Fire Safety in Interior Design

Have you ever heard of a fire hazard that occured in someone’s house, daming thousands of dollars worth furniture? Interior design is not all about aesthetics. You also need to ensure all safety precautions to make sure you and your family remains safe at all times.

Fire is among the most common atrocities that can damage the interior of your home, making fire safety your number one priority! It will not just give you the peace of mind to live without any fear in your own home but will also protect your property.

In that regard, biophilic design is perhaps your best option. It merges nature with interior design, making your home look pristine. However, the best part about it is that it has remarkable fire safety!

So, read on and learn all you need to know!

Traditional Interior Design Materials and Fire Risks

Traditional interior design has often relied on a variety of materials which have inherent fire risks. These materials include wood, textiles (such as curtains and upholstery), wallpaper, and decorative elements like candles and oil lamps.

Types and Their Associated Risks

• Wood: While wood is a classic and visually appealing choice for furniture and decor, it can be highly combustible. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2014 and 2018, wooden furniture and wood frames accounted for 14% of home fire deaths in the United States.
• Textiles: Fabrics like cotton, silk, and wool used in upholstery and curtains are susceptible to ignition. NFPA data shows that upholstered furniture and bedding were responsible for 17% of home fire deaths during the same period.
• Wallpaper: Wallpaper made from flammable materials can contribute to the rapid spread of fires within a room.
• Candles and Oil Lamps: Decorative candles and oil lamps, while charming, pose significant fire risks if left unattended.

The past year, there were approximately 363,000 home structure fires in the United States, resulting in 2,610 civilian deaths and over $7 billion in property damage, according to NFPA statistics. Many of these fires involved traditional interior design materials, highlighting the dangers associated with them. 

One illustrative example is the devastating Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017. The use of combustible cladding materials on the exterior of the building contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, resulting in 72 fatalities. 

This tragic incident underscored the importance of using fire-resistant materials in interior and exterior design.

To mitigate fire risks, designers and homeowners are increasingly turning to fire-resistant materials, and biophilic designs are ideal. 

Introduction to Fire-Resistant Design Elements

A fire-resistant material is one that demonstrates the ability to resist ignition and slow down the spread of flames when exposed to heat or fire. This resistance typically arises from the material’s inherent properties or through specialized treatments.

Various organizations, such as the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in the United States, conduct rigorous testing and provide certifications to materials that meet specific fire resistance standards.

The UL 94 standard evaluates the flammability of plastics, while the ASTM E84 test measures the surface burning characteristics of building materials.

Integrating fire-resistant elements into design brings numerous advantages. These elements not only reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and property damage but also enhance overall safety.

Fire-resistant materials can slow the spread of flames, providing valuable time for evacuation and firefighting efforts. They are essential for safeguarding lives, property, and the built environment.

Biophilic Design and its Role in Modern Interiors

Biophilic design is an innovative approach to interior design that integrates elements of nature and natural processes into the built environment.

Humans have an innate connection with nature and that incorporating nature-inspired elements into interior spaces can improve well-being and quality of life.

The principles of biophilic design include the use of natural materials, the introduction of plant life, the incorporation of natural light and ventilation, and the creation of spaces that mimic natural environments.

Biophilic design offers a wide range of benefits for occupants and the environment:

• Psychological Benefits: Biophilic interiors can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing creativity and productivity. Natural elements create a sense of calm and tranquility, promoting mental well-being.
• Physical Benefits: Improved air quality through the presence of indoor plants and natural ventilation systems can lead to better respiratory health. Exposure to natural light can regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep patterns.
• Aesthetic Advantages: Biophilic design enhances the visual appeal of spaces. Natural colors, textures, and patterns create visually pleasing and harmonious environments.

While biophilic design prioritizes the integration of natural elements, it is essential to balance these elements with fire safety considerations.

Using fire-resistant materials, such as fire-rated upholstery and wall coverings, can help mitigate the risk of fire in spaces adorned with biophilic design elements. 

When executed with careful consideration for fire safety, biophilic design can transform interior environments into havens of natural beauty and serenity.

MOSSCAPE: Leading the Biophilic Revolution Safely

MOSSCAPE is at the forefront of the biophilic design revolution, offering innovative solutions that seamlessly blend the restorative power of nature with a steadfast commitment to safety.

Founded with a mission to transform interior environments and enhance well-being, MOSSCAPE understands the profound human-nature connection and strives to bring it into modern interiors while prioritizing safety and durability.

What sets us apart is its cutting-edge UV and fire-resistant artificial plants, meticulously designed to replicate the beauty of real flora without compromising safety.

These plants not only exude authenticity but also adhere to stringent safety standards, ensuring fire safety in interior design—a critical aspect often overlooked in biophilic concepts.

The benefits of MOSSCAPE’s products are multi-faceted, delivering psychological well-being, improved air quality, and enhanced aesthetics, all while maintaining impeccable fire safety credentials.

We combine the allure of biophilic design with unparalleled safety, offering a transformative approach that redefines interior spaces for the betterment of occupants and the environment alike.

So, contact us today and get yourself an aesthetic biophilic design that’s fire-resistant ensures your family’s safety!