Architecture

Architectural mesh is valuable both in terms of the many aesthetic opportunities it provides and its practical benefits, like privacy, protection, temperature regulation and more.

The many different types of wire mesh – sometimes called wire cloth in certain applications – can protect visitors, employees and residents from direct exposure to sunlight, as well as create an eye-catching visual that makes a facility that much easier to find. Mesh can also serve capably in a variety of roles within a structure, defining distinct areas of a building and screening off more private places from open work floors.

While metal mesh patterns are often seen as a purely stylistic choice, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind when selecting them. A careful choice will mean you have put the best possible metal mesh in place, whether for industrial or architectural purposes. Let’s look at what distinguishes the different types of wire mesh products and what makes them useful.

A more open mesh pattern can provide increased visibility and allow for free air circulation.

Different types of wire mesh patterns

1. Open mesh patterns

An open pattern provides plenty of airflow and access to light while still serving as a physical barrier, whether attached to a balustrade, filling a role as wire fencing or a security screen or dividing parts of an interior space. A degree of visibility is often useful to give customers a preview of what’s to come or simply to allow workers to avoid turning a corner or moving through an entryway blindly.

A more open mesh can also serve as a sunscreen in certain areas, such as the first floor of a building in a developed downtown or central business district. Depending on the direction a building faces, how much direct sun exposure it receives each day and the desired temperature and lighting, open patterns can still prove useful as sunscreens.

One area where care should be taken with these patterns is their role as privacy screens. Standing alone, they still offer a degree of visibility. However, they can be paired with other elements, such as glass panels, if the primary objective is to prevent the spread of sound.

2. Closed mesh patterns

Patterns that keep more of the metal in place, which can be achieved with expanded metal mesh among other options, emphasise discretion. Whether your facility has to meet privacy guidelines or requirements – as is typical for medical facilities, preschools and child care centres – or you simply want to create a more distinct division between spaces, a less open pattern can help you achieve this goal.

Limiting the amount of sunlight that passes through metal mesh is vital in some instances. If the material plays a key role in regulating temperature, the orientation of the surface it covers and the average exposure to sunlight can mean reducing the amount of visible light that streams through. Getting the correct placement and choice of material is in everyone’s best interest.

Metal mesh can also be used to screen off part or all of offices, hallways, conference rooms and other areas where a sense of openness and an expectation of privacy need to be balanced.

Security fencing is another application where a less open pattern can offer the right mix of benefits. Separating a thoroughfare or main street from an employee break area or space intended only for residents of a building means offering a sense of separation and security for those inside.

3. Metal mesh curtains

More flexible than fixed installations of metal mesh, curtains can include a unique functionality depending on how they’re installed: movement. By placing metal mesh curtains on a sliding track, it’s easy to divide spaces when necessary. Whether you’re creating a sense of privacy while still allowing airflow in a retail business or separating different teams in an office space, there are many applications where metal mesh curtains can capably fill an important role.

Curtains can also be installed in a fixed position, serving as a permanent barrier that still allows light to pass through and air to circulate. Potential applications include the sides of open stairwells, where mesh can fill a safety requirement as well as an aesthetic purpose, and in front of exterior windows, where metal mesh curtains can serve as sunscreens.

How is metal mesh made?

Metal mesh is chiefly produced in one of two ways: either combining metal wires together in a way that creates a stable, dependable final product of woven metal mesh, or through welding individual strands together to create welded wire mesh. The strands themselves are often produced by using metalworking processes that reduce larger pieces of larger diameter into flexible yet strong wire. Aluminium and stainless steel wire mesh are common choices, in part due to their corrosion resistance. But they’re not the only substrate options available. Warp and weft wires cross over in repeatable patterns similar to those used in making cloth, whether in a plain weave or more exotic design.

Finding a dependable partner to provide different types of metal mesh

With so many different types of metal mesh and patterns available, finding the best fit for your project doesn’t have to be a complicated or drawn out exercise. When you partner with a dependable and experienced provider of metal mesh, you can count on knowledgeable support throughout the process.

Locker has more than 60 years of experience providing an extensive product range to clients in the architectural and industrial fields, along with supporting customers involved in mines and quarries. To learn how we can support your metal mesh needs, get in touch with us today.

Whether you’re talking about the structural or aesthetic elements of buildings, steel is one of the most important innovations in the modern world. Stronger and more resistant to various forms of degradation than iron, steel has served as the catalyst for everything from the bones of high-rise buildings to unique and eye-catching design components.

