Siderise safeguards new Manhattan skyscraper with CW-FS120 Firestop system

by Americas - ProjectsBreaking NewsPassiveProjects

High-rise development in Midtown Manhattan

Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop for Curtain Walls is now being installed at 989 6th Avenue—delivering robust passive fire protection for this dynamic new 73-storey development in the heart of Manhattan.

Situated between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building in the Garment District, 989 6th Avenue is a 240-metre mixed-use tower designed by C3D Architecture.

The concrete-frame structure features a sleek glass curtain wall, open terraces and a dramatic multi-cylinder podium that contrasts strikingly with the classical façade of the neighbouring Haier Building.

Collaborative façade design and installation

The intricate unitised curtain wall façade was designed, engineered and fabricated by Bisam Façade and installed by Marvel Contracting.

As part of their remit, Marvel worked closely with Siderise US distribution partner Facades X to procure a passive fire protection solution that exceeds the fire compartmentation requirements while facilitating a smooth installation process.

Advanced perimeter protection system

Siderise CW-FS120 Firestop was specified to provide floor-to-floor compartmentation, protecting the void space at the perimeter joint between the edge of the floor slab and the internal surface of the external wall assembly.

It offers a third-party certified FT rating of up to three hours (resistance to fire spread and temperature rise on the non-fire side) when tested to ASTM E2307 as part of the CW Perimeter Barrier System.

It has also been independently tested to ensure L-rating compliance with the International Building Code (IBC).

Additionally, its unique vertical-fibre stone wool Lamella core was specifically engineered to stand up to the demands of building and curtain wall movement on high rise towers, boasting a 60-year design life.

Technical detailing and onsite support

In collaboration with façade contractor Bisam Façade and consultants at Socotec, Siderise prepared a thoroughly detailed technical submittal for the perimeter fire barriers—tailored to the project’s complex slab-edge geometry.

Special attention was paid to the curved east elevation and its staggered floor edges to ensure continuous compression fit and long-term performance for design-life movements.

To ensure this bespoke onsite work met high standards and followed manufacturer recommendations, Siderise Site Services assisted the Marvel installation team with project specific training and benchmark installations.

This support continued throughout the project with regular inspections conducted via the Siderise Inspection App.

For more information, please contact Siderise USA:

Passive fire protection from Siderise used in Manhattan high-rise

by Americas - ProjectsBreaking NewsPassiveProjects

Siderise CW-FS120 used in 73-storey New York development

Siderise has reported that its CW-FS120 Firestop system has been installed at 989 6th Avenue, a newly built 73-storey tower in Manhattan.

According to Siderise, the CW-FS120 system provides passive fire protection for the tower’s unitised curtain wall façade.

The manufacturer said the firestop was selected to deliver floor-to-floor compartmentation at the junction between floor slabs and the internal surface of the external wall.

Siderise stated that the installation was carried out by Marvel Contracting, who coordinated with US distribution partner Facades X.

The CW-FS120 product was tested to ASTM E2307 and has an FT rating of up to three hours, the company added.

Firestop tailored to complex slab-edge geometry

The building is located between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building in the Garment District.

It was designed by C3D Architecture and features a concrete frame with a glass curtain wall, open terraces and a multi-cylinder podium.

Siderise said the CW-FS120 firestop was selected for its ability to support continuous perimeter fire protection across a non-standard slab-edge design.

The company said the east elevation required custom detailing to address curved sections and staggered floor plates.

Façade contractor Bisam Façade and consultants at Socotec collaborated with Siderise to prepare the technical submittal for the firestop system.

Siderise explained that this included full documentation of installation methods to maintain compression fit and accommodate expected movement during the building’s lifespan.

Firestop tested to US building standards

Siderise reported that the CW-FS120 Firestop system has been tested for L-rating compliance with the International Building Code.

The system’s FT rating was validated through testing to ASTM E2307 as part of the CW Perimeter Barrier System.

Siderise said the core of the product is made from vertical-fibre stone wool Lamella.

This material was selected for its ability to accommodate movement within high-rise structures and retain its firestop properties over time.

The manufacturer stated that the design life of the CW-FS120 system is 60 years.

Installation supported by Siderise site services

According to Siderise, Marvel Contracting received project-specific training before installation began.

Training and oversight were provided by Siderise Site Services.

