FireX – fire-resistant modular containers for long-term hire
Who is FireX for?
FireX was developed for projects where enhanced fire safety and compliance with the requirements specific to particular buildings are a priority. The modules are used wherever it is necessary to maintain business continuity, ensure comfortable conditions for users and meet stringent fire safety standards. Below, we outline the most common areas of application for the FireX system.
Educational establishments: learning continues uninterrupted during refurbishment
A school or nursery undergoing renovation or extension cannot suspend its operations. FireX enables the creation of a temporary facility that meets enhanced safety requirements and provides suitable learning conditions throughout the duration of the project. Educational applications are also described in the Educational Facilities section.
Healthcare facilities: continuity of patient care
A clinic extending a wing or a hospital awaiting the completion of a new building needs a space that meets the requirements for facilities housing patients. FireX ensures enhanced fire safety and comfort of use, enabling the continuity of care to be maintained.
Military facilities and services with heightened security requirements
In military facilities and in services with specific security requirements, documented facility security is a prerequisite for the facility to be approved for use. FireX’s modular design allows the scale and layout of the building to be tailored to the requirements of a specific client.
Industry: offices and support facilities in challenging environments
In industrial facilities, FireX is ideal for use in offices, technical rooms and staff facilities where the nature of the environment requires the use of non-combustible materials and higher safety standards.
What makes FireX stand out
Class A1 non-combustible insulation. The insulation of the walls, floor and roof is based on materials with a Class A1 reaction to fire rating, i.e. non-combustible materials – which do not contribute to the spread of fire at any stage. This is a concrete, measurable safety feature, particularly important in buildings where children or patients are present.
Halogen-free cables. The electrical installation uses cables which do not emit toxic, corrosive halogen-containing gases when exposed to high temperatures. In a building occupied by people, this is of direct importance: fewer toxic fumes facilitate evacuation and reduce the risk to those inside.
Safety without compromising on comfort. Enhanced fire resistance does not come at the expense of user comfort. FireX walls achieve a heat transfer coefficient of U = 0.221 W/m²K – the best result in the Algeco portfolio, outperforming Origin Plus (0.36 W/m²K) and Origin (0.57 W/m²K). The module is fitted with a split-type air conditioner with a heating function, and its usable floor area is the largest in the range, which is particularly important for classrooms and offices.
Certification and documentation
FireX was designed in accordance with the requirements of the French market, and production takes place in the Czech Republic. The load-bearing structure is declared to be class R60, and the walls class EI30. These are declared values – the process of formally confirming them and compiling the full certification documentation is currently underway, and we are keeping this process up to date.
For public sector clients, documented compliance with the requirements is a prerequisite for the handover of the facility and in tender procedures. Therefore, the current status of the documentation, the scope of the certificates and details regarding the classification are provided by Algeco’s technical department on a case-by-case basis at the enquiry stage – so that compliance with the requirements for a specific structure can be verified before a decision is made.
Air conditioning for warm days!
Have us install energy-efficient air conditioners in your modular building!
Long-term hire: choose FireX for a minimum of 2 years
Facilities that use FireX are, by their very nature, long-term projects. A temporary school operates throughout the entire renovation or construction cycle of the permanent building; a clinic operates until the new wing is completed; and industrial facilities operate for the duration of the investment. For this sector, a lease calculated in years is the natural model, as it ensures the organisation’s operational continuity without the need to purchase and maintain its own infrastructure.
At FireX, we aim for a term of 2 years – this is the point at which the lease model is most cost-effective for the client. A longer lease also means stable, predictable costs spread over time rather than a one-off capital expenditure, which is important for the budgets of public institutions. We set the terms on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the facility and the client’s requirements.
Case study: A temporary school in the Netherlands
FireX has been put to the test as a temporary primary school building in Hoogeveen, the Netherlands. This project demonstrates that modules with enhanced fire safety can be combined to form a comprehensive, aesthetically pleasing building that meets the requirements for educational establishments. The dark façade with a timber finish proves that a modular building does not have to look makeshift – it can be a permanent feature of the space throughout its entire lifespan.
Choose one of our modular solutions
Choose a modular solution that suits your business. Discover our turnkey modular offices, changing rooms, site facilities, event solutions and modular classrooms.
How does FireX rental work?
We begin our collaboration by discussing the site’s requirements – it is at this stage that we ascertain what requirements the building must meet and what documentation needs to be prepared. Next, an advisor prepares a quotation, and the modules are delivered to the specified site, where they are positioned, connected and, if necessary, joined together to form a larger structure. Throughout the lease period, we provide technical support as part of 360° Service.
The full scope of the service is described on the Container Hire category page. If your project does not require enhanced fire resistance, take a look at the Origin Plus range.
Enquire about FireX’s compliance with your premises’ requirements
Are you responsible for safety at your premises or facility? Contact an Algeco adviser to discuss your site’s requirements and obtain up-to-date documentation confirming FireX’s specifications. Enquire about FireX’s compliance with your site’s requirements.
FAQs about FireX
What does fire reaction class A1 mean?
Class A1 is the highest fire reaction class according to the European classification of construction materials. A Class A1 material is non-combustible – it does not contribute to the spread of fire at any stage. In FireX, Class A1 materials have been used for the insulation of the walls, floor and roof. It is worth distinguishing between a material’s fire reaction class and the fire resistance class of the entire structure, which describes a different parameter and requires a separate classification.
What is the fire resistance class of the FireX structure?
The FireX load-bearing structure is declared to be class R60, whilst the walls are class EI30. These values were determined in accordance with the requirements of the French market, for which the range was designed. These are declared values, and the process of their formal confirmation is ongoing – the current status of the classification and documentation is provided by Algeco’s technical department upon request.
Is FireX the same as a fire-resistant container for storing chemicals?
No – they are two different types of product, although they often appear under similar search terms. Fire-resistant containers available on the market are usually steel storage units designed for hazardous substances such as paints or solvents, and are not intended for people to occupy. FireX is a modular building designed for people to occupy – complete with lighting, heating and full usable space – which combines these features with enhanced fire safety. It is worth bearing this in mind when comparing offers.
What types of premises is FireX suitable for?
FireX is designed for facilities with heightened safety requirements where people are present: educational establishments, medical and military facilities, industrial plants, and services requiring special security conditions. It is particularly well-suited as a temporary facility enabling an institution to continue operating without interruption whilst the permanent facility is being renovated or constructed.
Is FireX available for long-term hire?
Yes, FireX is primarily intended for long-term hire, measured in years – we aim for a period of two years, which is the most cost-effective for both parties. This model ensures business continuity for the organisation, as well as stable, predictable costs spread over time, without a one-off capital outlay. The terms are agreed individually with an advisor.
Can FireX modules be combined to form larger buildings?
Yes, the modules can be combined to form larger buildings, as demonstrated by the construction of a temporary school in the Netherlands. This allows us to design a building tailored to the number of users and its functions – from individual rooms to an extensive complex. The layout and scale are determined during the requirements consultation stage.