Understanding the differences between the various types of steel available can help you make the most informed and positive choices possible. Let’s go through a quick review of exactly what steel is, to help set the stage for identifying the differences between galvanised steel and stainless steel.

Galvanised steel is common in a variety of construction applications.

Forging an understanding of steel

Steel is an alloy made of two key base components: iron and carbon. An alloy is simply a combination of two or more types of base metals, or a base metal and an element. Alloys can provide a variety of important benefits in many different applications, from improving rust resistance to making non-sparking tools.

Specifically, steel has a number of advantages in the world of construction as compared to other potential building materials. It is:

• Durable
• Strong
• Easily recycled
• Of a predictably high quality when forged and finished in the proper manner

With many functional and aesthetic applications, steel is dependable and versatile. Regular steel can be further improved in a variety of processes, including the two detailed below.

What are the main differences between galvanised and stainless steel?

Galvanised steel

Galvanised steel’s defining attribute is its layer of zinc coating, which forms a protective layer against the combination of moisture and oxygen that can otherwise cause rust to form on the underlying metal. Rust slowly but surely eats away at steel, reducing its integrity and ultimately creating safety issues whether the steel is used in a purely functional application or is part of an impressive, customised facade or other design element.

Galvanisation takes regular steel or another metal, like iron, and adds a zinc coating. This process, which can be completed in a few different ways, helps increase versatility and allows for many different types of steel and iron to be easily galvanised. The hot-dipping galvanisation process provides a strong, relatively thick coating for large pieces of steel using molten zinc. Thermal diffusion galvanising, meanwhile, is common for smaller pieces of metal, especially those that have a more complex design. Both hot dip galvanisation and thermal diffusion galvanising have powerful applications.

In general, galvanised steel is less expensive than stainless steel. It is also easier to manipulate while still retaining a great deal of strength, but isn’t as strong as stainless steel.

One of the most visually memorable elements of galvanised steel is its variable appearance. Depending on the specifics of the process, galvanised steel can either have a consistent finish or a spangled one, creating a unique appearance.

While the galvanisation process helps protect against rust and provides corrosion resistance, it’s important to note that it eventually wears away, particularly when exposed to high levels of acidity or to salt water. This is especially important near oceans and other bodies of seawater, as well as areas that face significant exposure to acid rain.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an alloy made of iron, carbon and chromium and occasionally other elements, such as molybdenum, that offer significant corrosion resistance. Instead of being dipped or coated in a protective layer, as galvanised steel is, stainless steel has this defence against damage built into it.

There are many different types of stainless steel available, each with different compositions and resultant resistance to various forms of corrosion and damage. This is useful for industrial applications where stainless steel components may face constant exposures to caustic chemicals or high temperatures, as well as in design work where the alloy could be consistently exposed to salt water or acidic environments.

The manufacturing process makes stainless steel a more expensive choice than galvanised steel. However, stainless steel is generally stronger than its galvanised counterpart.

Stainless steel can also be finished in many different ways, providing a high degree of customisability in terms of its final appearance. This aesthetic flexibility is especially important for facades and similar design elements that place a high priority on standing out from the crowd by offering a memorable or unique visual hook.

Is stainless steel compatible with galvanised steel?

In the sense that these two types of steel can hypothetically be used for components of a single structure, yes. Stainless steel has some form of compatibility with galvanised steel. However, direct contact between these metals can lead to advanced corrosion if the right conditions are met, such as high levels of salt and moisture. In these situations, a non-metal material should be used to avoid the two types of steel making contact.

Which type of steel should you choose for your project?

There isn’t a single, universally applicable rule that determines which type of steel is best suited for your specific project. Understanding the differences between galvanised and stainless steel can go a long way toward helping you make this important decision.

Galvanised steel offers a unique patina from the finishing process and can capably perform in many environments for decades before appreciable rust or wear appears. However, stainless steel doesn’t face the same specific weaknesses caused by salt water and acidic environments, and some varieties of this alloy can be engineered in a way that addresses those concerns. In combination with the many ways in which stainless steel can be finished, there are plenty of aesthetic and practical concerns addressed by this alloy.

To learn more about the many ways stainless steel can be deployed in your next project, get in touch with the experts at Locker today.

Whether you're talking about the structural or aesthetic elements of buildings, steel is one of the most important innovations in the modern world. Stronger and more resistant to various forms of degradation than iron, steel has served as the catalyst for everything from the bones of high-rise buildings to unique and eye-catching design components.

