Visitors to the International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, Neb., will immediately notice a different kind of fabric-architectural mesh-draping the expansive windows of the venue and dividing the space within.
Cambridge Architectural’s Solucent metal mesh interior application is suspended in tension parallel to the museum’s windows inside the building. The 2,238 square feet (208 m2) of mesh shades the sun and eases the light gradually as patrons walk through, while 427 square feet (40 m2) of Cambridge’s LandscapeInteriors system fashionably divides the interior space. Each Cambridge system, from Cambridge Architectural, Cambridge, Md., employs lustrous woven metal fabric, complementing the building’s theme.
“The metal mesh curtain system functions well in reducing light levels in the reception hall,” said Patricia Crews, director of the International Quilt Study Center and Museum. “We like the texture of the mesh curtains and the ease of maintenance compared to a fabric curtain. The look is clean and in keeping with the overall look of the building.”
The International Quilt Study Center and Museum was built to promote the learning and discovery of quilts and quilt-making traditions from various cultures and time periods. The center was formed in 1997, and with the addition of the brand new museum building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, New York City, it now boasts a collection of over 2,300 quilts.”This project really showcases the unique ability of architectural mesh to meet design and function needs at the same time,” said Heather Collins, director of marketing for Cambridge Architectural. “The mesh on the windows manages daylight, and in the interior it divides space. Inherently the material is a ‘fabric’-a perfect aesthetic for the museum.”
The Solucent woven metal mesh application employs daylighting to manage natural light and maximize visual comfort. All the while, the mesh provides a large-scale streamlined look that makes an elegant statement inside the building and can be appreciated from the outside, as well.
“We were looking for a material that was somewhat transparent and also acted as a shading element to reduce light levels in the Great Hall,” said Albert Macchietto, principal of Omaha, Neb.- based Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture P.C., the architect of record for the project. “Cambridge’s system works well for both purposes.”
The LandscapeInteriors system consists of long metal fabric panels that fill in spaces between building columns, dividing space and controlling foot traffic in the museum. The mesh breaks up the Great Hall and is meant to capture the attention of those walking in the space.
Metal fabric in Cambridge’s Slink pattern was used to fabricate both systems. Slink features flexible, open weaves that resemble jewelry chains and can be installed as window treatments, virtual space dividers or as dynamic design elements with track hardware.
Cambridge’s Curtain attachment hardware was used to install Slink. Custom hardware conceals hooks attached to flexible metal fabric, allowing the fabric to hang as a window treatment or draping space divider.
“This project really showcases the unique ability of architectural mesh to meet design and function needs at the same time,” said Heather Collins, director of marketing for Cambridge Architectural. “The mesh on the windows manages daylight, and in the interior it divides space. Inherently the material is a ‘fabric’-a perfect aesthetic for the museum.”
The Solucent woven metal mesh application employs daylighting to manage natural light and maximize visual comfort. All the while, the mesh provides a large-scale streamlined look that makes an elegant statement inside the building and can be appreciated from the outside, as well.
“We were looking for a material that was somewhat transparent and also acted as a shading element to reduce light levels in the Great Hall,” said Albert Macchietto, principal of Omaha, Neb.- based Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture P.C., the architect of record for the project. “Cambridge’s system works well for both purposes.”
The LandscapeInteriors system consists of long metal fabric panels that fill in spaces between building columns, dividing space and controlling foot traffic in the museum. The mesh breaks up the Great Hall and is meant to capture the attention of those walking in the space.
Metal fabric in Cambridge’s Slink pattern was used to fabricate both systems. Slink features flexible, open weaves that resemble jewelry chains and can be installed as window treatments, virtual space dividers or as dynamic design elements with track hardware.
Cambridge’s Curtain attachment hardware was used to install Slink. Custom hardware conceals hooks attached to flexible metal fabric, allowing the fabric to hang as a window treatment or draping space divider.
International Quilt Study Center and Museum, Lincoln, Neb.
Design Architect:Robert A.M. Stern, New York City
Architect: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture P.C., Omaha, Neb.
Contractor:Hawkins Construction, Lincoln
Metal mesh provider: Cambridge Architectural, Cambridge, Md.
