Don & Low and Serge Ferrari bring a new generation of fire-performance façade membranes to the UK

The materials hidden behind a building’s façade are facing greater scrutiny than ever before. Now, UK manufacturer Doin and Low is joining forces with European technical materials specialist Serge Ferrari Group to bring a new generation of fire-performance façade membranes to the UK market, putting the spotlight on a part of the building envelope that is rarely seen, but where performance matters.

Backed by a powerful message – nothing to hide, everything to prove – and launching in November, the partnership will introduce two proven and highly effective breathable membranes - Stamisol A1, with a Euroclass A1 reaction-to-fire classification and Stamisol Safe One, classified A2-s1,d0. The move also marks the creation of Don & Low Fire Solutions, a dedicated business unit designed to strengthen the company’s fire-performance expertise and technical support for the UK construction industry. It will be led by Liam Blears, an experienced façade and passive fire protection specialist who joins the business from FSi Promat, where he was Head of Facades.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the UK construction industry. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report, published in September 2024, exposed serious failures in the way construction products were tested, marketed, specified and overseen. Its findings reinforced the need for greater transparency, technical competence and accountability throughout the building supply chain.

For those designing and constructing façades, the implications extend beyond the visible cladding. The performance of materials concealed behind the external finish also deserves careful consideration, supported by reliable technical evidence and an understanding of how individual products perform within the complete façade system.

The materials behind the façade matter

A façade membrane may be hidden once a building is complete, but its performance is an important part of the building envelope. Alongside its fire classification, it must provide the required protection against weather, manage moisture appropriately and perform within the conditions for which it has been designed and tested.

However, fire performance cannot be judged in isolation. The suitability of a façade membrane depends on the supporting technical evidence, the conditions in which it is installed and how it performs as part of the complete façade system. Through the partnership, Don & Low aims to help architects, façade consultants and contractors make better-informed specification decisions, combining specialist products with practical technical guidance and a clearer understanding of application requirements.

The launch places the emphasis on evidence-led specification, giving architects, façade consultants, contractors and other construction professionals access to specialist products alongside technical support to help them assess their suitability for individual projects.

For Don & Low, the move also reflects a broader view of its role in the construction industry. Established in 1792 and part of Thrace Group since 1999, the UK business has built its reputation on the development and manufacture of technical textiles and construction membranes. Its partnership with Serge Ferrari extends that expertise by bringing additional specialist technologies to the UK market.

Will Campbell, Commercial Director at Don & Low, said: “This partnership reflects the responsibility our industry has, to take fire performance seriously. The lessons from Grenfell have reinforced the importance of understanding the products we specify, the evidence behind their performance and the way they are used within a building.

“Serge Ferrari brings considerable expertise in advanced composite materials, while Don & Low understands the requirements of the UK construction market. By bringing those strengths together, we can give customers access to specialist façade membrane technology backed by UK-based support and practical technical guidance.”

From fire performance to practical assurance

The launch comes at a time when the construction industry is under pressure to demonstrate greater expertise in the selection and specification of façade materials. For Don & Low, the challenge is to combine specialist products with the technical knowledge needed to help customers assess their suitability for individual projects.

Liam Blears, Head of Fire Solutions at Don & Low, (pictured) said: “Fire performance is critical, but it is about more than a classification printed on a product datasheet. Specifiers need to understand the evidence, the conditions under which a product has been assessed and how it fits into the overall façade design.

“With Stamisol A1 and Stamisol Safe One, we can offer proven façade membranes alongside weather protection, breathability and durability. Our role is to provide the technical information and practical guidance that help customers make informed decisions, from early design through to installation.”

While the introduction of the Stamisol range gives UK specifiers another option when considering fire performance within the building envelope. More importantly, it presents an opportunity to look beyond visible cladding and give greater attention to the materials concealed behind it.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed serious failings across the construction product supply chain, reinforcing the need for reliable evidence, accurate product information and clear accountability. Against that background, the case for scrutinising every relevant component of a façade is difficult to ignore.

Don & Low believes the partnership can help bring that scrutiny to an often-overlooked part of the building envelope, supported by the specialist knowledge of its new Fire Solutions team. The products are not a substitute for project-specific assessment or compliance with building regulations, but they give design teams additional solutions to consider against their particular requirements.

Meet the team at London Build

Don & Low will be showcasing its new Fire Solutions offering at London Build, taking place at ExCeL London on 25 and 26 November. Visitors can meet the team at stand G144 to find out more about Stamisol A1 and Stamisol Safe One, explore their applications and discuss the role of fire-performance membranes in façade design and specification.

The principle behind the launch is captured in one key message – “Nothing to hide. Everything to prove.” Although façade membranes disappear from view once construction is complete, the evidence behind their performance should always remain available to those responsible for specifying and installing them.