Hidden FireGuard Won-Door Maximises Natural Light in Hutt Valley Health Hub

Completed in 2019, the Hutt Valley Health Hub features a prominent timber staircase rising adjacent to a two-storey glass facade. With a focus on natural light and open spaces, the Hutt Valley Health Hub was designed with a Level 4 earthquake resilience rating and touted as a New Zealand first.

Two 4 x 3m Won-Door FireGuard accordion fire doors were installed in this project for fire separation between the ground floor and level 1 timber internal staircase. The doors feature a single parting, narrow lead post design and are stored in the open position concealed away inside a pocket cavity. The doors then deploy under alarm activation which offers the architect a completely hidden solution with no exposed hardware or impeded sightlines. Importantly, code requirements called for the staircase to remain an egress path in the event of fire. FireGuard’s push to open green Fire Exit Hardware ensures all egress requirements were met at the push of a button.

“The incorporation of two FireGuard model Won-Door’s provided the design team the ability to allow a full width opening between the egress stairs and lobby,” says lead Medispace architect, Pierre Hammond. “Because Won-Door is a hidden and concealed solution it also allows natural light to enter the lobby from both east and western facades, which helps enhance the natural colours of the timber staircase and calm materials palette of the environment.”