Promoting fire-safe design to help save lives

Published August 2023

As a natural and sustainable material choice, timber is more commonly being used as a structural element in taller buildings. However, in many countries, fire safety regulations are based on non-combustible structural materials and have not been updated to reflect this growing use.

This year, through funding and expertise, BRANZ supported the development of guidance to address this issue based on the latest research from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

Fire safe use of wood in buildings – global design guide is a summary of the latest international best practice in wood fire safety design from 14 countries. Importantly, an online version of the guide is available to download for free. This means building designers in different countries can easily access the latest guidance and advice based on analytical and experimental research into the fire safety performance of wood in buildings.

As New Zealand and other countries continue the journey towards a net-zero carbon future, the industry is turning to timber more often and for use in new ways. The guide is an important step to helping keep people safe in the event of fire.

READ MORE

CRC Press (2022). Fire safe use of wood in buildings – global design guide. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-edit/10.1201/9781003190318/fire-safe-use-wood-buildings-andrew-buchanan-birgit-%C3%B6stman