Understanding the differences between the various types of steel available can help you make the most informed and positive choices possible. Let's go through a quick review of exactly what steel is, to help set the stage for identifying the differences between galvanised steel and stainless steel.

Forging an understanding of steel

Steel is an alloy made of two key base components: iron and carbon. An alloy is simply a combination of two or more types of base metals, or a base metal and an element. Alloys can provide a variety of important benefits in many different applications, from improving rust resistance to making non-sparking tools.

Specifically, steel has a number of advantages in the world of construction as compared to other potential building materials. It is:

• Durable
• Strong
• Easily recycled
• Of a predictably high quality when forged and finished in the proper manner

With many functional and aesthetic applications, steel is dependable and versatile. Regular steel can be further improved in a variety of processes, including the two detailed below.

What are the main differences between galvanised and stainless steel?

Galvanised steel

Galvanised steel's defining attribute is its layer of zinc coating, which forms a protective layer against the combination of moisture and oxygen that can otherwise cause rust to form on the underlying metal. Rust slowly but surely eats away at steel, reducing its integrity and ultimately creating safety issues whether the steel is used in a purely functional application or is part of an impressive, customised facade or other design element.

Galvanisation takes regular steel or another metal, like iron, and adds a zinc coating. This process, which can be completed in a few different ways, helps increase versatility and allows for many different types of steel and iron to be easily galvanised. The hot-dipping galvanisation process provides a strong, relatively thick coating for large pieces of steel using molten zinc. Thermal diffusion galvanising, meanwhile, is common for smaller pieces of metal, especially those that have a more complex design. Both hot dip galvanisation and thermal diffusion galvanising have powerful applications.

In general, galvanised steel is less expensive than stainless steel. It is also easier to manipulate while still retaining a great deal of strength, but isn't as strong as stainless steel.

One of the most visually memorable elements of galvanised steel is its variable appearance. Depending on the specifics of the process, galvanised steel can either have a consistent finish or a spangled one, creating a unique appearance.

While the galvanisation process helps protect against rust and provides corrosion resistance, it's important to note that it eventually wears away, particularly when exposed to high levels of acidity or to salt water. This is especially important near oceans and other bodies of seawater, as well as areas that face significant exposure to acid rain.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is an alloy made of iron, carbon and chromium and occasionally other elements, such as molybdenum, that offer significant corrosion resistance. Instead of being dipped or coated in a protective layer, as galvanised steel is, stainless steel has this defence against damage built into it.

There are many different types of stainless steel available, each with different compositions and resultant resistance to various forms of corrosion and damage. This is useful for industrial applications where stainless steel components may face constant exposures to caustic chemicals or high temperatures, as well as in design work where the alloy could be consistently exposed to salt water or acidic environments.

The manufacturing process makes stainless steel a more expensive choice than galvanised steel. However, stainless steel is generally stronger than its galvanised counterpart.

Stainless steel can also be finished in many different ways, providing a high degree of customisability in terms of its final appearance. This aesthetic flexibility is especially important for facades and similar design elements that place a high priority on standing out from the crowd by offering a memorable or unique visual hook.

Is stainless steel compatible with galvanised steel?

In the sense that these two types of steel can hypothetically be used for components of a single structure, yes. Stainless steel has some form of compatibility with galvanised steel. However, direct contact between these metals can lead to advanced corrosion if the right conditions are met, such as high levels of salt and moisture. In these situations, a non-metal material should be used to avoid the two types of steel making contact.

Which type of steel should you choose for your project?

There isn't a single, universally applicable rule that determines which type of steel is best suited for your specific project. Understanding the differences between galvanised and stainless steel can go a long way toward helping you make this important decision.

Galvanised steel offers a unique patina from the finishing process and can capably perform in many environments for decades before appreciable rust or wear appears. However, stainless steel doesn't face the same specific weaknesses caused by salt water and acidic environments, and some varieties of this alloy can be engineered in a way that addresses those concerns. In combination with the many ways in which stainless steel can be finished, there are plenty of aesthetic and practical concerns addressed by this alloy.

To learn more about the many ways stainless steel can be deployed in your next project, get in touch with the experts at Locker today.

You may know it as perforated mesh, perforated metal or another name. Understanding what sets this material apart from others like it and how it’s made is an important step in choosing the best options for your construction or major renovation plans. More information allows you to make better decisions and realise the best possible end result.

