Elevating Residential Safety with Smoke Guard M400 Smoke Elevator Curtains

Willett Point Apartments is a newly constructed residential development situated in the vibrant community of Port Chester, New York, that combines contemporary design with elevated amenities. The property features thoughtfully created living spaces, expansive communal areas, a dedicated fitness center, and a rooftop terrace, producing a modern environment designed for comfort, functionality, and connection.

Safety was a key consideration in the construction of the new complex. To support the building’s fire and life safety requirements, ModernfoldStyles installed (12) Smoke Guard M400 Elevator Smoke Curtains. In collaboration with The Stagg Group, BE Bronx Builders, and MK Architect Studio, each system was custom-fitted to the elevator bays, providing critical smoke protection while maintaining a clean, integrated appearance within the surrounding architecture.

Elevator shafts are among the largest vertical penetrations within a building, making these openings an important consideration for fire safety. The M400 system provides a code-compliant solution designed to help contain smoke at lift openings. When paired with common fire-rated elevator doors, the M400 forms a smoke and draft control assembly that helps restrict the spread of smoke while preserving open, accessible elevator entrances during everyday use.

The curtains are activated only when the smoke detector at a specific elevator opening goes off. Once triggered, the translucent Reinforced Smoke Guard DuraNet Film automatically deploys from a concealed housing above the elevator opening.

Continuous flexible magnets along the film’s vertical edges secure it against the metal elevator frame. The frame is outfitted with 16-gauge 430 Ferritic stainless-steel rails, creating a tight perimeter seal around the opening. This helps prevent smoke from entering the shaft and spreading to other areas of the building.

The on-screen rewind switch allows occupants to retract the curtain from either side if evacuation is necessary. Once activated, the curtain returns to its concealed housing. If smoke is still detected, the system automatically redeploys to maintain containment. Manual egress is also possible with minimal force, providing an additional means of escape.

This installation is outfitted with an integrated battery backup. During a power outage, the curtains deploy to secure the elevator openings, providing continued protection when power is unavailable and helping maintain a critical layer of safety during an emergency.

The housing is finished in a standard RAL 9010 powder coat to complement the surrounding space. When not deployed, the casing blends discreetly into the elevator opening, maintaining a clean, unobtrusive appearance that complements the surrounding architecture.

At Willett Point Apartments, the M400 system provides a discreet approach to smoke protection that supports both the building’s safety requirements and its contemporary architectural design. ModernfoldStyles is proud to support safer spaces across a wide range of buildings, helping protect occupants and provide peace of mind for years to come.

Discover Smoke Guard and other innovative space solutions at the ModernfoldStyles Showroom, located just 30 minutes outside New York City. Schedule a showroom tour and see our products in action!