Safety is absolutely crucial with commercial architecture. In order to satisfy building codes it must be possible for people to exit a property efficiently in the event of an issue such as a fire. This must be factored into the design, ensuring exits and routes to them are clear and properly marked.
Over the last few years there have been some big changes in the commercial architecture field as people look for greener, more sustainable properties. This has seen the wider use of materials that come with a smaller carbon footprint. Before using them though it is vital that the impact they have on safety is considered.
Timber is a widely used material and has become increasingly popular because of its sustainability. New trees can be planted to replace those used for construction materials. Additionally any leftover timber can be recycled rather than wasted. In the future if repairs are needed and timberwork needs to be replaced these materials can also be sent for recycling. In all this makes the material very green.
The problem with timber is it is flammable. This presents a lot of challenges in terms of fire safety but there are lots of solutions that allow the materials to be used. Timber buildings can actually be designed to meet and even exceed fire standards. The building can still be designed to allow quick, easy evacuation and the materials can be used in such a way that the spread of fire is minimised. A great way to do the latter is utilising timber along with other less flammable materials like concrete and steel.
When deciding on designs and materials safety should be right at the top of the agenda. At Coffey Architects we have that kind of focus when we design a property, whether it is domestic, public, or commercial architecture. We want clients to be able to use the materials they want in the safest possible manner.
As you can see from a number of our projects we make great use of timber in various settings and applications. We are happy to share this knowledge with clients who also want to use sustainable timbers. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us.