Art Deco house designs, while alluring and stylish, can present a unique set of fire hazards, one of the most significant being an increase in smoke production. Due to the double envelope construction, smoke accumulates quickly and soot can be infused with organic matter creating a more hazardous smoke plume. Without well-designed ventilation measures, the smoke and toxic gasses can easily become overwhelming.Increasing Smoke Production
Increasing Smoke Production
The presence of high combustibles in Fire Deco House designs can lead to rapid fire spread, including what is known as a flashover. This occurs when fuel, air and heat combine to create a single heated zone that ignites all surrounding items in a matter of seconds. These types of fires have been known to reach upwards of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.Risk of Flashover
Risk of Flashover
The insulated design of Art Deco spaces can create an intense heat buildup, which can exacerbate fire damage. If a significant amount of hot gases and smoke are trapped in an enclosed space, the possibility of a flashover increases exponentially. A lack of ventilation platoon is one of the main factors leading to the production of excessive and unsafe amounts of heat.Heat Build-up
Heat Build-up
The strength of an Art Deco house structure can be compromised in the event of a fire. Due to their double envelope construction, they lack the structural strength needed to adequately withstand the heat of a fire, making them vulnerable to collapse and creating unsafe conditions for fire fighters.Structural Instability
Structural Instability
Hazardous Waste Storage Issues
Hazardous Waste Storage Issues
Depending on the materials used for interior and exterior walls, as well as the complex and often hidden construction of the building, a fire can spread quickly to other areas in and around the structure. The fire can move rapidly from one side to the other, due to chimney-like spaces between upper and lower sections of the house.Potential Spread of Quickly Moving Fire
Potential Spread of Quickly Moving Fire
Due to the double envelope structure of Art Deco houses, there is often an obstruction of air flow. If air is unable to flow freely in and out of the structure, the result could be a rapid buildup of smoke and an increased risk of flashover. Proper ventilation must be employed to avoid this issue.Air Flow Concerns
Air Flow Concerns
For Art Deco style houses, proper sanitation and maintenance is essential in order to ensure proper fire protection. Careful attention must be paid to any alterations made to the structure in order to ensure they meet safety standards. Failure to keep the structure and its components up to code will only increase the risk of fire.Sanitation and Maintenance Challenges
Sanitation and Maintenance Challenges
The complex design of Art Deco houses can make it difficult for occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire. Due to the many hidden paths and alcoves, it can be easy to lose your way, furthering reducing evacuation time and increasing the risk of smoke inhalation.Difficulty Evacuating in the Event of a Fire
Difficulty Evacuating in the Event of a Fire
Due to the unique design of Art Deco houses, special consideration must be given to preventative measures. Fire prevention plans must be put into place in order to adequately address potential fire hazards. This often includes the installation of fire ignition protection, fire fighting capping of ventilation ducts, and special fire minimum safeguards.Complicated Fire Prevention Plans for Double Enveloped House Designs
Complicated Fire Prevention Plans for Double Enveloped House Designs
Identifying Areas Of Concern With Double Envelop House Design
Double envelop house design is an energy efficient, passive solar building design. This type of design utilizes the earth's natural energy and light to reduce energy costs and minimize environmental impacts. While this type of architecture has many benefits, there are also
fire concerns
that must be considered before implementing this type of design.
Fire Barrier Requirements
The
main concern
with double envelop house design is fire safety. In order to protect the occupants, the building should be designed with adequate fire barriers. This could include fire rated walls, doors, and any other components that are required for the fire separation. Additionally, the building should be equipped with smoke alarms and sprinkler systems that are installed and properly maintained.
Flame Resistant Building Materials
The building materials used in double envelop house designs should be flame resistant. This includes the walls, floors, ceiling, and any other components. The materials used should not combust in the presence of high temperatures. Additionally, fire retardants should be added to the materials to reduce the combustibility.
Adequate Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is also important when it comes to fire concerns with double envelop house design. Proper ventilation ensures an adequate amount of fresh air into the space. This helps to reduce the temperature and decrease the risk of a fire occurring. Additionally, any potential sources of fuel should be far away from the building, such as trees or shrubs.