The company said this included benchmark installations and regular inspections.

Siderise explained that the Siderise Inspection App was used to document performance and compliance across the installation.

Support was maintained throughout the project to ensure the system was installed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

Partnership with Marvel Contracting and Facades X

Marvel Contracting carried out the firestop installation as part of its role on the curtain wall system.

According to Siderise, Marvel worked with Facades X to specify and procure the CW-FS120 product.

The product was fabricated by Bisam Façade and incorporated into the unitised curtain wall system.

Siderise said coordination with these partners ensured that installation could proceed efficiently despite the challenges of the curved and staggered façade.

The company said the project required a firestop solution that combined high performance, certified testing, and adaptability to the tower’s structural design.

Passive fire protection from Siderise used in Manhattan high-rise: Summary

Siderise has installed its CW-FS120 Firestop system at 989 6th Avenue in Manhattan.

The system provides passive fire protection between floors and curtain wall sections.

Marvel Contracting carried out the installation.

Facades X supplied the firestop system.

The system was tested to ASTM E2307 and has an FT rating of up to three hours.

It is also compliant with the L-rating in the International Building Code.

Siderise said the product uses a stone wool Lamella core.

The system was tailored for curved slab edges and non-standard geometry.

Bisam Façade and Socotec supported technical preparation.

Siderise Site Services provided onsite training and inspections.

Siderise passive fire protection systems installed at Waterhouse Gardens in Manchester

by Featured NewsPassiveProjects

Fire barriers and cavity trays installed across five Manchester towers

Siderise has supplied a full suite of passive fire protection systems for Waterhouse Gardens, a five-tower residential development in Manchester, according to the company.

The site, developed by Salboy and built by Domis, is located at the former Boddingtons Brewery site in the city centre.

It includes 556 residential units and over 31,000 square feet of commercial space.

Siderise supplied cavity barriers, firestops, and drainage trays to meet a two-hour fire resistance requirement across all towers.

The company said its products were integrated at the design stage to address both fire safety and drainage needs in masonry and rainscreen façades.

Products specified for masonry and rainscreen façades

Siderise explained that EW-FS120 Firestop, EW-CB30 Cavity Barrier and CT Cavity Tray were used for the brickwork elevations.

The RH25 120 Cavity Barrier was specified for the rainscreen areas.

These components form a continuous protection system designed to manage fire spread and moisture ingress.

The EW Cavity Barriers include a Lamella insulation core which allows friction-fitting into wet brickwork cavities without affecting wall stability.

This design enables full penetration by masonry supports while preserving fire performance.

Siderise said this contributed to removing the need for concrete upstands and downstands, reducing build time and costs.

Technical engagement with project stakeholders

Siderise stated it worked with Domis from the early design phase, providing technical guidance on integrating its products into the project.

The company supported Domis in creating standardised construction details applicable across the development.

These resources were also intended to support design consistency in future projects.

This collaboration aimed to ensure compliance with fire safety objectives while maintaining construction efficiency.

On-site training and installation support

The Site Services team at Siderise carried out training for façade installers Kinlan Brickwork and LDG Contracts.

According to the company, this included product-specific information sessions, on-site detailing guidance, and inspections.

Site visits enabled real-time resolution of interface issues and helped maintain consistent installation quality.

In addition, Kinlan’s teams used the Siderise Inspection App to conduct self-assessments between site visits.

The firm said this supported quality control and reduced delays due to installation errors.

Project background and design overview

Waterhouse Gardens is a high-rise residential development in Manchester’s city centre.

The project includes five towers ranging between 10 and 26 storeys.

It features brick façades and rainscreen elements joined for visual cohesion.

The development is named after Alfred Waterhouse, the architect of Manchester Town Hall.

It includes residential units, retail space, and shared amenities designed by Salboy and delivered by Domis.

Passive fire protection systems installed at Waterhouse Gardens in Manchester: Summary

Siderise has provided passive fire protection products for Waterhouse Gardens in Manchester.

The development includes five towers ranging from 10 to 26 storeys.

The site was formerly the location of the Boddingtons Brewery.

Salboy is the developer and Domis is the main contractor.

Siderise supplied EW-FS120 Firestop, EW-CB30 Cavity Barrier, and CT Cavity Tray.

