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Fire protection meets spatial design
In professional event planning, creativity and technical safety awareness go hand in hand. Especially at indoor events – such as conferences, trade fairs, theatre and concert productions – textile elements like curtains serve multiple functions: they define spaces, regulate light and acoustics, and form an integral part of the fire safety concept. Heat-resistant materials have become indispensable in modern venue design.
Flame-retardant textiles: material selection as a safety factor
Interior designers and architects must take a wide range of requirements into account when planning flame-retardant curtain solutions. Textiles must integrate seamlessly into the design concept while also effectively supporting fire safety.
The choice of material is critical. The better the flame-retardant properties, the more the spread of fire is slowed – which can gain valuable time for evacuation in an emergency.
Textile manufacturers offer various material solutions for this purpose:
- Inherently flame-retardant fabrics: These materials have reduced flammability at fibre level – without requiring additional treatment. Modacrylic fibres, for example, are used in protective textiles. Numerous companies in the Texpertise Network use such fibres specifically for textile fire protection solutions.
- Chemically treated fabrics: In this case, textiles are post-treated with flame-retardant substances. The aim is to significantly reduce flammability while maintaining design flexibility.
- Composite fabrics: These materials combine multiple properties, such as flame resistance, light protection and cost efficiency. It is important that such products comply with international standards such as EN 13773.
Function and integration in fire protection concepts
Flame-retardant textiles fulfil several roles within the overall safety concept for events:
- They delay the spread of fire across large textile surfaces – a key factor in damage limitation and emergency response time.
- As smoke and heat barriers, they prevent toxic gases from spreading to adjacent areas.
- They enable the temporary separation of escape routes and high-use areas – such as backstage zones, technical hubs or exhibition stands – without requiring structural alterations.
- By integrating into central control systems, curtains can be automatically closed in the event of a fire to contain smoke and flames in a targeted manner.
For textile space planning, this means: fabrics must not only be certified (e.g. according to DIN standards), but also selected with regard to their material behaviour, controllability and compatibility. Close coordination with fire protection planners is essential in this context.
Conclusion: textile safety with design flexibility
Whether concert halls, theatres or conference centres – modern venues face complex safety requirements. Flame-retardant curtains provide interior designers and operators with a flexible, design-friendly solution that integrates seamlessly into safety strategies. In addition to their flame-retardant function, they can also be used for smoke containment and to guide escape routes – without compromising on visual impact.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of flame-retardant curtains for fire safety?
Flame-retardant curtains can significantly slow down the spread of flames and thus make an active contribution to safety. They support structured evacuation and can also reduce the spread of smoke into adjacent areas.
How are theatre regulations met?
Interior designers must comply with statutory fire protection regulations and, at the same time, take into account any in-house specifications of the venue. Depending on the use case, different requirements apply in terms of material, construction and certification.
Are there design options for flame-retardant fabrics?
Yes – modern fire protection textiles offer a wide range of design options. Colours, surfaces and degrees of translucency can be customised to fit specific stage scenarios or event designs. The key is to ensure that the visual concept aligns with the client's safety expectations.
