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