FumaCE
Innovation overview and development
FumaCE is a discreet passive fire protection product, designed and tested for use in smoke shafts to prevent the spread of smoke through multiple floors in high-rise residential projects or commercial offices. It is fully concealed smoke control damper that matches minimalist aesthetics, seamless functionality and offers 120 minutes fire integrity and insulation (EI 120). FumaCE is certified to EN12101-8 for performance and tested according to EN1366-10, it has classified to EN13501-4. This assures that our product not only meets but exceeds the requirements for fire and smoke protection in modern interiors. Giving peace of mind on all fronts. Using FumaCE in your development will ensure maximum safety and the concealed frame offers a minimalist finish that won’t distract from your interior.
Supplied fully hung, as an integral unit with a metal door and GEZE actuator, FumaCE is a lightweight damper and simply needs to be fitted into the opening and linked to the BMS (Building Management System). It has also been tested to 10,000 open and close cycles, minimising risk of revisiting/maintenance requirements.
How the new product was developed, including effective collaboration, knowledge transfer and partnership along the project team
The genesis of our new product stemmed from direct conversations with smoke-control customers. Their expressed frustrations with existing market offerings provided the crucial spark for innovation. We maintained a continuous dialogue with these customers throughout the development process, ensuring their valuable insights were integrated at every key stage. This collaborative approach yielded essential industry knowledge that significantly shaped the final product.
By employing TRIZ methodology, we systematically defined the problem and explored innovative solutions. Drawing inspiration from industries that had already overcome similar challenges, we forged partnerships with tier-1 automotive suppliers. Their expertise and existing solutions provided a solid foundation for our product development, accelerating the process and ensuring a high-quality outcome.
How might this product have an influence on the specification
Traditionally, smoke dampers are often overlooked in the early stages of a project, leading to suboptimal or even non-compliant smoke shaft designs. This is because smoke control systems are frequently outsourced late in the process, when design constraints are already in place.
The FumaCE, however, can significantly impact specification by enabling earlier integration into the design process. Its ability to open to 90 degrees simplifies extraction calculations, allowing for more efficient and effective smoke shaft design. By engaging with architects early on, Selo can ensure that smoke shafts are correctly specified to meet all relevant building and safety standards. This proactive approach leads to safer, more compliant, and ultimately, more successful projects.
Provide details on how the product improved productivity in the process and/or quality and performance of the interior system
By engaging with architects early in the design phase, the product fostered a more systematic approach to building design. This early involvement encouraged architects to consider the entire building as a system, including fire safety elements like smoke shafts. This proactive approach aligns with industry initiatives like the FIS’s “Walls as a System” and the SCA’s concerns about non-compliant smoke shaft construction.
By addressing fire safety considerations early on, the product helped to:
• Improve design efficiency: Early integration of smoke shaft design into the overall building plan streamlined the design process and reduced the likelihood of costly design changes later on.
• Enhance construction productivity: A well-designed smoke shaft system, specified from the outset, can lead to smoother and more efficient construction, as there are fewer unexpected challenges or delays.
• Improve system quality and performance: Early specification of compliant materials and components ensures that the final smoke shaft system meets all relevant building codes and standards, enhancing its overall quality and performance.
By promoting a more systematic and proactive approach to fire safety, the product ultimately contributed to safer, more efficient, and higher-quality building designs.