Fire Safety First – Achieving Full Compliance with Non-Combustible Decking at Meridian House

For developments like Meridian House, upgrading existing external areas to meet modern standards is not just best practice—it is essential.

The refurbishment of Meridian House centred on replacing combustible timber decking with a fully compliant, non-combustible system across balconies and a large suspended podium. This transformation highlights how carefully selected materials and systems can dramatically improve safety while enhancing long-term performance.

For a complete overview of the project, visit:
Meridian House Non-Combustible Decking Refurbishment

Why Fire Safety Was a Key Priority

Timber decking, while once widely used, presents inherent fire risks—particularly in multi-residential buildings. With evolving regulations and increased scrutiny on external wall systems and associated structures, many developments are now undergoing upgrades to eliminate combustible materials.

At Meridian House, the goal was to:

• Replace all timber decking with non-combustible alternatives
• Ensure compliance with current fire safety standards
• Provide long-term peace of mind for residents and stakeholders

This required more than simply changing the surface material. Every element of the system—from substructure to fixings—needed to contribute to a fully compliant solution.

A Fully Integrated, Fire-Rated System

One of the defining features of this project was the use of a complete, fire-rated decking system supplied by Wallbarn. Rather than mixing materials from different sources, the project team opted for a cohesive solution where every component was designed to work together.

This included:

• Fire-rated substructure systems
• Non-combustible surface materials
• Specialist fixings and connectors
• Hidden installation systems for a clean finish

This integrated approach reduced risk, improved compatibility, and ensured consistent performance across all areas of the development.

MetalPad EX: Supporting Fire-Safe Installations

For balcony areas with a concrete base, adjustable pedestal systems were still a viable option—provided they met fire safety requirements.

Wallbarn’s MetalPad EX system played a key role here. Unlike traditional plastic pedestals, MetalPad EX is designed to support fire-rated decking installations, making it suitable for use in high-rise and residential refurbishment projects.

Its benefits include:

• Non-combustible construction
• Precise height adjustment for level surfaces
• Strong load-bearing capability
• Compatibility with aluminium substructures

By using MetalPad EX, installers were able to create safe, level decking areas without compromising on compliance.

Non-Combustible Substructures: A Critical Foundation

While surface materials often receive the most attention, the substructure is equally important in achieving fire safety compliance.

At Meridian House, Wallbarn’s aluminium systems—including the I-Plus Beam and Box Rail—formed the backbone of the installation.

Aluminium offers several advantages in fire-sensitive environments:

• Non-combustible properties
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Resistance to corrosion and degradation
• Long service life

These qualities made it the ideal choice for both balcony and podium areas, ensuring that the entire system met the required safety standards.

Adapting Fire-Safe Solutions to Complex Structures

One of the challenges at Meridian House was ensuring fire safety compliance in areas where standard installation methods could not be used.

For example, the suspended podium deck required mechanical fixing directly to steel beams using components such as the Joist Hanger. This approach ensured that even in unconventional conditions, the system remained secure and compliant.

By adapting installation methods while maintaining material integrity, Wallbarn demonstrated that fire safety does not have to limit design flexibility.

Porcelain Decking: The Ideal Fire-Rated Surface

The final layer of the system was the decking surface itself. For Meridian House, the chosen solution was Porcelain Decking, specifically designed to meet the demands of modern residential developments.

Porcelain offers a range of benefits that go beyond fire safety:

• Class A fire rating for maximum compliance
• Exceptional durability and resistance to wear
• Low maintenance requirements
• Slip-resistant properties for user safety
• A premium, contemporary appearance

With an expected lifespan of over 50 years, porcelain decking provides a long-term solution that aligns perfectly with both safety and sustainability goals.

Hidden Fixings for a Clean, Safe Finish

In addition to performance, the visual finish of the decking was an important consideration. The use of hidden fixing systems ensured that the surface remained smooth and uncluttered, without visible screws or fasteners.

This not only enhances the appearance but also contributes to safety by reducing trip hazards and protecting fixings from environmental exposure.

Meeting Modern Standards with Confidence

Fire safety regulations continue to evolve, placing greater emphasis on the use of non-combustible materials in external structures. Projects like Meridian House demonstrate how these requirements can be met without compromising on design or usability.

By using Wallbarn’s complete system, the project team was able to achieve:

• Full compliance with current fire safety standards
• Consistent performance across all decking areas
• A robust and future-proof installation

This level of assurance is invaluable for property owners, developers, and residents alike.

Long-Term Benefits Beyond Compliance

While fire safety was the primary driver, the benefits of the new system extend far beyond compliance.

Residents at Meridian House now enjoy:

• Safer outdoor spaces
• Improved aesthetics
• Reduced maintenance requirements
• Greater confidence in the building’s infrastructure

For building managers, the investment in non-combustible materials also reduces long-term risk and potential remediation costs.

Conclusion

The Meridian House refurbishment is a clear example of how fire safety can be seamlessly integrated into modern decking solutions. By prioritising non-combustible materials and using a fully coordinated system, Wallbarn helped deliver a project that meets the highest standards of safety and performance.

From MetalPad EX pedestals to aluminium substructures and porcelain decking, every component played a vital role in achieving compliance. Together, they demonstrate that with the right approach, even the most complex refurbishment projects can be transformed into safe, durable, and visually striking environments.