Let’s take a look at the process of fabricating perforated metal, what makes it unique and how it can be applied to a wide variety of projects.

What is perforated metal?

Perforated metal refers to sheets of various types of metal that are stamped, drilled or otherwise altered to create a series of holes in the base material. This process is called perforation. The concept of perforated metal is an easy one to understand, although there are numerous specifics that can vary greatly based on product range, customisability options and other elements offered by the manufacturer. Taking the time to learn about these different choices positions you to select the best possible material for the job. Some specifics to consider include:

• Type of metal:  Aluminium, stainless steel and galvanised steel are common choices when selecting perforated metal sheets for architectural projects. Most common finish is powder coated for colour consistencies, and you can get the same or similar warranty on coating these days without the headaches. Interpon and Dulux now offer 25 year warranties, same as an anodised finish. Anodised aluminium has increased resistance to corrosion due to a thick oxide layer formed on its surface as part of the anodising process. Improving the metal in this way also allows for other benefits, such as colouring the metal. Stainless steel is a steel alloy designed to inhibit the development and spread of rust through the addition of chromium during the steelmaking process. Galvanised steel has a zinc coating that also inhibits rust.
• Finishes and plating: Electro-polishing makes the surface of stainless steel more uniform and visually pleasing. Powder coating offers both an additional layer of protection and the ability to incorporate various colours into a durable final product.
• Final appearance: Absolutely uniform, unblemished final products are not always possible with durable materials like anodised aluminium and stainless steel. Taking the intended use of the perforated metal into account and the distance from which staff, customers, guests and passers-by will view the material is an important consideration. A dependable supplier will be happy to discuss options for selecting the material and finish that offer the best combination of durability and aesthetic quality based on specific application.

Perforated metal has a number of internal and external applications.

How is perforated metal made?

The perforation workflow itself is relatively simple when compared to the various chemical and electromechanical processes used to treat and finish metal. On an industrial level, a specialised machine creates holes in a sheet of metal, like stainless steel or aluminium.

While worker safety, consistent function and a desire for high-quality end products mean this process is closely managed by well-trained staff, perforation itself is a direct mechanical action. However, there is still plenty of room for creating different designs that have an aesthetic appeal or address specific functional concerns, such as achieving the proper level of light filtration or airflow.

How is perforated metal different from similar materials?

Expanded metal, perforated metal and wire mesh all have a similar final appearance, especially when viewed from a distance. However, they’re quite different in how they’re formed. We’ve already covered the process for creating perforated metal, so here’s a quick review of expanded metal and wire mesh:

• Expanded metal: Expanded metal also involves making holes in a sheet of metal. The major difference is that the sheet is compact when this action is performed. The metal is then stretched, or expanded, so that the holes take on their intended final shape and the metal attains the dimensions required for a given project or general use.
• Wire mesh: Mesh is constructed of wires that are either welded or woven together to increase the overall strength of the material and to create a variety of aesthetics.

What makes perforated metal beneficial, and how can I use it in my project?

Perforated metal has a number of advantages that make it a common choice in a variety of building projects. Specific benefits include:

• Privacy: Positioned correctly, perforated metal can make it easy for those inside a structure to see out while still providing a sense of privacy from passers-by and the general public seeing in. If your project team needs to consider safety as it relates to visibility but doesn’t want to sacrifice aesthetics, perforated metal may be the perfect choice.
• Ventilation and airflow: Perforated metal allows air to flow freely through it when used as an interior wall or external facade, as long as it isn’t positioned directly over another layer of material.
• Regulation of natural light: When used in front of windows and similarly transparent architectural elements, perforated metal can reduce overall exposure to sunlight – which can also provide benefits in terms of HVAC costs and temperature regulation – while still allowing some natural light to enter the structure.

Check out our blog post dedicated to this topic to learn about more benefits, including the eco-friendly nature of perforated metal, its ability to absorb sound and more.

You probably already have a good idea of how perforated metal may support your next project. If you’re still wondering how to utilise it, there are a number of options. It can be applied in a purely aesthetic context, creating a visually striking interior or exterior. It can serve as an internal divider, allowing for more airflow and a flexible degree of visibility, based on its design, while defining distinct spaces. It’s also an effective shield against the sun, whether in a car park or applied to the side of an office building or other structure.

