20th February 2023
It’s All Systems Go!
Architects and Designers are always looking at more inspirational approaches to the interiors of a space. The demand for creating more inviting spaces and the inclusion of a variety of different applications can completely transform the character of a room. Amongst these approaches, we are seeing an increase in the use of metal meshes both from a point of view that they are generally made from recycled material in the case of aluminum and steel – but also the style and look of them has that upcycled feel that we are all trying to be more conscious of.
Metal mesh is an extremely versatile product and has a functionality like no other. It works well as a safety element including balustrade infill panels and radiator grilles, but also for decorative purposes like ceilings. From commercial office buildings to schools and colleges, metal mesh ceiling systems have become a preferred design solution.
In the past, ceilings would not have necessarily been considered within the design aesthetics of a commercial space. The need for a ceiling is obviously vital, but the look and style may often have been overlooked. It is now becoming increasingly felt that the ceiling is now being considered as the fifth wall.
Suspended ceilings were first introduced around 100 years ago, they were a novel idea to hide building infrastructure such as ducting and pipework and creating a space to allow access for maintenance – this is where the mineral fibre tile came in as the most cost-effective way of creating the suspended ceiling. They were cheap, and relatively good acoustically. However, now with the option to use metal mesh in ceilings, it allows a suspended ceiling whilst offering benefits including improved airflow, lighting, and vastly improved aesthetics.
Product in practice
We worked closely with design specialists, Tetris who were tasked to create a new office space for Autodesk. They wanted a fun and vibrant office for their employees to ‘create, play and collaborate’. Everything had to be truly unique. The design concept focuses on a ‘Walk in London’ with each part of the space representing a different district: Shoreditch, Soho, Clerkenwell and Mayfair.
The story is uncovered when you discover the atrium which represents the Thames flowing through the city; the dichroic film on the glazing catches the light rays and creates extraordinary polarisations. The inspiration for the café is taken from Shoreditch and features our eye-catching acoustic AC400 ceiling system with bespoke powder coated finishes in orange, green and blue.
The opened planed space features a glum Soho with grey walls, black partition frames, skirtings and doors which creates an epic contrast with the flooring in bright pink and electric green. The focus of the meeting room is Soho based artists. One of the meeting rooms is dedicated to Pink Floyd, the pink Dye Lab carpets with pink furniture and full-length wall images creating a dramatic and bold effect.
The front of house room features the stylish and sophisticated Mayfair where you find music icons Elton, Bowie and Freddie. The brick effect acoustic walls and heavy walled curtains completed the sleek finish of this room. ‘Walk in London’ encourages staff to showcase their own identities based on the individuality of this office space and with the idea that no two Autodesk offices are the same.
Look up and be inspired
Ideal for challenging projects, due to its decorative virtues and functionality, our ceiling systems come in a series of bespoke mesh rafts. Everything is designed and manufactured to meet the design intent on a project. The frames are manufactured from mild steel or aluminium angle, and the mesh is welded into the frame. This ensures the mesh sits flat and provides extra strength for the overall for the raft.
The rafts have a simple installation and suspension method, which involves threaded bar suspension hangers which can be used with Fork and Clevis connectors. Rafts can be suspended individually or bolted together to cover a larger area.
Everything can be uniquely designed so the design possibilities are endless.
Read the full article in Spec Finish Magazine.
