Philippine Building Code Compliance for Fire Rated Glass in Makati City High-Rise Structures
The National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) mandates fire-resistant enclosures for vertical shafts, exit corridors, and occupancy separations in commercial towers. In Makati City, where building heights frequently exceed 30 stories, the requirement for fire rated glass with documented integrity and insulation ratings is strictly enforced. Antifires aligns its product certifications with BS 476 Part 22 and UL 263, which are widely accepted by local fire safety engineers and building officials. These standards define performance criteria such as integrity (E)—resistance to flame penetration—and insulation (I)—limiting temperature rise on the unexposed side to a maximum of 180°C. For high-rise applications in Makati’s central business district, typical specifications call for EI60 or EI120 ratings to ensure adequate compartmentation during evacuation. Antifires provides detailed compliance documentation, including test reports that directly map to the code’s requirements for fire-resistive glazing in exit enclosures and lobby partitions. This documentation is essential during the permitting process, as local inspectors often request proof of third-party testing. By integrating these certified assemblies into the building design, architects and engineers can satisfy both the letter and intent of PD 1096 while maintaining transparency and natural light in critical circulation areas.
Selecting Fire Rated Glass Grades for Makati City’s Tropical Climate and Load Conditions
Selecting the appropriate fire rated glass grade for Makati City projects requires careful consideration of the tropical climate and seismic load conditions. The high humidity levels, which can exceed 80% during the wet season, demand glazing systems that resist moisture ingress and thermal stress without compromising fire performance. Antifires offers E-class and EI-class assemblies, with ratings from 30 to 120 minutes, specifically engineered for such environmental challenges. For example, the 21mm FPOS multi-layer composite structure—featuring tempered glass with intumescent gel—delivers 120 minutes of integrity and 30 minutes of insulation, making it suitable for stairwell enclosures where both fire containment and thermal protection are required. In seismic zones like Metro Manila, the glazing system must accommodate building movement without losing its fire-resistant seal. Antifires uses ceramic wool and intumescent fire seals within G.M.S. hollow steel frames, allowing for controlled deflection while maintaining integrity. The table below summarizes key performance grades and their typical applications in Makati’s high-rise environment:
| Glass Grade | Integrity (min) | Insulation (min) | Typical Application |
| 10mm FPOS | 135 | 16 | Lobby partitions, corridor glazing |
| 21mm FPOS | 120 | 30 | Stairwell enclosures, fire doors |
| 28mm EI60 | 66 | 64 | Office separation walls |
| 50mm EI120 | 120 | 120 | High-rise facade systems |
This structured approach ensures that each installation meets both fire safety requirements and environmental durability in Makati’s unique conditions.
Fire Door and Window Applications in Makati City’s Mixed-Use and BPO Building Projects
Makati City’s central business district is characterized by a high concentration of BPO offices and mixed-use condominiums, where fire-rated egress paths are mandatory. Antifires supplies fire doors and fire windows specifically designed for stairwells, lobbies, and facade systems in these dense urban projects. For BPO buildings housing thousands of employees, the glazing must provide integrity ratings of 60 to 90 minutes to allow safe evacuation and firefighter access. The 26mm door glass assembly, with 89 minutes of integrity and 68 minutes of insulation, is a common specification for exit door vision panels, balancing transparency with robust thermal protection. In mixed-use developments, where residential units are stacked above commercial spaces, fire partition solutions must maintain compartmentation between occupancy types. Antifires’ 15mm FPOS glazing, offering up to 132 minutes of integrity, is frequently used in lobby and corridor applications where visual connectivity is desired without sacrificing fire resistance. The installation process includes 3mm to 5mm expansion gaps filled with ceramic fiber, allowing the assembly to accommodate thermal expansion and building movement during a fire event. By integrating these certified systems into the architectural design, developers in Makati can achieve both regulatory compliance and aesthetic continuity in high-traffic areas.
Why Antifires Is the Trusted Fire Rated Glass Partner for Makati City Engineers and Developers
Antifires has established a reputation as a trusted partner for Makati City engineers and developers through over a decade of specialized experience in Asian markets. The company provides localized technical support that includes detailed UL and BS certification documentation, enabling smooth approval during building inspections by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Each product—from fire rated glass to fire door systems—undergoes rigorous third-party testing under conditions such as ambient temperatures of 27°C to 36°C and relative humidity levels of 43% to 90%, ensuring reliable performance in Makati’s tropical environment. The company’s supply chain is optimized for just-in-time delivery to construction sites across Metro Manila, reducing project delays and inventory costs. Antifires also offers on-site consultation for frame integration, sealant selection, and anchor bolt spacing—critical factors that influence the final fire rating. For example, the use of M6 or M8 anchor bolts at 300–600mm spacing ensures structural stability while maintaining the fire-resistant seal. By combining certified product performance with responsive local service, Antifires enables Makati’s building professionals to meet the highest standards of passive fire protection without compromising project timelines or budgets.