Finding perforated metal that meets your project’s needs

Perforated metal needs to be carefully fabricated to produce a useful and consistent end result. Locker has decades of experience providing our standard range of perforated metal as well as a variety of customisable options. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Architectural mesh can play a key role in creating a memorable and unique aesthetic for your next building project. With so many different types of mesh to choose from, you're more than likely to find a specific option that aligns with your structure's intended appearance and overall design goals.

Metal mesh can surround all of a building, be installed in a few select areas to attract attention or serve as a divider between the outside world and the property's interior. It also has useful practical applications. When designed and positioned correctly, architectural mesh can provide exposure to direct sunlight and help regulate heating and cooling needs. It also facilitates airflow, allowing for many uses in situations where other materials would restrict the free travel of air.

One of the best ways to understand the value of architectural mesh is through examples. Let's look at some eye-catching uses of Locker's metal mesh.

The Icon utilises architectural mesh and colour for a distinctive and appealing appearance.

1. The Icon, St. Kilda, Melbourne

The Icon is often compared to a structure of children's building blocks This is a positive association that focuses on the bright colours and distinct shapes. Sitting on a corner of a busy intersection in the Melbourne suburb of St. Kilda, it's a familiar landmark to locals and the many visitors passing through the area to reach amusement parks, beaches and other popular attractions.

Architectural firm Jackson Clements Burrows designed each block to align with the height of another nearby building, providing a sense of structure that balances the overall whimsical nature of these apartments. The mesh incorporates 40 distinct colours, which change ever so slightly based on the position of the sun. Additionally, the building gives off a subtle glow at night thanks to the reflections of nearby light sources by the architectural mesh and residents using lighting fixtures within their living spaces.

While not every building project is focused on achieving such a unique and visually striking end goal, The Icon is an excellent example of the flexibility in architectural design that architectural mesh can offer. Whether your goal is to create a patchwork of brilliant colours or use a more neutral design, metal mesh is an effective and reliable exterior element. 

2. Ozanam House, North Melbourne

Multiple uses of of mesh create a detailed profile on the facade of Ozanam House.

Ozanam House fills a crucial need for the homeless in and around Melbourne, providing support, safe spaces, social services and much more to this vulnerable population. Architectural firm MGS Architects designed the structure with a mixture of openness and privacy in mind, according to ArchitectureAU. That meant specific considerations like leaving the activities centre and courtyard visible to passersby while making the residential entrances for long-term residents more private.

Architectural mesh plays a key design role throughout Ozanam House. It helps to form a large facade at the front of the building while also appearing in smaller panels across the entire structure. Offering a combination of practical benefits and distinct visual appearance, Ozanam House is an architecturally distinct facility. By leveraging the many attributes of metal mesh, it adds another dimension to its aesthetic while also reducing direct sunlight exposure, keeping temperatures more even and regulating the brightness of rooms. 

3. Sydney International Airport Car Park, Mascot

Architectural mesh on the Sydney International Airport car park offers aesthetic and practical benefits.

Some airports are excellent examples of functional and aesthetic design. Others focus more on function exclusively. When it comes to the car parks tied to these busy travel hubs, some are built with efficiency and smooth operations in mind, not the visual appeal of the structure.

That's not the case for the car park at Sydney International Airport, which features a uniform perforated metal mesh that presents a clean and uniform yet intriguing appearance for its south side. With minimal ornamentation, the mesh facade can evoke a sense of security and consistency for those looking for and driving their cars into the structure. Its only major identifying signage is a large blue "P," a clear indication of the car park's purpose. A more open side, lacking the metal mesh, also features banners welcoming visitors to the airport, adding some visual variety to the mix.

The use of metal mesh on car parks is especially valuable because it helps promote temperature regulation within the structure. No one plans to spend much time in a car park – ideally, you find a spot and head on your way, then return to your vehicle and quickly leave. Because heating and cooling systems present a substantial cost, not to mention the need to fully enclose what are often open structures, other alternatives can help to manage the temperature of these buildings.

Metal mesh capably fills this role, diverting some but not all sunlight from reaching the interior. This helps to avoid the buildup of heat within each car and makes the start of the return home for arriving travellers that much more enjoyable.

Finding a dependable partner for your architectural mesh needs

Architectural mesh is an especially flexible construction material – not in the literal sense, but through its ability to take on many forms and be deployed across a small area of a structure or to wrap around most or all of the exterior. Choosing the right metal mesh to meet your unique needs is a critical and early step in this process. You want to be sure your project will have high-quality mesh that fully meets your organisation's and client's expectations.

