When the University of Nebraska decided to build a new Veterinary Diagnostic Center on their Lincoln campus, they called Omaha architect Nick Schulz from RDG to design the expansive research lab.
Schulz came up with a design that included an open and inviting central spine from which the offices and labs would extend. He also needed to incorporate safety features that performed to code but remained discreet so as not to stand out in the building awkwardly.
Smoke Guard’s fire and smoke curtains were the perfect solution, delivering above-standard hazard protection and fitting seamlessly into the design aesthetic.
Schulz used three different Smoke Guard products: the M3000 horizontal fire curtain, the M4000 perimeter fire curtain and a fire-rated M2100 vertical fire and smoke curtain.
The horizontal fire curtain was built into the openings of the floor. The track for these fire curtains was recessed and lines up perfectly with the lines of the building, so they are not noticeable until activated.
The perimeter fire curtain was used to wrap three sides of the building’s main stairway. However, some concern was expressed that people may in an emergency go down those stairs and get trapped behind the curtains. The solution was simple: A button was placed on both sides of the curtain that when pressed, would lift the curtain for thirty seconds allowing the person to get by, then it would reclose and reseal behind them.
The installation of all three products was very easy and integrated perfectly into the design and build processes.
