Building Information Modelling data is shaping door hardware specification, says Consort

by ConstructionFeatured NewsFire DoorsIndustry CommentPassiveSafety

Building information modelling requirements and product data

Consort Architectural Hardware Director Daniel May has published commentary on the growing demand for Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its influence on design, specification and compliance processes.

Digital product data is now expected from early-stage design through to compliance, maintenance and product lifecycle management.

Since 2016, UK central government clients have required collaborative digital information management on centrally procured projects, commonly referred to as BIM Level 2.

These requirements are now set out through the UK BIM Framework and BS EN ISO 19650 standards, which expect construction partners to provide accurate, structured and accessible digital information for their products.

How digital workflows are changing specification

Architectural hardware, historically underrepresented in digital planning, is increasingly supported by 3D models, certification and performance data across expanding product libraries.

Project teams are moving away from paper-based resources such as brochures, PDF catalogues and basic CAD line drawings toward integrated digital workflows using platforms including Revit and NBS.

Forthcoming Digital Product Passports (DPP), expected to be mandated by the EU, are likely to further embed this approach.

BIM product data is now being used to support UK Government mandates for digital construction and the ‘Golden Thread of Information’, fire safety regulations that require verifiable product information and sustainability reporting that relies on accessible Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle data.

Products that cannot be represented accurately in a digital model risk being excluded from project specifications.

Fire doorsets, traceable data and access to files

May’s commentary highlights that door hardware, while a small proportion of overall project value, has an outsized role in safety, performance, accessibility and compliance.

For fire doorsets, the effectiveness of the assembly depends on the performance of individual hardware components.

Within BIM, parametric data attached to items such as door closers can be used to validate fire ratings, confirm accessibility and identify coordination issues with ceilings, frames or other adjacent elements.

The commentary links post-Grenfell regulatory and cultural expectations to a stronger demand for traceable, verified product information, and references Martyn’s Law as an example of emerging legislation likely to shape how public spaces are designed and secured.

Element launches Q-Mark certification for timber, metal and composite doorsets

by Featured NewsFire DoorsPassive

Element launches new Q-Mark schemes for EN 13501-2 transition

Element Materials Technology (Element) has launched three new Q-Mark certification schemes and updated an existing one to support the shift to the EN 13501-2 European fire classification system.

The company said the changes follow the UK Government’s announcement on 2 September 2024 that National Classes fire testing standards will be withdrawn from Approved Document B (England) on 2 September 2029.

By that date, products such as fire-resistant doorsets will be expected to achieve classification to EN 13501-2 for fire resistance and, where applicable, smoke control.

The new Q-Mark schemes, which launched on 7 October 2025, cover timber, metal and composite doorsets and provide manufacturers and systems houses with a route to compliance under the EN framework.

Element said the introduction of these schemes now allows manufacturers to continue producing doorsets meeting current requirements while preparing for the updated classification system.

The company added that early adoption could help certified companies gain a competitive advantage ahead of the 2029 transition.

Q-Mark offers pathway for ongoing compliance

According to Element, Q-Mark certification is designed to confirm that products meet high standards through continuous assessment.

The certification process involves Factory Production Control audits and periodic audit testing, providing evidence of long-term commitment to quality and performance.

These processes are supported by the technical expertise of BM TRADA and Warringtonfire, both accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Victoria Brennan, General Manager for Certification and Technical at Element, said: “Organisations don’t just need to meet standards once – they need to show that they’re committed to maintaining them. This is where the Q-Mark excels.

“It also allows us to respond more quickly to evolving regulations.

“At Element, our priority is to lead the industry through this transition. We’re doing this by maintaining our trusted certification schemes, offering expert technical guidance, and working closely with stakeholders to interpret and respond to evolving regulations.”

Regulatory change set for 2029 implementation

The move from British Standard (BS) to European Norm (EN) testing represents one of the largest changes to building product regulation in recent years.

Brennan explained that while the future of BS 476 outside England remains uncertain, Element expects current schemes to remain valid unless future regulatory changes are announced.

