Photo: Courtesy of GKD Metal Fabrics
A metal enclosure inspired by ocean wave patterns flows across the exterior of a public parking garage at Las Olas Beach in downtown . The curvaceous metal waveform wraps around the building and is illuminated at night.
GKD Metal Fabrics supplied and installed its Tigris metal fabric. Louvers were directly attached to the mesh. Knife plate attachments for louvers independently straddle the metal fabric panel seams to prevent interference with the metal fabric and hardware.
Andy Franks, territory manager at GKD Metal Fabrics, says, “Knife plate connections were extended from GKD hardware to create an attachment point for the louvers.”
On the fifth floor of the parking garage, there is an observation deck with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, landscaping, shade structures, restrooms and utilities.
Franks says, “Compliance with Florida’s hurricane codes was a force in specifying the perfect product. The team selected GKD’s Tigris weave, which has a 65% open area, maintained the sleek aesthetic of the original design intent and met the required codes.”
