Ceiling Systems and Fire Safety: What Architects Need to Verify
April 26, 2026
·2 min read
Fire performance is a non-negotiable ceiling specification requirement. Here’s what architects need to check when specifying acoustic and textile ceiling systems for commercial buildings.
Fire safety performance is a baseline specification requirement for ceiling systems in commercial buildings. It is also, in practice, one of the most variable characteristics across the category — and one of the least systematically checked at specification stage.
The Regulatory Framework
In most jurisdictions, building regulations require that ceiling materials meet minimum fire classification requirements determined by building occupancy type and location within the building. The European classification system (Euroclass, EN 13501-1) runs from A1 (non-combustible) to F (no performance determined). UK Building Regulations reference reaction to fire classifications from the same framework. US projects typically reference ASTM E84 or UL 723 surface burning characteristics.
Architects specifying ceiling systems have a professional responsibility to verify that the specified product meets the regulatory requirement for the specific application. This is not a task that should be delegated to the contractor.
Material Characteristics
Aluminium ceiling systems — such as NOWN’s CircuLUM™ based products — typically achieve high Euroclass fire classifications by virtue of the metal substrate. Powder-coated aluminium products generally achieve A2-s1,d0 or better under EN 13501-1.
Acoustic textile materials, including PET felt, require careful review. NOWN’s Asoft™ material performance data should be confirmed for the specific application — fire performance data is available from NOWN and should be reviewed alongside acoustic performance data at specification stage.
InfiKnit™ textile systems are available with fire performance data documented for specification use.
Coordination with Services
An often-overlooked fire safety consideration for ceiling systems is the relationship to above-ceiling fire suppression. Open-structure ceiling systems — including NOWN’s Atmosphera® baffle configurations — need fire suppression design that accounts for the open structure of the ceiling plane. This is a coordination point between the ceiling specification, the fire engineer, and the sprinkler designer.
<strong>Request fire performance documentation for NOWN ceiling products →</strong>
