Every day, thousands of people move through airport terminals, resulting in a high concentration of users in enclosed and complex spaces. In 2024 alone, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport handled over 66 million passengers from around the world, according to AENA. This massive influx of people, combined with the presence of electrical equipment, fuels, and flammable materials, significantly increases the risk in the event of a fire.
In an emergency, the rapid spread of fire and smoke can pose a serious threat to both passengers and staff. That is why passive fire protection systems, such as those developed by Koneba, are essential for ensuring safety in high-occupancy infrastructures like airports. These systems are designed to integrate discreetly and aesthetically within the architectural environment, without compromising the design of the building.
SMOKE CONTROL AND HEAT EXTRACTION SYSTEMS (SCTEH)
SCTEH are designed to keep areas free of smoke, ensuring that evacuation routes remain clear and with maximum visibility. This facilitates both the safe evacuation of occupants and firefighting efforts. Additionally, they help reduce structural damage caused by heat build-up.
These systems are composed of natural smoke vents (also known as natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators, NSHEV, under EN 12101-2), mechanical extraction units (fans), air supply openings, and in many cases, smoke curtains.
- Kuadron Smoke natural smoke vents, developed by Koneba, enable the extraction of smoke and hot gases generated during a fire, contributing to a safer environment. They can also be used for daily natural ventilation and allow zenithal light entry, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption.
- Kortex Smoke smoke curtains, also developed by Koneba, contain and channel smoke, preventing it from spreading throughout the building. Their installation is especially useful in large or open areas such as airport terminals, where it is critical to guide smoke movement in a controlled manner. Koneba offers both fixed glass barriers that blend into the architectural design and automatic barriers that remain concealed above suspended ceilings until activation.
COMPARTMENTATION OF SPACES
Kortex Fire fire curtains are passive fire protection systems designed to compartmentalise spaces during a fire emergency. In modern architecture, where open-plan spaces are a prevailing trend, traditional solutions can present aesthetic and functional limitations.
Koneba’s fire curtains provide an effective alternative: they remain hidden within false ceilings until activated, preserving the openness and aesthetic continuity of the space without compromising safety. These solutions are particularly suited to high-traffic areas such as airport terminals, where controlling fire spread without disrupting design is crucial.
Safety in complex environments like airports leaves no room for improvisation. Solutions from Koneba – Komtes Group combine innovation, performance, and design to protect what matters most: people. Systems that stay out of sight, but make all the difference when they’re needed most.
#AlwaysProtected