Siderise RH25 120 Cavity Barrier was installed in the rainscreen areas.

The products were chosen to meet a two-hour fire resistance requirement.

The EW Cavity Barriers include a Lamella core allowing masonry support penetration.

Siderise supported the project team during design and construction.

Training and installation checks were provided to Kinlan Brickwork and LDG Contracts.

A self-inspection app was also used to monitor installation progress.

Design decisions helped avoid concrete slab detailing, reducing costs.

The project includes 556 homes and over 31,000 sq.ft of commercial space.

The towers use brick façades with decorative rainscreen elements.

The project is located in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Siderise expands Middle East operations with new Dubai manufacturing site

by Breaking NewsConstructionMiddle East - Breaking NewsPassive

Siderise opens new site to improve lead times for UAE and Middle East customers

Siderise has reported the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to support its growing regional customer base.

According to Siderise, the new site focuses on producing its RH25-120/90 open state cavity barrier for ventilated cladding façade systems.

The manufacturer explained that the facility has reduced customer lead times from six weeks to between three and five days, depending on order quantities.

Siderise stated that this shorter turnaround is intended to help project teams meet construction schedules more easily.

Martyn Gillespie, Managing Director of Siderise MEIAP, said: “Our new Siderise Dubai manufacturing site is not only a symbol of our ongoing success in the region but also demonstrates our commitment to our Customer First value— our agility ensuring our project partners across the Middle East and beyond get the solutions they need as soon as they need them.”

Martyn Gillespie added: “We are looking forward to seeing what opportunities this new capacity offers both our business and our customers.”

Dubai facility focuses on cavity barriers for cladding systems

Siderise explained that the Dubai facility is currently concentrating on the production of the RH25-120/90 open state cavity barrier.

The product is designed for use in ventilated cladding systems, which are common in the region’s building designs.

The manufacturer noted that its ability to offer faster product availability has already benefitted several projects across the United Arab Emirates.

The company reported that the reduction in lead times has helped developers, architects, and contractors avoid delays.

New facility creates jobs and supports local workforce

Siderise confirmed that the Dubai facility has resulted in four new operational positions being created.

The manufacturer stated that it also promoted Dinesh Sivaramakrishnan, formerly Senior Project & Site Service Engineer, to the role of Operations Manager.

Dinesh Sivaramakrishnan said: “I am thrilled to become the Operations Manager for Siderise Dubai, allowing me to further contribute to our business’ development in the region.”

Dinesh Sivaramakrishnan added: “The new facility has been set up and commissioned by Siderise engineers and will be ran in line with high operational and quality standards set in our main UK manufacturing site.”

Dinesh Sivaramakrishnan further stated: “We want customers to be confident that wherever they interact with us and wherever their products are produced, they will always receive the quality experience Siderise is known for.”

Siderise states facility maintains UK quality standards

Siderise emphasised that the Dubai manufacturing site has been established to mirror the operational and quality processes in place at its UK facilities.

The manufacturer explained that this approach is intended to ensure consistency for customers across all regions.

Siderise reported that it aims to maintain customer trust by delivering the same quality levels regardless of manufacturing location.

The company highlighted that the new facility is operated by Siderise engineers trained in the organisation’s existing production standards.

Siderise expands Middle East operations with new Dubai manufacturing site: Summary

Siderise has opened a new manufacturing facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The company reported that the new site is producing its RH25-120/90 open state cavity barrier for ventilated cladding façade systems.

Lead times for customers have been reduced from six weeks to three to five days depending on order quantities, Siderise stated.

Martyn Gillespie, Managing Director of Siderise MEIAP, said the facility is intended to better serve project teams across the Middle East.

The manufacturer added that four new operational jobs have been created at the Dubai site.

Siderise also promoted Dinesh Sivaramakrishnan to Operations Manager for the new facility.

The company reported that the Dubai site follows the same operational and quality standards as its UK manufacturing locations.

Siderise stated that this consistency aims to ensure customer confidence in product quality.

Siderise challenges Kensington and Chelsea building material exclusion in court

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPassive

Judicial review initiated over Siderise product exclusion

Siderise Insulation Ltd has initiated judicial review proceedings against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).

The company is seeking the withdrawal and reversal of an RBKC decision made on 11 December 2024, which excludes Siderise products from construction projects within the borough.

