation was completed in a single day, with minimal noise and no structural alterations needed.

Results

The client now has:

•    A fully compliant fire protection solution
•    A preserved open-plan layout with no visible impact when the curtain is retracted
•    Stress-free integration with the fire alarm and building management system
•    Peace of mind knowing staff and visitors have enhanced protection

The building’s fire engineer approved the system as part of the overall fire strategy, ensuring full alignment with regulatory requirements.

Client Feedback

The client praised the discreet design and smooth installation, noting how impressed they were with the unobtrusive look and the simplicity of system operation.

Their facilities manager commented that the fire curtain “allowed us to maintain the modern look of the office without compromising on safety.”

You can read more feedback like this on our:
•    Feefo Review Page
•    Trustpilot Reviews

Conclusion

This case study highlights how a fire curtain provides a powerful yet discreet fire safety solution for open-plan offices. With bespoke fabrication, seamless integration, and a completely hidden finish, fire curtains offer outstanding protection without compromising aesthetics.

If your office or commercial building needs a compliant fire protection solution that blends into modern layouts, Security Direct can help.
Contact our team today for a free consultation, site survey, or fire curtain specification.