The architectural paradox: how to protect open spaces without sacrificing design

In contemporary architecture, the use of open-plan spaces and diaphanous spaces has become a fundamental strategy in buildings with high public occupancy: educational centers, hotel lobbies, hospitals, terminals, and open offices. However, this bet on spatial continuity directly conflicts with the technical requirements for fire compartmentalization defined by the DB-SI of the Technical Building Code.

When the design needs to maintain openness and, at the same time, comply with fire compartmentalization criteria, a technical incompatibility arises that must be resolved. Traditional methods tend to be intrusive in terms of form and volume, so designers need solutions that do not interfere with the spatial configuration or compromise the functionality of the building.

What will you learn in this post?

• Architectural trends for 2025
• The challenge of sectorizing diaphanous spaces without visible barriers

Architectural trends for 2025

The architectural trends for 2025 are defined by flexibility and adaptability in the use of space, driven by advances in digital technology and the need for sustainability. Projects are focused on more dynamic solutions that allow spaces to be modified based on changing requirements, without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

A key factor will be spatial flexibility, which aims to allow rapid reorganization of spaces through modular elements and open designs, optimizing space efficiency according to immediate needs. This type of design creates versatile environments that can easily adapt to different activities, which is essential in contexts of high uncertainty about the future uses of the building.

The diaphanous design, which favors the absence of fixed partitions, continues to be a predominant trend. This approach facilitates fluid circulation and continuous visibility between different areas, offering a sense of spaciousness and connection between spaces. This type of layout is essential in buildings requiring functional flexibility, such as shopping centers, open office spaces, or high-traffic public spaces.

Finally, sustainability remains one of the strongest priorities in architecture. Energy efficiency and the use of sustainable materials are essential for reducing the ecological footprint of buildings, both during construction and throughout their lifecycle. Strategies such as the use of renewable energy and intelligent resource management are becoming increasingly common and necessary in architectural projects.

Diaphanous spaces: an architectural solution with constraints

Diaphanous spaces are those that do not use permanent partitions, favoring visual connectivity and fluid circulation, as previously mentioned. This configuration is used in public buildings and multifunctional areas where flexibility in space usage is sought. From a structural point of view, diaphanous spaces require distributed support elements, such as columns and beams, that ensure stability without interfering with the perception of spaciousness.

Technically, the design of these spaces requires working with large spans (distances without intermediate support) and structures that do not interfere visually with the space. Lightweight and translucent materials are essential to maintain the sense of openness and visibility without compromising structural safety. This approach favors flexible space adaptation and organization, allowing the spaces to be used for a variety of activities without the need for major structural reforms.

The challenge of sectorizing diaphanous spaces without visible barriers

One of the main challenges in designing diaphanous spaces is ensuring that these environments meet the regulatory requirements established in the DB-SI (Basic Document on Fire Safety) of the Technical Building Code (CTE). This document sets the minimum conditions to prevent the spread of fire and protect people in case of fire. In the context of open spaces, the CTE requires proper compartmentalization of buildings, which refers to the creation of fire sectors that prevent the transmission of fire and smoke to other areas of the building.

According to the DB-SI, compartmentalization must guarantee the safety of people, ensuring a safe evacuation and limiting the effects of the fire by protecting evacuation routes, the fire resistance of structural elements, and thermal insulation to prevent the spread of fire. For diaphanous spaces, where the absence of fixed partitions is a key feature, the traditional compartmentalization solution with fire walls or metal doors is incompatible with the architectural design, as it interrupts spatial fluidity.

The challenge is to find a technical solution that meets the passive compartmentalization criteria of the DB-SI, without affecting the aesthetics or functionality of the space. This is where fire curtains come into play: they allow the creation of invisible fire sectors that activate only when necessary, without interrupting visibility or circulation, ensuring that the space meets the regulatory requirements for compartmentalization in an effective and discreet manner.

Advantages of fire curtains for open spaces

The fire curtains Tecnitex are a passive fire protection solution, designed, among other reasons, for diaphanous spaces. This mobile textile system acts as a physical barrier against fire, but in a discreet and adaptable manner, integrating seamlessly into the architectural design of the building. Unlike traditional solutions, fire curtains remain inside a coffer container, which may remain visible or integrated into the false ceiling, until activated by a fire detection system. This allows maintaining the flow and open character of spaces without compromising safety.

The Fail Safe technology is key in these systems. In case of electrical or control failures, the system ensures that the curtains deploy automatically and in a controlled manner. This provides reliable protection, ensuring the curtains act quickly and effectively in any critical situation, without compromising the safety of people or the space.

Tecnitex offers a range of fire curtains tailored to different types of spaces and compartmentalization needs. The curtains are made with fire-resistant fiberglass, which allows them to withstand extreme temperatures without losing their properties. Additionally, they can be custom-made according to project dimensions, adapting even to irregular or large spaces.

In addition to their fire resistance, Tecnitex fire curtains are lightweight and require an adequate supporting substructure for installation, both to anchor the coffer and the guides. This substructure must have the same fire classification as the curtain, as otherwise, it could burn and cause the curtain to fall. The flexibility of the system allows the curtains to be integrated without the need for invasive structures, making them suitable for projects where aesthetics are key, such as hotels, offices, shopping centers, and hospitals. They can also be integrated with Building Management Systems (BMS), ensuring automatic and efficient operation, further enhancing safety and control.

These fire curtains are not only an effective and reliable solution but also an aesthetically compatible option, as they offer the possibility to maintain architectural design without sacrificing fire safety, allowing architects and designers to integrate passive protection without compromising the visibility of open spaces.

If you are designing an open space and need to ensure safety without giving up design, Tecnitex has the perfect solution for you. Contact us to discover how our fire curtains can integrate seamlessly and effectively into your next project.

Bibliography

1. 1. Tecnitex. (n.d.). Fire compartmentalization in buildings with public occupancy. Tecnitex. Retrieved from https://tecnitexfire.com/aplicaciones/sectorizacion-de-incendios-en-edificios-de-publica-concurrencia/

   2. Ministry of Development. (2009). Basic Document SI: Fire safety. Technical Building Code. Retrieved from https://www.codigotecnico.org/pdf/Documentos/SI/DBSI.pdf

   3. Ministry of Development. (n.d.). Technical Building Code. Retrieved from https://www.codigotecnico.org/

   4. Tecnitex. (n.d.). False ceilings PCI. Tecnitex. Retrieved from https://tecnitexfire.com/en/blog/suspended-ceilings-scfp/