RBKC’s decision is based on criteria linked to the Grenfell Tower fire.

Siderise argues that the criteria are being applied incorrectly in its case.

The company states that while its products were used in the Grenfell Tower refurbishment, the Grenfell Inquiry Report does not attribute any responsibility to the firm for the fire or its spread.

Siderise challenges basis of RBKC decision

RBKC’s exclusion policy targets companies that the council deems to have engaged in dishonesty, incompetence, or misleading behaviour related to the Grenfell tragedy.

Siderise states that the Grenfell Inquiry found no evidence of dishonesty or incompetence on its part.

The company contends that RBKC’s decision is unjustified and does not align with the inquiry’s findings.

Protecting company reputation and industry role

Siderise has positioned itself as a supplier of external passive fire protection products and states that it has worked to improve industry standards since the Grenfell fire.

The company emphasises that the exclusion by RBKC affects its reputation and its ability to provide fire protection solutions in the UK and internationally.

RBKC has acknowledged that some companies were excluded from the decision due to a lack of evidence of wrongdoing.

Siderise argues that it should fall within this category.

Siderise reaffirms commitment to building safety

Despite the legal proceedings, Siderise has stated that it remains committed to advancing building safety through its products, systems, and services.

The company continues to work towards higher industry standards and compliance.

Siderise has framed its challenge against RBKC as an effort to protect its standing as a British manufacturer supplying fire safety solutions worldwide.

Judicial review initiated over Siderise product exclusion: Summary

Siderise Insulation Ltd has launched judicial review proceedings against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea following a decision on 11 December 2024 that excludes its products from construction projects in the borough.

The exclusion is based on criteria linked to the Grenfell Tower fire.

Siderise argues that the Grenfell Inquiry Report does not support the exclusion, as there was no finding of dishonesty, incompetence, or misleading behaviour by the company.

RBKC has stated that some companies were not included in its exclusion policy due to a lack of evidence against them, and Siderise believes it should be among them.

The company is taking legal action to challenge the decision and protect its reputation.

Siderise has stated that it remains focused on building safety and supporting industry standards through its products and services.

Siderise launches digital Specification Packs

by Featured NewsProducts

Siderise has launched a suite of new digital Specification Packs designed to support architects, design teams, fire engineers, consultants and specifiers in collating the technical data they need to ensure accurate passive fire protection specifications.  

With versions available for curtain wall, rainscreen, masonry, and precast and sealed architectural wall systems, each pack summarises all the relevant product information for the designated application.

They provide quick and convenient access to tools and information sources, including technical datasheets, third-party certification, standard detail drawings, BIM objects, specification information and clauses.

Additionally, by including links to the latest information, users can be assured that they are working with the most up-to-date data and certifications, reducing the risks associated with holding outdated material. 

Enhanced support services

In addition to formats of data needed throughout the early selection process, the Packs also highlight the enhanced support services available from Siderise at different project stages.

This includes support with NBS Chorus specifications as a licenced NBS Specification Writing Partner, as well as information on Siderise’s bespoke testing capacity via its UKAS ISO 17025 accredited Innovation Centre. It also contains links to book CPD seminars, product training and more. 

With the introduction of the Building Safety Act and increasing focus on data-backed specifications, these Specification Packs can help Siderise customers specify products more efficiently and with greater confidence in their decision-making.

Senior Technical Engineer for Specification, Siderise, Emmie Panagopoulos’ statement

Senior Technical Engineer for Specification, Emmie Panagopoulos, who leads the creation of these tools, explains: “Passive fire protection is a crucial element of any fire safety strategy that must be considered from the earliest design stages.

“By creating these application-specific Specification Packs, we wanted to empower the people looking to use our products to be able to make the best choices for their projects, arming them with all the details, tools and supporting services they need.

“This will help them to provide adequate levels of detail and justifications to not only satisfy requirements such as Gateway 2 applications and the creation of a Golden Thread, but also confidently explain to their clients and project partners how fire safety has been embedded into their plans and strategies from the outset.”   

New digital Specification Packs launched by Siderise: Summary

Siderise has released a collection of Specification Packs, designed to help professionals collate the technical data needed to guarantee fire protection.

Senior Technical Engineer for Specification, Emmie Panagopoulos said that passive fire protection is a crucial element of any fire safety strategy.