Glazing’s Fire-Safe Window Installation at Danubius Hotel, London

In the heart of London, safety, innovation, and responsibility go hand-in-hand. When the Danubius Hotel London sought to enhance its fire protection and building safety infrastructure, they entrusted BG Glazing Group Ltd, a trusted leader in commercial and architectural glazing solutions. The result was a comprehensive upgrade to the hotel’s smoke ventilation system, featuring high-quality aluminium windows with state-of-the-art smoke actuators.

This case study explores the project, the importance of smoke ventilation in high-occupancy buildings, and how BG Glazing delivered expert solutions in line with fire safety compliance.

About BG Glazing Group Ltd

BG Glazing Group Ltd is a UK-based specialist in bespoke commercial glazing, working across Essex and beyond. With over 38 years of experience, we are known for delivering tailored glass and glazing solutions, combining aesthetics with high-performance specifications.

From glass cladding and roof glazing to partitions and balustrades, we are committed to quality, compliance and customer satisfaction on every project we undertake. Our core mission is to make buildings safer, more efficient, and visually refined.

Introduction to Smoke Ventilation & Fire-Safe Windows

In modern commercial and hospitality buildings, smoke ventilation plays a key role in safeguarding life and property. Smoke is one of the leading causes of fatalities during fires. A robust smoke control system is vital to:

• Clear Evacuation Routes

Effective smoke ventilation helps maintain visibility in corridors and stairwells. This ensures occupants can evacuate safely without being overcome by smoke.

• Support for Fire Services

Removing smoke from escape routes makes it easier for emergency crews to enter and navigate the building. This aids in rapid rescue and extinguishing efforts.

• Minimised Property Damage

Venting hot gases and smoke early helps prevent excessive heat buildup. This reduces the risk of flashover and structural damage.

• Automated Smoke Release

Fire-safe windows fitted with actuators open automatically in response to fire alarm signals. This quick reaction prevents smoke from accumulating in critical areas.

• Smart System Integration

These window actuators are connected to the building’s fire alarm and Building Management System (BMS). This ensures reliable performance during emergencies.

Together, these features form an essential part of a building’s overall fire safety strategy. By combining intelligent design with responsive technology, smoke ventilation systems help protect lives, reduce risk, and support compliance with modern safety regulations.

The Danubius Hotel, London | A Case in Point

Situated near Regent’s Park and Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Danubius Hotel London is a prominent four-star establishment serving guests from around the world. Ensuring fire safety in such a high-occupancy facility is paramount, particularly in functional service areas such as laundry chutes, which can pose a significant fire risk.

The Challenge

The hotel’s existing louvre windows, located in the laundry chute area, were outdated and lacked the automated capability needed for modern fire safety compliance. These windows did not integrate with the hotel’s fire alarm system and would not adequately support smoke extraction in the event of a fire. As a result, there was a significant risk that smoke could accumulate in escape routes, compromising both guest safety and regulatory compliance.

The Solution

BG Glazing Group was commissioned to deliver a comprehensive, fire-safe window upgrade tailored to the hotel’s specific operational needs. Our task was to improve the building’s smoke ventilation capacity and bring it in line with current fire safety standards. The following key measures were implemented:

Removal of Existing Louvre Window Systems

The first step involved the safe dismantling and disposal of the outdated louvre windows. These older units lacked the responsiveness and integration required for today’s fire safety environments. We carried out the removal with minimal disruption to the hotel’s day-to-day operations.

Installation of New Aluminium-Framed Windows

High-performance aluminium windows were fabricated and installed to replace the removed louvre systems. These frames offer superior durability, corrosion resistance, and a modern appearance. The slim-profile design also ensures optimal airflow when activated.

Integration of Smoke Actuators

Each window was fitted with advanced smoke actuators linked directly to the fire alarm system. In the event of a fire, these actuators automatically trigger the windows to open, allowing smoke to be vented quickly. This automation dramatically enhances the building’s passive fire protection strategy.

Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations

Every aspect of the installation was designed to meet or exceed Approved Document B and BS EN 12101-2 standards. We ensured that the system aligned with building control expectations and supported long-term regulatory compliance. Comprehensive documentation and testing were carried out post-installation to certify performance.

