Walls as a system

This guide has been produced to help specifiers, designers, installers and building owners ensure compatibility of compliant test evidence across building components assembled into larger supersystems.

The guide addresses a critical issue in modern construction: the tendency to design and specify building components in isolation, without considering how they interact as part of larger systems. By introducing the concept of ‘Walls as a System’, FIS is promoting a more holistic approach to building design and construction, ensuring interfaces, penetrations, glazing and doors have compatible and compliant test evidence.

Developed with input from technical experts and wider group of peer reviewers across the sector, including ASDMA, DHF, GIRI, GAI, GPDA and PFKG, this guide represents a collaborative effort to provide clear, relevant, and concise design guidance. It aligns with the RIBA Plan of Work and the Building Safety Act Gateways for Higher Risk Buildings, emphasising early engagement with manufacturers and contractors.

This new guide highlights the importance of early planning and clear communication in the design process. It introduces the term ‘fire wall’ to emphasise the critical protective function of certain walls, aligning with existing terms like fire doors and fire glass. The guide includes up to date guidance on maintaining the compartment lines below raised access floors and above glazed fire walls with drop bulkheads, as well as addressing how the imposed load from the walls, glazing and doors will be supported. The appendix includes a list of all relevant standards and a list of further reading.

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Will Pitt, Join Chair of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG)

The PFKG is made up of a collaborative group of specialists in fire protection, so the opportunity to contribute to this project was a perfect opportunity to help inform designers and those responsible for design of what to consider at each stage of the RIBA plan of works and bring to bear the deep knowledge within the group based on their daily experience.

Cliff Smith, Executive Director of the Get It Right Initiative (GIRI)

“At GIRI, we welcome the publication of this best practice guide to wall design and production. It reinforces our message that early engagement, robust planning and a systems approach are vital to getting it right from the start, eliminating error and improving productivity.”

Robert Osborne, GPDA Association Manager

“GPDA welcomes this initiative and the collaboration between the trade associations across the sector. Provision of industry backed guidance is always valuable in highlighting the key issues and encouraging a consistent approach.”

Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI)

“This is an outstanding piece of technical guidance, bringing together the expertise from many allied industries and sectors. GAI is pleased to have collaborated with FIS in this publication and laud its purpose to help ensure buildings are safe for all.”