Lifelike fire-retardant olive, capensia, bay and artemisia fill the atrium of the UAE's Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) is a leading UAE innovation hub. In 2019 it brought in multinational interior design and fit-out company Design Infinity, alongside boutique studio ROAR, to transform its atrium.
The client envisioned a space brought to life with trees and foliage, however constraints such as light and drainage, combined with environmental concerns over water consumption, made natural trees unsuitable. As artificial trees can pose a higher fire risk, an innovative solution was required.
Design Infinity had previously worked with TreeLocate Foliages, a global leader in artificial foliage manufacture and supply, and turned to the firm for help with the project.
Initial designs called for large replica olive trees in the centre of the atrium with additional artificial foliage planted across six levels.
TreeLocate Foliages created two bespoke trees, one five metres tall; one seven. The trees were made using FireSilx - a commercial-grade, fire-retardant artificial foliage, which is manufactured to the highest international safety standards.
FireSilx incorporates inherently fire retardant (IFR) additives directly into the fabrics and raw materials during assembly, making them 100 per cent fire retardant right down to the core.
This ensures every component is flame-retardant at a molecular level. By contrast, some fire-retardant options are post-sprayed or dipped. This makes the foliage sticky, gives unreliable coverage and needs to be recoated annually. FireSilx’s flame-retardant properties provide permanent protection.
Foliage was supplied and installed to enchance the stairs and balconies across six levels. Also made with FireSilx, it features a blend of styles, including capensia, bay, artemisia and ficus. Initially, the architect’s plans specified a smaller amount of foliage. However, after seeing the first installation, the client was so impressed that they expanded the project to include more greenery.
Despite the challenges of working at height - with scaffolding up to 10 metres required to access the upper levels - the installation was completed in 13 days. Now in place for over four years, the trees and foliage remain in excellent condition. The installation has not required any repairs or maintenance and the client is delighted with the results.
For more information and technical support, visit firesilx.com
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