Locker has decades of experience supplying durable, reliable and effective mesh for many types of construction projects. Our products have been used for decades throughout Australia and the greater Asia-Pacific region for creating facades, balustrades and screening, as well as interior applications of mesh and many similar materials. If you're set on using architectural mesh in your next project but need a supplier you can count on from design and fabrication to delivery, get in touch with the experts at Locker.

Truly successful architectural projects must meet standards of safety, stability and durability to address the most basic needs of the people who work, live, shop and otherwise spend time in them. But safety is far from the only consideration that needs to be made when designing a new structure or renovating an existing one.

To create a broadly positive experience, aesthetics must also be addressed. Designing a pleasing space that makes its purpose clear and provides an engaging atmosphere is an important part of the overall process, as the Whole Building Design Guide explained. Finding opportunities to define spaces and separate distinct areas with options besides standard walls is one effective way to leverage the power of aesthetics. The result is a more memorable and enjoyable experience for the people spending time in a building.

Metal mesh curtains can support this goal by creating clear boundaries in a less common way, while also appealing to those within a building through their unique design and appearance. Let's take a closer look at what mesh curtains are and how they can be used in an optimal way.

Metal mesh curtains help define interior space in an aesthetically pleasing way.

What are metal mesh curtains, exactly?

High-quality metal mesh curtains are made of interconnected and spiralled wire metal mesh. The many constituent pieces of the material combine to create sturdy, long-lasting curtains that can be used to clearly divide spaces or serve as screening facades. Generally, mesh curtains contribute to a modern and sophisticated look. They aren't especially common in residential construction, which means their novelty can be a positive for businesses looking to create an interesting and distinct atmosphere.

Customisability is a core concern for architects, designers and many other project stakeholders. When it comes to mesh curtains, partnering with the right provider means access to a wide variety of base metals, designs and finishes. Locker offers stainless steel, brass and aluminium options, as well as a variety of wire profiles, mesh thicknesses and weave types that can be used as you see fit.

Mesh curtains have some practical benefits that should be considered as well. While often used mainly or purely for aesthetic purposes, there are some practical benefits of mesh curtains that are important in the context of a building's overall design. The two major advantages to keep in mind are encouraging airflow and allowing natural or artificial light to pass through.

How can I use metal mesh curtains to build atmosphere in my project?

Metal mesh curtains are a simple an effective option for adding texture and character to a space. Depending on your project's specific objectives, you may find using them as a purely decorative tool is the best approach. Putting a mesh curtain in front of a standard wall, for example, can create a more interesting environment and offer a more unique alternative to painting or wallpapering. Of course, there are plenty of options for using a wall's background colour and the colour, spacing and finish of the mesh to create even more engaging optics.

Metal mesh can also serve as an interior sunscreen, reducing but not eliminating the amount of natural light in a given area. This approach offers an alternative to standard curtains and blinds that is more memorable. And with customisation options, you can control the amount of light the curtains allow into your space.

One of mesh curtains' most visible roles is in dividing large spaces into more manageable and easily navigated ones. Convention centres and event spaces can both leverage metal mesh curtains to create divisions between different areas. This is most effective when there doesn't need to be total separation, such as the main floors of trade shows and similar gatherings. Mesh curtains can be positioned to help define the flow of foot traffic while also allowing visibility into other areas of the space.

Restaurants, especially those with large, open interiors, can also utilise mesh curtains to divide the dining space while maintaining a lively and convivial atmosphere. Because metal mesh curtains preserve a sense of openness while still serving as a barrier, the space can be more defined without feeling cramped or limited. And there are fewer concerns with light and airflow than there would be with traditional walls in place.

Finding a dependable partner for your mesh curtain needs

Mesh curtains need to be study, carefully crafted and designed to meet the specifications you lay out for your project. Identifying a capable and trustworthy provider is critical in this context. Locker has more than 60 years of institutional experience providing products that exceed our customers needs. Our knowledgeable team of experts can help you work through the process and realise the exact type of curtain your project needs. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Architecture can be seen as both a science and an art. New developments in this field can stem from innovations related to efficiency, safety and performance. Purely aesthetic concerns can also drive new styles of construction. And a mix of both factors may also influence trends.

Understanding current and emerging architectural construction and design preferences can help your next facility in terms of improving operational costs and addressing environmental concerns, as well as creating a more eye-catching facade and pleasing interior. Consider these emerging architectural trends for 2020 and beyond.

