Multi-functional glazing

Pyroguard’s range of toughened fire safety glass, Pyroguard Protect, ensured the curtain wall of the new Algeria Gulf Bank headquarters achieved an EI120 fire rating, alongside effective solar control.

Algeria Gulf Bank (AGB) HQ comprises a pair of 25-storey twin towers rising from a shared base with five underground basement levels. Located on the El Biar district roundabout in Algiers, the architectural structure forms a pivotal landmark in the city’s skyline.

Due to the scale and significance of the building, it needed to create the wow factor from both the outside and the inside. However, it was important that the aesthetically pleasing design and other practical benefits did not compromise on the building’s safety.

Seveme designed, manufactured and installed the external glass facades.

Miguel Sousa, project director, said: “There were a number of factors that needed to be considered for this project. Firstly, because it is a bank, the building requires high levels of safety and security. As a country in north Africa, Algeria experiences high temperatures all year round. Therefore, solar control was also important for the external application. The main challenge for us during the planning phase was to source a glazing system that could meet both of these specific requirements.

“The client had high standards, not only in terms of glazing performance but for all aspects of the project. The goal from the beginning was to create a solution that combines safety, functionality, comfort and aesthetics, and we needed a curtain wall system that was certified to the highest EI120 classification.

“The capabilities of Pyroguard’s products and the research and development that goes into them, along with the knowledge and support from its technical team ensured that we were able to achieve this vision.”

Pyroguard’s toughened range of fire safety glass can be combined with additional counterpanes – acoustic, solar control, decorative or attack resistance – and can be used in various applications to meet individual project requirements.

For the 24-floor lift shaft, which runs up the spine of AGB headquarters and connects the two towers, Pyroguard T-E120/47-3 from the Pyroguard Protect range was coupled with a solar control IGU to create a multi-functional glazing system.

Approximately 800m² of the Pyroguard T-EI120 glass panes with the solar control layer was installed inside fire rated steel curtain wall, which will provide the lift shaft with integrity and heat insulation for 120 minutes in the event of a fire. It also delivers 1B1 impact classification, UV stability and strong acoustic performance.

All Pyroguard products were approved by Certifire, UK and Efectis, France. An Avis de Chantier project assessment was also provided and certified by Efectis to justify the conformity of Pyroguard T-EI120 in relation to this specific project.

In the lobby on the ground floor, Seveme installed the same Pyroguard Protect product in the internal partitions. However, in place of a solar control counterpane, a black tinted screen was used for a decorative effect.