Tenmat expandable mineral wool makes its first debut into the NYC construction landscape in a hotel renovation project.
With 46 floors of over 35 years’ worth of history, the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan closed its doors near the end of 2024. However, this closure opened another chapter for the 480-feet tower, the new home of the Hyatt Regency Times Square.
Expected to host 795 guest rooms and 159 enclosed parking spaces, the Hyatt Regency Times Square was expected to open its doors by the end of 2025. However, several architectural features needed to be reworked before the hotel opened its doors. When designing these details, the architect in charge of the project, Gensler triggered Section 718.2.6 Architectural Trim in the 2022 NYC Building Code. Please refer to Figure 1 to view the code in reference.
In order to meet stringent code requirements and performance standards, Gensler was challenged with finding a fireblocking solution that could do both. With its NYC OTCR/DOB approval in accordance with Section 718.2.6.1, Tenmat’s Intumescent Fire Block was a perfect blend of compliance and performance.
Tenmat’s FF102/50 and FF102/50 Plus enables high-performance rainscreen walls while simultaneously delivering exceptional fireblocking. The open space between the FF102/50 and cladding allows for airflow and moisture dissipation while in a fire, the intumescent material rapidly expands to seal off the cavity and prevent the spread of flames and heat.
The products have undergone extensive fire testing, including NFPA285 at Intertek and Underwriter Laboratories (UL), and are a NYC OTCR/DOB approved material in accordance with the 2022 NYC Building Code Section 718.2.1 (item #8) when required in concealed spaces of exterior wall coverings as specified in accordance with BC 718.2.6.1.
In addition, the intumescent material was tested according to ASTM E84 (UL 723) to measure its surface burning characteristics and achieved a flame spread index of 0 (zero) and the developed smoke value of 0 (zero).