She continued: “We’re committed to evolving our services in response to these changes – both in England and internationally – so our clients can continue bringing their products to their chosen markets with confidence.”

Element said that although the new requirements do not come into effect until 2029, it is encouraging early adoption to avoid manufacturing and supply chain disruption.

To support the transition, the company will host an open webinar on 23 October 2025, led by Peter Barker, Technical Policy Manager.

The session will explain how EN classification can be integrated within third-party certification schemes to confirm product performance for doorsets.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This development is most relevant for manufacturers, certification bodies, fire engineers and compliance managers involved in the specification and testing of fire-resistant doorsets.

The new Q-Mark certification schemes create an early framework for aligning with the EN 13501-2 classification system before it becomes mandatory in 2029.

For fire-protection contractors and systems integrators, this provides clarity on forthcoming compliance pathways, helping ensure that installations remain valid beyond the regulatory change.

Certification professionals and auditors will also benefit from the enhanced Factory Production Control and audit testing requirements embedded in the Q-Mark framework.

The upcoming Element webinar in October 2025 offers additional guidance for those responsible for navigating the regulatory transition across construction and manufacturing sectors.

High-performance replacement fire doorsets introduced by Dorplan under new brand SignetFire

by Building ManagementFeatured NewsFire Doors

SignetFire fire doorsets to enhance building safety

Dorplan has announced the launch of SignetFire, a new brand dedicated to high-performance replacement fire doorsets.

As reported by Dorplan, SignetFire aims to meet and exceed industry standards by providing optimal fire safety combined with exceptional functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 exposed critical flaws in fire safety, prompting significant reforms.

The Building Safety Act, a response to this tragedy, mandates robust fire door regulations to enhance building safety.

SignetFire addresses these requirements, ensuring compliance and preventing the spread of fire.

Features and benefits of SignetFire

Quentin Evershed, SignetFire Sales Manager, highlighted the importance of these new doorsets in light of current regulations: “With the Building Safety Act high on the agenda, replacement fire doorsets for non-compliant buildings is a high priority.

“We’ve listened to the industry’s concerns about inconsistent quote turnaround, inconsistent lead times, lack of technical expertise, and insufficient project management support.

“SignetFire addresses these challenges with fast quote turnaround, a reliable 4-week lead time, and in-house exceptional technical and project management support.”

SignetFire aims to support clients with fast and reliable service.

Evershed added: “Our new line of high-performance fire doorsets is designed not only to meet but exceed the rigorous standards set by the industry.

“We are committed to supporting our clients with fast and reliable service, ensuring that every project is completed with the highest level of safety and efficiency.”

Achieving ISO 14001 certification

In addition to launching SignetFire, Dorplan has achieved ISO 14001 certification, marking a step towards sustainability and responsible business practices.

ISO 14001 is an international standard providing a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving environmental management systems.

For Dorplan, achieving this certification involves aspects such as material sourcing, manufacturing processes, waste management, and energy consumption.

The certification demonstrates Dorplan’s commitment to reducing their environmental footprint and improving their environmental performance.

The process of obtaining ISO 14001 certification

Dorplan followed a structured approach to achieve ISO 14001 certification.

This included conducting an initial environmental review, setting environmental objectives and targets, developing an Environmental Management System (EMS), implementing and monitoring the EMS, undergoing a certification audit, and committing to continuous improvement.

Achieving ISO 14001 certification reflects Dorplan’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

By following this structured approach, Dorplan contributes positively to the environment and society.

IFSJ comment

The launch of SignetFire by Dorplan addresses a crucial need in the construction industry for high-performance fire doorsets.

This initiative is particularly relevant in the context of the Building Safety Act, which seeks to prevent tragedies similar to the Grenfell Tower fire by enforcing stricter safety measures.

The emphasis on fast quote turnaround, reliable lead times, and robust project management support highlights Dorplan’s commitment to addressing industry concerns effectively.

Additionally, Dorplan’s achievement of ISO 14001 certification underscores their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

This certification process, which involves a thorough review and continuous improvement of environmental practices, positions Dorplan as a responsible player in the industry.