Pilkington Pyrostop® has been specified in a comprehensive refurbishment of a Grade II listed Magistrates’ Court in Bedford to integrate the County Court into the building and improve accessibility to the public areas. The historic building, constructed in the 1880’s, now has the fire-resistant glazing in doors, screens and windows, offering integrity, insulation and fire protection, and enhancing the character of the building.

Billericay Glass installed the fire-resistant glazing in the red brick and terracotta Gothic style building that sees many visitors through its doors each week. Due to its public use it is essential the court’s occupants are protected from hot gases, flames and heat should fire occur. The Pilkington Pyrostop® range of products turns opaque in the event of fire, maintaining integrity and providing a barrier to hot gasses and flames, as well as effective insulation from heat for test times of up to 180 minutes.

Brian Moss, from Billericay Glass, said: “As a public building used by hundreds of people a week it was essential we installed fully insulating fire and impact resistant glazing that offers the highest fire protection – both integrity and insulation. Pilkington Pyrostop® does just that and also maximises the available levels of natural light and visibility, while protecting against the spread of fire.

“Her Majesty’s Court Service also wanted to ensure the privacy of the public while in court, so noise reduction glass Pilkington Optiphon™ was installed to separate the consulting rooms and waiting rooms from one of the court rooms.”

Pilkington Pyrostop® not only complies with the strictest applicable British standards but also the new European and international standards in a wide range of varied fire-resistant framing systems, providing a maximum level of protection and a safe and reliable choice for the designer and installer. The product provides impact resistance up to Class 1(B)1 to BS EN 12600, the highest performance classification. Pilkington Pyrostop® is the product line to use wherever a complete, physically robust fire-resistant glazing is required in combination with the high performance provided by Pilkington products. Pilkington Pyrostop® also provides a good enhanced noise insulation performance, a distinctive unique feature that supplements its high level fire performance.

In addition to doors, and windows, Pilkington Pyrostop® has been installed in consulting rooms and the District Judge’s Office at Bedford Magistrates’ Court. The court was built by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect of the iconic Natural History Museum in London.

Email: Pilkington@respond.uk.com