Design trends have led to a variety of functional and visually appealing structures.

Understanding architectural design trends

Architectural work is incredibly complicated, as it has to successfully balance the intent and purpose of a structure with vital considerations like structural integrity and the safety of those in and around the building. Trends come and go, as they do with any type of art or design, but certain concepts can have plenty of staying power. These remain both useful and visually appealing long after a new fascination in the world of architecture emerges.

The concepts detailed below don't involve extremes or pushing design ideas to their practical limits. Instead, they incorporate current areas of interest and preferences while focusing on an all-around effective result in the long term.

Emphasis on outdoor areas and public spaces

International architectural firm RMJM highlighted one trend that can be relevant to all commercial and industrial construction projects: a focus on courtyards, greens and similar public spaces. There is a sustainability aspect tied to this emphasis on outdoor areas, in terms of encouraging individuals to spend time outside and consider their relationships with the local environment and natural world.

Of course, there are more practical benefits, too. A well-designed and carefully constructed public space – or an outdoor area set aside specifically for residents, employees and customers – offers a place for rest and relaxation and a change in setting from an indoor environment. Making this option available isn't particularly costly or complicated, but offers a clear benefit for many of the people who occasionally or regularly use the facility.

Outdoor areas still need to have protection from the elements and, in some cases, a sense of privacy or separation from fully public areas like sidewalks. Woven wire, for example, can serve as a durable and effective sun screen. This material can create a physical barrier when needed while still facilitating airflow and providing a level of visibility.

Blending of form and function

While discussion of and experimentation with the roles of form and function are nothing new in the world of architecture, this core design concept is re-emerging to the forefront, according to Build Australia. The website said a blending of both concepts into a dual-purpose goal is increasingly common among designers. This approach makes sense, as few architects, owners or tenants want to completely sacrifice one quality for the other. By bringing form and function together, the best qualities of both can be highlighted in a fashion that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful.

With a very broad underlying concept, there are many different ways in which architects can incorporate this blending of form and function into their designs. Perforated metal sheets can perform especially well in this role. The fabrication process for these panels allows for a wide range of variation in appearance while also providing practical advantages. And by providing effective sun screening and wind resistance without significantly disrupting airflow, building owners and operators can enjoy benefits such as lowered heating and cooling costs and more consistent internal temperatures.

Contemporary facades blend form and function for a top-notch result.

The rise of geometric motifs

Architectural Digest pointed to a building interior trend that draws on elements of modernism and art deco: bold colours and clean, sharp lines. This trend includes an emphasis on geometric patterns and related design elements. It stands in contrast to another trend mentioned by Architectural Design that emphasises earth tones and motifs based on plants and animals.

While the most visible applications are expected to be seen in home design and decorating, there is plenty of room for this trend within the world of commercial and industrial construction. Bright colours can be encouraging and motivating, and clean, connected geometric designs are often seen as eye-pleasing. A sense of uniformity and consistency has a home in many businesses, from offices to retail stores and plenty of other applications.

Expanded metal mesh provides many opportunities for catchy designs in both interior and exterior applications. By manufacturing each order to client specifications, we ensure your building has a durable material that meets your unique needs. The benefits of mesh when used as sun shading and in terms of facilitating airflow shouldn't be ignored, either.

Increased use of cladding

Although generally focused on residential trends and interior decoration, design website Houzz pointed to an emerging trend that could have a major impact on other types of architectural design and construction projects: metal cladding. This type of construction is far from unknown when it comes to industrial and commercial buildings, but the rationale behind its rise in popularity may also indicate room for increased use in those areas. Houzz said safety concerns tied to construction using combustible materials is one of the primary factors in the move to metal cladding, something that those who want a new facility, office space or retail location should also keep in mind.

Cladding can work in concert with perforated panels to create an effective mix of protection, pleasing aesthetics and a cohesive overall design. For example, cladding isn't desirable as an outer layer to windows and glass panels, but perforated metal sheets can offer effective protection from the elements and maintain visibility. With plenty of options for customisation based on overall aesthetics and the functional role of the perforated sheets, there are many different choices for stakeholders to explore when it comes to utilising perforated metal sheets.

Greener building options

Another 2020 architectural trend highlighted by Build Australia is increased sustainability in building materials. With eco-consciousness increasing among the general public, it's not surprising that more architects are reflecting this awareness and desire for change in their building plans and designs.

