By Jonathan Reed, Managing Director at Amron Architectural
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. Jonathan Reed, Managing Director at Amron Architectural explains why metal mesh ceilings are being considered within design aesthetics when creating more inviting spaces.
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.
The demand for including a well-considered ceiling 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 aluminium and steel – but also the style and look of them has that upcycled feel that we are all trying to be more conscious of.
All Systems go!
The AC400 Series is a range of bespoke mesh rafts. There is no standard size or format for the AC400, everything is designed and manufactured to meet the design intent of a project. We can manufacture square, rectangle, triangle, hexagonal, and oval rafts. The options are truly endless, and the only limitation is your imagination!
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 raft. The rafts have a simple installation and suspension method, which involves a threaded bar being hung from the ceiling and a special connector attaching to the rafts.
Rafts can be suspended individually or bolted together to cover a larger area, and cut-outs for services can also be incorporated into the mesh.
Product in practice
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is a multi-national software corporation that makes software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media industries.
Autodesk approached design specialists Tetris, with the idea of creating a fun and vibrant office that is a place to ‘create, play and collaborate’. Autodesk wanted a bespoke design with uncompromising attention to detail, and everything had to be 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, it represents the Thames flowing through the city, and 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 an eye-catching Aron acoustic metal panelled ceiling with bespoke RAL colours and concrete flooring. The opened plan space features a glam 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 which is dedicated to Pink Floyd – the pink Dye Lab carpets with pink furniture and full-length wall images that create a dramatic and bold effect.
The Clerkenwell district is home to the designers and makers of the company with the room featuring a 3D printer, robotic arm, and green screen VR room and exhibition area.
The front-of-house rooms feature the stylish and sophisticated Mayfair where you will find music icons Elton, Bowie, and Freddie. The brick effect acoustic walls and heavy walled curtains completed the sleek finish of this room. ‘Walk through London’ encourages staff to showcase their own identities based on the individuality of this office space with the idea being that no two Autodesk offices are the same.
Tetris approached us to help with the design of Autodesk’s new office spaces. They wanted a bold and vibrant ceiling to coincide with the rest of the aesthetic. Our AC400 bespoke ceiling rafts were specified square with our RB35 expanded mesh tiles welded to the frame. These were powder coated in orange, green, and blue to finish off the vibrant and eye-catching workspaces.
Reimaging spaces
Our metal solutions have limitless applications, from external facades and soffits to space dividers and balustrades. Not only are they versatile, but they also provide unparalleled design functionality. Our Creative Metal Specialists are ready to assist in the realisation of your concepts, by providing dedicated technical support and knowledge from start to finish.