Decorative Element:
Woven Architectural Metal Mesh Grows in Popularity
Heather Collins,
Posted
05/01/2008
The use of metal as a decorative exterior building element has
become increasingly prevalent as the material's variety of
aesthetic, functional, affordable and sustainable benefits continue
to be realized. It comes as no surprise that the popularity and
incorporation of woven architectural metal fabric into building
facades has continued to increase.
Woven metal fabric is a natural choice in terms of achieving an
aesthetically appealing exterior while offering all the functional
and sustainable advantages that metal inherently provides.
Architectural metal mesh stands out from other metal products
because of the unparalleled visual and textural appeal it
offers.
Decorative
One recent trend in the use of metal fabric for exteriors includes
incorporating metal mesh into parking garage design. The classic
appeal of metal combined with the modern texture of the mesh makes
woven metal fabric an increasingly popular option for visually
differentiating a parking structure. For example, a parkade
architectural mesh application from Cambridge Architectural,
Cambridge, Md., was specified for aesthetic reasons at a new
parking structure at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
The flowing drapes of metal mesh were installed to lend a dramatic,
glamorous look to the parkade's exterior. In this instance, the
mesh functions mainly as a decorative element because the metal
mesh panels in Cambridge's Stripe pattern were installed away from
the structure. As an added aesthetic bonus, the mesh application is
bathed in exterior lighting at night to create a glossy, luminous
effect.
"Our decision to
use architectural mesh for the Bellagio project was based largely
on its durability and its unique ability to react with the garage's
exterior lighting at night," explained Robert Tabak, project senior
designer, HKS Inc., Dallas. "The versatility of metal mesh offers
many design features that serve dual functions-with some features
accentuated at night, and other benefits gained during the
day."
Function and
Texture
A parking structure in Waltham, Mass., demonstrates the trend in
specifying architectural mesh for both decorative and functional
purposes. The parking garage, located within the Reservoir Woods
office complex, features a unique metal mesh application that, in
addition to adding an element of visual interest to the structure,
eliminates any HVAC requirements, facilitates airflow and ensures
visibility throughout the parking structure.
"The metal fabric
is perceived as a unique, contemporary way to wrap a garage, adding
an element of visual texture to the elevations," explained Peter
Darby, AIA, project manager for Reservoir Woods for the
architectural firm Spagnolo Gisness & Associates, Boston.
Shading
Solutions
Another recent trend in designing with metal fabric includes
specifying metal mesh for solar shading purposes. A Solarscape mesh
application at McGowan Academic Center at Capital College in
Laurel, Md., beautifully showcases the metal fabric's ability to
control solar heat gain. Panels of metal fabric in Cambridge
Architectural's Plait pattern were attached in tension with frame
attachment hardware to create the custom shading solution.
The metal mesh
application controls solar heat gain during the day and reduces the
spill of light pollution at night. Overall, the metal fabric
application serves as the focal point of the facility with its
unique look lending a modern, sophisticated component to the front
of the building within the main lobby.
Identity
Woven metal fabric also continues to be utilized for corporate
branding purposes, as showcased by a metal mesh application
adorning an Urban Outfitters store in Chicago. Metal mesh is an
excellent vehicle for displaying corporate identity, as corporate
logos can either be attached to the metal fabric or laser-etched
directly into the mesh. For the Urban Outfitters store, the metal
fabric application was installed vertically as a backdrop for the
storefront's signage. Woven metal fabric in Cambridge's Ridge
pattern was wrapped around tableau attachment hardware to create
the 24 panels that support the store's sign.
Sculpting and
Security
Metal mesh has additionally been specified to attractively define
space within exterior areas, like that of the National Archives
Southeast Region in Morrow, Ga. Here, the Cambridge Architectural
Space Sculpting mesh application surrounds the archives' outdoor
patios and connects the main building to the adjacent visitor's
center. Besides adding a modern touch to the structure's exterior,
the metal mesh application provides an aesthetically pleasing
method of protection for people and property.
"The Cambridge
Architectural mesh application we chose meets security regulations
that limit openings to no larger than 1 inch [25 mm]," said Project
Manager Carissa Faroughi of the project architect, Peck Peck and
Associates, Woodbridge, Va. "The mesh also allowed us to enclose
the patio and keep it controlled without looking boxy. It provided
a clean aesthetic that goes with the contemporary design of the
building."
In addition to
solar control, parking structure, corporate branding and exterior
space sculpting applications, the combined aesthetics and
functionality that metal mesh provides makes it an excellent choice
for a multitude of decorative exterior purposes, both now and into
the future.
"Moving forward, metal fabric will continue to be used for a
variety of different exterior building applications," explained Tom
Costello, general manager, Cambridge Architectural. "As city living
becomes more prevalent in the coming years, urban areas will
continue to be revitalized, which will provide many opportunities
for the incorporation of woven metal fabric into the building
envelope as a unique decorative element. Additionally, the increase
in multiuse facilities and the increased desire to integrate
interior finishes with exterior cladding options will provide a
huge market for the use of architectural mesh. As a whole, new
construction and renovation opportunities will continue to pave the
way for woven metal mesh solutions to elegantly differentiate the
exteriors that they adorn."
Heather Collins is director of marketing for Cambridge
Architectural, Cambridge, Md.
www.cambridgearchitectural.com