This upgrade not only improved safety standards but also reinforced the building’s compliance with Approved Document B (Fire Safety) under the UK Building Regulations. It represents a proactive step towards safeguarding occupants, staff, and property through intelligent design and high-quality glazing solutions.

Why Smoke Actuator Windows Matter

Window systems with smoke actuators offer several life-saving benefits that go far beyond standard ventilation. These specialised units are designed to respond instantly to fire detection, creating safer conditions for evacuation and emergency response. By automating smoke control, they form a vital component of any high-occupancy building’s passive fire safety infrastructure.

• Rapid Smoke Extraction

Smoke actuator windows open automatically as soon as a fire is detected, allowing smoke to escape from the affected area quickly. This immediate release reduces the concentration of toxic gases that can incapacitate building occupants within minutes. By clearing the air promptly, the windows help prevent panic and confusion during evacuations, especially in enclosed or multi-storey spaces.

• Improved Visibility

Maintaining visibility in corridors and stairwells during a fire is essential for safe evacuation. Smoke vent windows remove dense smoke that would otherwise obscure signage, exits, and escape routes. Clearer air helps occupants move swiftly and calmly to safety, reducing the risk of accidents or missed exits in low-visibility environments.

• Reduced Heat Buildup

Unvented fire conditions can lead to a dangerous phenomenon known as flashover, where a room’s contents ignite almost simultaneously due to extreme heat. By ventilating hot smoke, actuator windows help stabilise internal temperatures and delay or prevent flashover. This not only protects structural integrity but also buys critical time for firefighters to intervene.

• Rescue Accessibility

For fire teams entering a smoke-filled building, time is of the essence. Ventilation systems that clear smoke from hallways, service shafts, and escape stairs make it easier for responders to locate trapped individuals and assess the fire’s location. Enhanced accessibility means rescue operations can proceed faster and more effectively, potentially saving more lives.

These systems are a vital part of a building’s fire strategy, particularly in stairwells, corridors and utility areas like laundry chutes. Whether incorporated into new developments or retrofitted into existing structures, smoke actuator windows provide a smart, compliant, and proactive solution to the growing demand for fire-safe buildings. Their inclusion demonstrates a strong commitment to occupant safety and regulatory excellence.

In Conclusion, A Clear Path to Safety…

The fire-safe window installation at the Danubius Hotel London is a prime example of how strategic upgrades can transform building safety. BG Glazing Group delivered a robust solution tailored to the client’s specific operational and compliance needs.

By integrating high-performance aluminium windows with smoke actuators, the project not only enhanced fire response capabilities but also reinforced the hotel’s commitment to guest and staff safety.

As fire safety standards evolve, forward-thinking property managers must ensure their buildings remain compliant and protected. We are proud to lead the way in glazing systems that combine elegance with engineered safety. Get in touch with us today for more information!

FAQs: Smoke Ventilation & Fire-Safe Windows

What is a smoke actuator?

A smoke actuator is a mechanical device fitted to a window that automatically opens it in response to a fire alarm signal.

Are smoke vent windows mandatory in hotels?

Smoke ventilation is required in various parts of buildings under fire safety regulations, especially in high-occupancy buildings like hotels.

Can existing windows be retrofitted with actuators?

Yes, but the feasibility depends on window type, condition, and surrounding infrastructure.

How fast do smoke actuators respond?

They usually activate within seconds of receiving a signal from the fire alarm system.

Are aluminium windows fire-resistant?

Aluminium itself is non-combustible. When combined with fire-rated glazing and frames, they offer excellent fire performance.

How are smoke actuator systems maintained?

Regular inspection and servicing are required, typically annually or as part of a broader fire safety system review.

Do smoke vent windows work during a power cut?

Most systems include a battery backup or are connected to emergency power supplies to function during outages.

What regulations apply to smoke ventilation systems?

Relevant regulations include Approved Document B, BS EN 12101-2, and local authority building control requirements.

What areas of a building benefit most from smoke ventilation?

Common areas include stairwells, corridors, basements, service shafts and utility spaces.

Ready to Upgrade Your Building’s Fire Safety?

Contact BG Glazing Group Ltd to schedule a consultation or learn more about our fire-safe glazing systems.