Case Study
New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), Auckland
Auckland's most sophisticated convention and entertainment venue — protected by New Zealand's largest custom fire curtain installation.
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Project Overview
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) is one of the largest and most sophisticated convention and entertainment facilities constructed in New Zealand. Developed by SkyCity Entertainment Group and built by Fletcher Construction, the landmark project includes a world-class theatre and auditorium designed to host major performances, conferences, and events.
As part of the life safety strategy for the theatre, Smoke Control New Zealand was engaged to provide a high-performance fire and smoke separation solution across the proscenium opening. The project required a fire curtain capable of protecting audience occupants from a stage fire while remaining completely concealed during normal operation.
Smoke Control New Zealand designed, supplied, and installed a custom Fibershield® V fire curtain measuring 28 metres wide by 8 metres high, providing critical fire and smoke separation without compromising the architectural vision of the space.
The NZICC auditorium incorporates a large proscenium stage opening connecting the performance area to audience seating. In theatre environments, the stage presents a significantly higher fire load than the auditorium, making effective fire and smoke separation essential to life safety.
Traditional fire separation methods would have significantly impacted the visual openness of the auditorium and detracted from the audience experience.
The challenge was to provide a compliant, high-performance fire protection solution that remained virtually invisible until required.
The project introduced several complex technical requirements:
An exceptionally large opening spanning 28 metres wide
An 8 metre curtain drop height
The need for a continuous barrier with no overlaps or joins
Reliable containment of fire, hot smoke, and toxic gases
High pressure resistance across a large span
Integration with a premium architectural environment without affecting sightlines or aesthetics
Smoke Control’s Role
Smoke Control supplied and installed a custom-engineered Fibershield® V fire curtain system specifically designed for large-span proscenium applications.
Measuring 28 metres wide by 8 metres high, the curtain provides a robust fire and smoke barrier capable of delivering high levels of fire resistance, integrity, and smoke containment in accordance with AS1530.4 testing standards.
Our Solution
Design Considerations
A key design requirement was ensuring complete separation between the stage and auditorium during a fire event.
To achieve this, the system was engineered as a single continuous span with no overlaps or joins, eliminating potential leakage paths for smoke and hot gases and ensuring maximum barrier integrity.
During normal operation, the curtain remains fully concealed within a compact headbox above the proscenium opening, preserving unobstructed audience views and maintaining the clean architectural lines of the theatre.
In the event of fire or smoke detection, the curtain automatically deploys under gravity with a controlled descent. Side guide tracks ensure stability and reliable performance across the entire 28-metre span.
The installation also incorporates:
Integrated audio-visual warning systems
Battery backup for operation during power failure
Automatic deployment linked to the building fire detection system
High-pressure resistance suitable for large theatre environments
This bespoke Fibershield® V solution enabled the project team to meet stringent life safety requirements while preserving the flexibility and visual quality expected within a world-class performance venue.
Outcomes
The completed installation delivers critical protection for occupants while maintaining the operational and architectural requirements of the theatre.
Smoke Control’s solution enabled:
- Immediate code-compliant fire and smoke separation between stage and audience areas
- Enhanced life safety through effective containment of fire, smoke, and hot gases
- A seamless, overlap-free barrier providing maximum smoke integrity
- Preservation of full theatrical sightlines and auditorium aesthetics
- Reliable performance across one of the largest fire curtain installations of its kind in New Zealand
The Result
Safety, Openness, And Beauty — In One Venue
Today, the NZICC auditorium benefits from a highly engineered fire protection system that remains hidden from view during performances yet provides critical protection when needed most.
By combining advanced fire engineering with discreet architectural integration, Smoke Control delivered a solution that supports both occupant safety and exceptional venue design.
The project demonstrates how modern fire curtain technology can provide robust life safety performance without compromising the openness, flexibility, and visual impact expected in contemporary entertainment and convention facilities.
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