Meeting Fes Building Fire Safety Codes Under Moroccan Fire Protection Regulations
Construction projects in Fes must comply with the Moroccan Fire Protection Regulation, which directly references EN 1364-1 and EN 1634-1 for evaluating fire resistance of glazed elements. These standards define critical performance criteria such as integrity (E)—the ability to prevent flame and hot gas penetration—and insulation (I), which limits temperature rise on the unexposed side to an average of 140°C and a maximum of 180°C. Antifires ensures that all fire rated glass and door assemblies submitted for approval in Fes meet these precise thresholds, validated by accredited European laboratories.
Localized compliance also involves adapting to Fes’s unique urban density. In zones like the Medina, where egress routes are narrow and buildings share common walls, fire compartmentation must be rigorously enforced. Antifires’ systems incorporate intumescent seals, ceramic wool (density 210 kg/m³), and steel frames with expansion gaps filled with ceramic fiber, ensuring that assemblies maintain their rated performance even under structural deflection. For mixed-use developments combining traditional materials with modern glazing, these engineered solutions satisfy both the letter of the law and the practical demands of local fire safety inspectors.
Selecting Fire Rated Glass Grades for Fes Climate and Structural Load Conditions
Selecting the appropriate fire rated glass grade for Fes requires careful consideration of the local climate—characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—and the structural loads typical of mixed-use buildings. Antifires offers a range of certified systems from EI 30 to EI 120, each validated under controlled furnace conditions with ambient test temperatures between 27°C and 36°C, closely matching Fes’s operational environment. For projects combining rammed earth or timber frames with glazed partitions, the 21mm multi-layer composite glass (integrity 120 minutes, insulation 30 minutes) provides a balanced solution that minimizes thermal bridging while maintaining structural stability.
For applications requiring higher insulation performance, such as hospital corridors or hotel lobbies in the Ville Nouvelle, the 28mm EI60 panel (integrity 66 minutes, insulation 64 minutes) or the 50mm ultra-high-performance glass (integrity and insulation up to 120 minutes) are recommended. These systems use intumescent gel layers that activate under heat, forming an insulating barrier that prevents heat transfer and radiant heat transmission. The table below summarizes key grades suitable for Fes’s building types:
| Glass Type |
Integrity (min) |
Insulation (min) |
Typical Application |
| 10mm FPOS |
135 |
16 |
Heritage window retrofits |
| 26mm Door Glass |
89–90 |
68 |
Egress doors in riads |
| 50mm EI120 |
120 |
120 |
Commercial compartment walls |
Fire Rated Glass Applications Across Fes Historic Districts and New Commercial Zones
In Fes’s UNESCO-listed Medina, fire rated glass plays a critical role in retrofitting historic structures such as riads and caravanserais. These projects demand solutions that preserve traditional aesthetics—often requiring the retention of original wood or wrought-iron frames—while meeting modern fire safety standards. Antifires supplies fire rated windows and door systems that can be integrated into existing openings without altering heritage facades. The 10mm FPOS glass, with integrity up to 135 minutes, is particularly suitable for these applications, as its slim profile fits within narrow frame rebates while providing robust fire containment.
For new commercial developments in the Agdal district and the Fes-Shore expansion zone, Antifires provides partition systems designed for hotels, hospitals, and office towers. These systems, such as the 21mm FPOS and 54mm EI120 assemblies, are engineered to serve as evacuation corridor fire barriers, maintaining compartmentation for up to 120 minutes. In high-traffic areas, the 26mm door glass (integrity 89–90 minutes, insulation 68 minutes) ensures that egress doors remain functional under fire conditions, with intumescent seals preventing smoke and flame spread. This dual capability—heritage sensitivity and modern performance—makes Antifires a preferred partner for Fes’s diverse project portfolio.
Why Fes Architects and Developers Choose Antifires for Fire Rated Glass Systems
Fes architects and developers choose Antifires for fire rated glass systems because of the company’s proven track record in North African markets and its ability to deliver localized technical support. Each product is backed by certified test data from accredited European laboratories, ensuring that assemblies meet EN 1634-1 and BS 476 Part 22 standards. Antifires provides on-site specification review, helping project teams select the correct glass structure—whether 10mm, 21mm, or 28mm—based on the required EI rating and installation conditions. This support streamlines approval processes with local fire safety inspectors in Fes, who require documented evidence of compliance.
With a 10-year history of serving North African clients, Antifires offers fast lead times of 2 to 4 weeks for most orders, including custom-sized panels for heritage projects. The company also supplies detailed installation guidelines covering frame fixing (M6/M8 anchor bolts at 300–600mm spacing), expansion gap filling with ceramic fiber, and sealant application using intumescent fire seals (20mm × 4mm). For Fes-based projects, this combination of certified products, technical expertise, and logistical reliability ensures that fire safety is achieved without compromising architectural vision or project timelines.
