Project Profile
Bakersfield College Agricultural Sciences Building





Fire and smoke-rated opening protection for elevator and stairway life safety
About the Project
The Bakersfield College Agricultural Sciences Building is a new three-story, 49,546 square foot education facility designed to support advanced learning and research in agriculture. The building is designed to house specialized labs, mechanized workshops, and food production spaces, serving as a hub for innovation and hands-on education.
The project required discreet, code-compliant fire and smoke protection at key circulation points without compromising openness or accessibility. Smoke Guard systems were selected to deliver high performance life safety solutions while preserving the architectural intent of the space.
Design Solution
The project required high performance fire and smoke protection while maintaining open circulation and clear sightlines. Smoke Guard’s flexible curtain systems provided a discreet, code compliant alternative to traditional fixed barriers.
The M400 elevator smoke curtain and M2100F vertical fire+smoke curtain systems remain concealed until deployment, allowing the building to meet life safety requirements without compromising architectural design.
Design Highlights:
- Elevator smoke containment without enclosed lobbies
- Fire-rated stairway opening protection
- Minimal visual impact
- UL, NFPA, and IBC compliant
INSTALLATION HIGHLIGHTS
Smoke Guard worked closely with the project architect and general contractor to support efficient system integration and seamless installation. Both systems were designed for streamlined installation within steel-framed openings.
The M400 elevator smoke curtains deploy directly onto elevator door frames using magnetic seals, while the M2100F vertical fire+smoke curtains install within compact housings with vertical side guides. Battery backup ensures continuous protection.
Project Details
Owner: Kern Community College District
End User/Customer: Colombo Construction Company
Distributor / Installer: SG Architectural Specialties
Architect: TETER Architects & Engineers
Location :Bakersfield, California
Project Year: 2024-2026
Building Type: Higher Education / Community College
Project Size: 49,546 sq ft
Project Scope:
- (6) M400 Elevator Smoke Curtains
- (4) M2100F Fire + Smoke Vertical Opening Protective Curtains
Project Benefits
- Code-compliant smoke and fire protection without permanent walls or doors
- Maintains open circulation & architectural design intent
- Fail-safe deployment on alarm or power loss
- Supports vertical smoke containment at elevator lobbies
- Enhances overall life safety strategy for students and
faculty