Architects work with woven metal mesh manufacturer to customize fabric for their own office
For more than 25 years, Simon Oswald Architecture (SOA) has operated on the principle that good design is a thoughtful process that produces inspiring spaces. This principle is exemplified in the firm’s new Columbia, Mo., office, completed in January 2015. There may not be a more thoughtful process for an architectural firm than designing their own space; a space that serves as an example of their work and as a representation of their identity.
The identity of SOA is one of timeless design-aesthetically appealing, but both functional and cost-effective. To match this identity, SOA turned to woven metal mesh, a beautiful but affordable material that has a wide variety of functions. The material was chosen because it could create a partition behind the office’s reception area and simultaneously surround the firm’s 3-D logo, adding structure, texture and elegantly showcasing the SOA logo.
A Design Challenge
The partition and signage design incorporates two runs of woven wire mesh suspended in tension from ceiling-to-floor with stainless steel cables. The sign component, fabricated with two sound-absorbing panels, occupies the space in between the mesh-creating an open feeling and providing acoustical control without obscuring the SOA logo.
Turning this concept into reality was a challenge in both its design and installation. The design required customized open areas for the mesh, while the installation called for the material to float in tension. As a result, the project required a capable, versatile, and trusted partner. SOA turned to Banker Wire, Mukwonago, Wis. SOA had worked with Banker several times in the past, and each time Banker was able to deliver completely custom weave patterns and interface systems efficiently, effectively and affordably. Customization was essential for the reception area partition and signage application.
The first challenge was to determine the appropriate openness of the woven metal mesh, and hence control the density of the material to serve two different purposes:
“The first purpose was to create tight spacing around the periphery of the sign, reducing visibility through to the next space and creating a moiré effect of movement,” says Robbie Price, architect with SOA. “The second was to create a more open space in the middle, allowing the SOA logo to be more apparent.”
Banker Wire’s flexibility and willingness to custom manufacture its material allowed SOA to overcome this challenge, simultaneously creating an effect for the company logo and creating an open feeling.
The Banker Wire mesh pattern used was SJD- 4. This pattern offers variable pitch, meaning that designers have complete control over the weave’s appearance. Banker worked with SOA to determine the distance between wires-controlling density, percent open area and pattern. With this weave, SOA found the perfect pattern for their design and performance goals.
The second challenge was to find an ideal method for installing the metal mesh in tension. SOA wanted the woven wire mesh panels to float within the space between the ceiling and the floor. Solid frames or posts would have clashed with this free-floating design vision, so Banker Wire proposed an innovative framing solution called Bolted Tension Spine. This is a three-layered system that includes a center spine and two outer covers that are laser-cut to capture the crimped wire’s shape.
Typically, metal mesh in tension is wrapped around like a hook or hemmed, forcing the wire out of a crimped state. The result is a compromised material that loses strength and structure. However, in this case, Banker’s new attachment was designed to keep the mesh panels flat, and therefore did not alter the state of the material. Aesthetically, the system’s subtlety and thinness fits with SOA’s overall design, while its strength ensures a durable solution.
A Collaborative Process
Working together creatively under a strict timetable, Banker Wire and SOA were able to design and create a woven mesh sign and interior partition that embodies the company’s identity. The final result is an improved interior space and a corporate identifier that symbolizes SOA’s commitment to progressive design.
“Banker Wire provided great communication during the design process and facilitated a short production schedule to meet SOA’s construction timetable,” says Price. “It was a pleasure to work with them.
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Harrison Horan is the vice president of Banker Wire, Mukwonago, Wis. To learn more, visit www.bankerwire.com.