Type A and Group 1-S fire performance meets the natural beauty of timber

The Vanguard FP system achieves a Group 1-S (interior), or Type A and Type B (exterior) classification under NZBC C/AS1 and C/AS2, making it compliant for cladding within 1m of a boundary, on buildings over 10m in height, for SI Risk Group, and within 20m of a fire setback boundary. This enables designers to confidently use timber products like Hermpac's Western Red Cedar cladding in applications previously restricted to non-combustible materials.

Impregnation technology

What sets Vanguard FP apart is its complete penetration throughout the selected timber and every veneer of plywood. This impregnation means treated products can be cut, routed, or sanded on-site without compromising fire performance — a significant advantage over surface-applied treatments.

For interior applications, an optional highly durable clear coat is available, preserving the timber's natural appearance while providing a superior moisture and chemical resistance, including an option for graffiti protection. This enables the use of plywood in demanding environments like school gymnasiums that require enhanced durability and higher group fire ratings.

Proven project performance

The system has demonstrated its effectiveness in landmark projects including 5 Mile Villas and Onsen Pools in Queenstown, and the Mason Clinic in Auckland, where designers achieved striking timber facades while meeting rigorous fire safety requirements.

At 5 Mile Villas in Queenstown, the Vanguard FP system contributed towards additional housing units on the site by reducing the distance to boundary to within 1m, while maintaining the desired natural Western Red Cedar aesthetic — a compelling demonstration of how fire performance innovation can unlock both design and development potential.

Locally treated with a sustainable formula

Unlike conventional fire retardants that rely on boric acid and other harsh chemicals, Vanguard FP uses an all-natural, non-toxic, biodegradable formulation with Cradle to Cradle Gold certification, maintaining the timber's environmental credentials.

All treatment is performed in Zone's Auckland facility, eliminating the need for on-site application of fire-rated coatings and significantly reducing carbon footprint compared to offshore treatments.

By enabling the increased use of natural timber products that sequester carbon throughout their lifecycle, Vanguard FP contributes meaningfully to low-carbon building designs while opening new aesthetic possibilities for architects working within New Zealand's strict fire compliance framework.