Istanbul’s Fire Safety Code Compliance for High-Rise Building Envelope Systems
Istanbul’s high-rise residential towers, often exceeding 30 stories, present unique challenges for fire safety engineering. The BYKHY regulation, referencing the EN 13501-2 classification, typically requires curtain wall and facade systems to achieve E 60 or E 90 integrity ratings, with EI 60 increasingly specified for compartment walls and escape route enclosures. Antifires’ fire rated glass systems are designed to meet these exacting demands. For instance, the 26mm glazed door glass (5mm + 5.5mm gel + 5mm + 5.5mm gel + 5mm) has demonstrated integrity of 89–90 minutes and insulation of 68 minutes under BS 476 Part 22 testing, making it ideal for high-rise corridor doors. Similarly, the 50mm and 54mm ultra-high-performance glass achieves EI 120 (integrity and insulation up to 120 minutes), suitable for fire-rated curtain walls in buildings where extended evacuation times are critical. These systems incorporate G.M.S. hollow steel frames, ceramic wool (3mm–6mm, density 210 kg/m³), and intumescent fire seals (20mm × 4mm) to maintain compartmentation under furnace temperatures exceeding 1000°C. The test data confirms that maximum deflection toward the furnace can reach 38mm to 152mm, a critical factor for structural engineers designing expansion gaps and anchorage systems in Istanbul’s seismic zone.
Fire Rated Glass Classification for Istanbul’s Mixed-Use Developments and Thermal Performance
Mixed-use developments in Istanbul, combining residential, retail, and office spaces, require fire glazing solutions that balance thermal performance with fire resistance. Local municipality inspections demand documented third-party testing per TS EN 1364-1, and Antifires provides certified test reports from accredited European laboratories to streamline approval. The 21mm FPOS multi-layer composite insulated fire-resistant glass, with integrity of 120 minutes and insulation of 30 minutes, is frequently specified for internal partitions separating different occupancy types. For applications requiring enhanced thermal insulation, the 28mm EI60 panel (6mm + 5.5mm gel + 5mm + 5.5mm gel + 6mm) achieves integrity of 66 minutes and insulation of 64 minutes, ensuring that heat transfer is controlled during a fire event. The table below summarizes key performance characteristics for common Istanbul project scenarios:
| Glass Type | Thickness | Integrity (E) | Insulation (I) | Typical Application |
| FPOS | 10mm | 135 min | 16 min | Internal partitions, low-rise |
| FPOS | 15mm | 132 min | 33–34 min | Corridor doors, moderate insulation |
| EI60 Panel | 28mm | 66 min | 64 min | High-insulation compartment walls |
| Ultra-high-performance | 50mm / 54mm | 120 min | 120 min | Curtain walls, escape routes |
These certified ratings, including E 60, E 90, E 120, EI 30, EI 60, and EI 120, provide architects with a clear specification path for Istanbul’s mixed-use projects.
Istanbul’s Historic District Renovations and New Airport Terminal Fire Glazing Demands
Istanbul’s unique architectural landscape includes both historic district renovations—such as those in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu—and modern mega-projects like the new Istanbul Airport terminal. Each scenario demands a tailored approach to fire glazing. For historic renovations, where preserving original sightlines and aesthetic character is paramount, Antifires supplies fire rated glass with minimal visual obstruction. The 6mm E90 glass, providing integrity of 90 minutes per BS 476 Part 22, can be installed in slim-profile steel frames that match existing window designs. In contrast, the airport terminal requires ultra-high-performance systems capable of withstanding large-scale fire loads and high foot traffic. The 50mm EI120 glass, with integrity and insulation both at 120 minutes, is specified for fire-rated curtain walls and internal glazed partitions that must maintain compartmentation for extended periods. Test conditions for these products include furnace pressures of 0 ±2 Pa (or ±3 Pa after 5 minutes) and ambient temperatures ranging from 27°C to 36°C, simulating realistic fire scenarios. The 10mm FPOS (3mm float glass + 4mm fire gel + 3mm float glass) has demonstrated integrity of 135 minutes and insulation of 16 minutes, making it suitable for applications where integrity is the primary concern, such as in airport baggage handling areas or historic building corridors. Antifires also provides ceramic tape and intumescent seals for installation, ensuring that expansion gaps of 3mm–5mm are properly filled to prevent smoke and flame penetration.
Antifires Brand Trust for Istanbul’s Fire Rated Glass Procurement and Logistics Advantages
Antifires has established a strong reputation in Istanbul’s construction market through consistent product quality, certified compliance, and logistical efficiency. All fire rated glass products are tested under recognized international standards, including BS 476 Part 22, BS EN 1634-1, and ASTM E119, with documented test reports available for local authority review. The company offers a full range of solutions—from E 60 integrity-only glass for internal doors to EI 120 insulated systems for high-rise facades—allowing contractors to source multiple specifications from a single supplier. Logistics advantages include direct shipping to Istanbul’s major ports and warehouses, with typical lead times aligned with construction schedules. For projects requiring rapid procurement, Antifires maintains stock of common sizes, including 10mm FPOS and 21mm FPOS panels. The company’s technical team provides installation guidance, including recommended M6/M8 anchor bolt spacing (300–600mm) and ceramic wool density (210 kg/m³), ensuring field performance matches test results. For architects and contractors seeking reliable fire glazing for Istanbul projects, Antifires offers a complete package of certified products, test documentation, and localized support. Explore the full range of fire door systems and fire partition solutions designed for compliance with Turkey’s BYKHY standards.