Shop
+44 (0)1305 766703
Shop

Search

Menu

Case Study

Fire safe A rated membrane Safeshield XT Reflect

Safeshield XT Reflect was specified to provide the critical fire safety to the cavity of a modern multi-modal transport hub.

Belfast Grand Central Station

Belfast Grand Central Station, a new fully integrated multi-modal transport hub. Designed by John McAslan + Partners with Arup, it replaced the existing outmoded and cramped bus and railway stations on the 10ha city-centre site. The old stations had reached capacity, with a forecasted 50 percent increase in passenger numbers within the foreseeable future. John McAslan + Partners’ scheme, recently started its phased opening, incorporating a 135,000m² mixed-use development master planned by the practice, which is key to the regeneration of this part of the city and will be built in stages over the next decade or so.

View products used in project

Shortlisted for  “Best New Build Project (Commercial)” at the Facade Awards 2025 and “Best Commercial Project of the Year” at the London Construction Awards 2025.

Location

Belfast Grand Central Station, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Requirements

In the wake of increasing fire safety regulations and a heightened focus on building performance, Safeshield XT Reflect was chosen to ensure critical fire protection for the cavity of Ireland’s largest, sustainable, integrated transport facility, a project costing £340 million.

The project replaces the forma Europa Bus Centre and Great Victoria Street railway station, consolidating them into a single state-of-the-art hub, designed  to enhance connectivity and modernise public transport in Northern Ireland.

Walsin Construction provided the specialist installation of the facade.

Why Permavent was chosen

The project aimed to create a gateway to the city, a modern, efficient transport hub to replace the outdated facilities and support Belfast’s economic growth into the future.

As a leading fire-rated membrane for modern construction, Safeshield XT Reflect A2-s1,d0 fire-rated membrane offers superior fire resistance, thermal efficiency and durability, making it a preferred choice for high-rise, high-risk building projects.

One of the most important features of Safeshield XT Reflect is its Class A2-s1, d0 fire rating, meaning it has minimal combustibility and limited smoke production.

Unlike other membranes that rely on substrates to achieve fire performance, Safeshield XT Reflect is inherently fire-resistent, offering reliable and consistent protection in the application.

This makes it ideal for cladding remediation, high-rise buildings, and modular construction, where fire safety is top priority and demonstrating not all class A2 fire membranes can provide the same all round specification.

Safeshield XT Reflect is designed  to withstand the severe exposure weather conditions, achieving W1 rating. The high specification ensures that it remains watertight and protects buildings from moisture ingress, even in extreme environments. It’s high water resistance makes it a great choice for buildings in areas with high rainfall or exposure to elements.

Walsin Construction Ltd. said, “We have worked on a number of projects with Permavent based on their technical support, knowledge of the required construction detail and general in depth knowledge. Safeshield XT Reflect is a superior product to other alternative membranes available. The inherent strength of the material provides confidence that the membrane will maintain the buildings integrity regarding waterproofing, breathability and of course a Class A2 fire rating, pre and post construction. Being Class A2 fire rated provides further confidence in terms of building safety. Safeshield allows us as a contractor, to deliver an “as designed” performance to the buildings structure.”

How Permavent was installed

During construction, the membrane was fitted on the cavity’s exterior face before cladding. Its ease of installation allowed contractors to use a staple fix in a free-hanging application onto the substrate, ensuring efficiency.

Safeshield XT Reflect delivers exceptional performance, featuring industry-leading 9-month UV stability and a superior W1 water resistance standard. With Belfast’s maritime climate bringing significant precipitation, the product ensured that while awaiting the fitting of exterior cladding, interior works remained fully protected from the city’s frequent low-pressure systems. These systems, sweeping in from the southwest with cloud, wind, and rain, posed no hindrance to progress of the project, enabling work to continue without major delays.

The simplicity of installation, even at height, using high tack reflective tape, ensured an airtight seal around door and window openings. Its ease, speed, stability, and other key qualities allowed work to progress smoothly and efficiently.

Safeshield XT Reflect is more than just a fire safety membrane; it is a comprehensive solution for fire protection, water resistance, UV stability and thermal efficiency. Its advanced properties make it the standout choice for for developers and contractors seeking safer, more efficient and regulation-compliant buildings.

Client:

Translink, UK

 

Contractor:

Walsin Limited
Blaris Industrial Estate
6 Altona Road
Lisburn, BT27 5QB

 

Home – Walsin | Façade Specialists

Safeshield XT Reflect

Fire Safe A Rated Membrane

  • Class A2-s1, d0 fire rated
  • Superior W1 head of water resistance
  • High UV resistance
  • Enhanced thermal performance
 MORE
MORE CASE STUDIES