FireMaster Concertina Fire Curtains

Client: Generate Property Group
Location: 39 Martin Place, Sydney
Fire Engineer: E-Lab Consulting The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) tenancy at 39 Martin Place formed a key part of the landmark Metro Martin Place development, one of Sydney’s most significant commercial projects in recent years. Positioned in the heart of the CBD, the development brought together premium office space, cutting-edge sustainability initiatives, and architectural innovation to create a new benchmark for high-rise workplaces. The ASX fitout spanned multiple floors of the South Tower, transforming several levels into a unified and collaborative headquarters for one of Australia’s most prominent financial institutions.

Central to the architectural concept was an open internal staircase that connected six consecutive levels, from Level 19 through to Level 24. This feature encouraged seamless interaction between teams and created a striking visual anchor within the fitout, but it also introduced complex fire safety challenges that could not be addressed using standard solutions. Greene Fire was engaged to provide a bespoke fire separation system that would integrate into the architectural vision while ensuring the project met all required performance criteria under the National Construction Code.

The Challenge

The staircase interconnection across six floors exceeded the allowances typically permitted under the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the Code, which limit unprotected vertical openings to two storeys. Without intervention, fire and smoke could spread rapidly between levels, compromising both occupant safety and regulatory compliance. The building’s fire engineering report identified the need for a performance-based solution capable of containing a fire to the floor of origin and maintaining tenable evacuation conditions for the duration of the fire event. The challenge was multifaceted. The solution needed to provide a two-hour fire resistance rating, operate automatically and reliably in all conditions, and integrate with the building’s existing detection and sprinkler systems. At the same time, the curtains needed to remain completely concealed during normal operation, preserving the clean architectural lines of the fitout. The design also had to address the unusual geometry of the staircase voids, which incorporated multiple ninety degree corners and extensive spans across open floor plates.

The Solution

Greene Fire delivered a tailored system comprising six FireMaster Concertina fire curtains, each custom manufactured to the unique dimensions of the stair openings. The Concertina design was critical to the success of the project: unlike conventional fire curtains that deploy in straight runs, the concertina folding system allows the curtain to follow complex shapes without the need for supporting posts or fixed barriers. This capability enabled Greene Fire to achieve continuous fire separation around the entire perimeter of each stair void while maintaining the openness and transparency of the fitout. Each curtain was engineered to achieve a Fire Resistance Level of -/120/- as tested to AS1530.4, providing two hours of fire integrity. The curtains deploy automatically in response to a fire signal and use true gravity fail safe technology, ensuring closure even in the event of a total power failure. A centralised control panel with integrated battery backup was installed on each floor to manage all six curtains. To enhance safety during deployment, the system incorporated voice and light warning features to alert occupants, along with obstruction detection sensors that prevent entrapment and ensure the drop zone remains clear. All components were finished in White Matt, allowing the headboxes and trays to blend seamlessly into the ceiling architecture. When retracted, the curtains are entirely concealed, leaving the staircase open and unobstructed during everyday use. Throughout the design and installation process, Greene Fire worked closely with the architect, and the fire engineer to coordinate the system with surrounding services and architectural elements. Detailed site measures were undertaken to confirm final dimensions, and shop drawings were developed for approval prior to manufacture. The installation programme was carefully sequenced to align with the broader fitout works, ensuring the fire curtain system integrated seamlessly into the project’s demanding construction timeline.

The Outcome

The completed system provides the ASX tenancy with robust fire separation across six interconnected floors while preserving the architectural intent of the open staircase design. The FireMaster Concertina curtains meet the performance requirements of the National Construction Code, ensuring that in the event of a fire, smoke and flame are contained to the floor of origin and safe evacuation is maintained for all building occupants. This project demonstrates Greene Fire’s capability to engineer and deliver complex fire protection solutions for high profile commercial developments. By combining advanced fire curtain technology with meticulous project coordination and a deep understanding of performance based compliance, Greene Fire helped realise the vision for one of Australia’s most significant corporate fitouts. The result is a fire safety solution that is as discreet as it is dependable, safeguarding the ASX’s operations without compromising the premium quality and visual impact of its workplace.