The ease with which materials can be reused and their longevity in multiple use cycles are core concerns in this respect. Build Australia highlighted different levels of durability among various building products, pointing out that wood and plastic have reuse potential but lose quality and are fit for fewer applications following each instance of recycling. Other materials, such as aluminium, hold up far better when repurposed for a new cycle of use. Aluminium's high potential for reuse and its general dependability in many construction applications make it a strong choice, especially because it is already incorporated into many building designs.

Laser cutting aluminium panels can help bring additional visual appeal and functionality to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Aluminium can be custom cut to produce a nearly endless array of designs and patterns, offering an eye-catching and pleasing design that can also allow light to filter through and encourage airflow. The deep customisability of this metal comes together with its extremely strong reuse potential to offer an effective and environmentally conscious solution for a variety of architectural considerations.

Finding the trend that works best for your project

Trends are very useful when it comes to identifying new and exciting ideas for a building project, both in the work architects do directly and the input provided by the many stakeholders in a large construction project. Just remember that you don't need to only choose from the latest or most popular trends when trying to create a concept for a building or fine-tuning its design. A more traditional approach accented with a few flourishes informed by trends can yield a final product that's just as satisfying as one specifically focused on the newest, most influential architectural trends.

Locker is here with experience, deep organisational knowledge and the technical ability to execute a wide variety of designs, including our visually stunning Pic Perf range. Our long standing in the industry means you have a dependable partner for your next construction project. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Metal screens have plenty of practical applications in residential and commercial structures. These screens can serve as a decoration, a functional component of the building or fulfil both roles at the same time.

Whether fabricated as a standard size panel or customised for unique projects, metal screens can address a wide range of widespread aesthetic and practical needs. There are also some less common applications in which these screens can be just as useful. Let's look at a few of them:

Metal screens can be deployed in a wide variety of shapes, colours, and orientations.

1. Branding and identification

Decorative metal screens may not be the first thing that comes to mind when your business starts to consider opportunities around branding your building or helping visitors identify it. But improvements in the tools and processes used to create screens have led to a variety of options on this front.

Our Pic Perf screens offer the opportunity to faithfully reproduce many logos, images and abstract patterns with a high degree of accuracy. There are few limits when it comes to implementing a custom design on a Pic Perf screen. Whether you want to use a wordmark or an image that makes your building's purpose clear, you can work with our team of experts to craft a solution that aligns with your goals.

With the right design factors taken into account, Pic Perf can also offer many of the practical benefits of metal screens. That includes benefits like protection from direct sun exposure and maximised airflow.

2. Privacy and protection

The need for privacy exists in settings ranging from restaurants and shopping centres to apartment buildings and office blocks. The right degree of separation from the outside world doesn't always require locked doors and windowless rooms, however.

Privacy screens can provide a happy medium between a bunker-like atmosphere and total exposure to the outside world. They limit visibility without completely cutting off the rest of an office floor or commercial space, creating a sense of openness that takes the aesthetics of a given area into account. When paired with a glass partition, screens can provide an effective barrier in terms of both visibility and sound.

Using metal screens for privacy isn't limited to internal applications, either. Facilities like medical centres, schools and many others can utilise laser-cut screen options to create a sense of separation without eliminating access to sunlight or visibility into the local area.

3. Balustrades

A balustrade is made up of a railing that's held securely in place by a support rising from the ground. While vertical columns are the first thought for many when it comes to balustrades, there are many options for decoration as well as functional support. Perforated screens can add a unique element to what is often simply a functional part of a building. Adding ornamentation to a transitional space like a stairwell can make the experience of moving through them a little more enjoyable.

4. Regulating temperature and sunlight exposure

Modern architectural screens tend to have an impressive appearance, whether they're made of expanded metal mesh, woven wire or a number of other materials. This is often the first thing an employee, visitor or passer-by will notice as they approach a structure. However, it's far from the only reason to include a screen in your construction or renovation plan.

Screens have a core practical function when placed outside exterior windows or in interior spaces that face substantial exposure to sunlight. By filtering sunlight without completely blocking it, metal screens can help to regulate temperature and exposure to sunlight. While some people who visit or work in a building may never notice the practical benefits of a metal screen used in this fashion, they'll more than likely enjoy the result.

5. Roofing

You wouldn't use a metal screen to cover the top of a building, of course. But what about an outdoor space for staff to enjoy their breaks, or an open green included in part of an outdoor shopping centre?

Using screens as roof replacements can offer practical and aesthetic benefits. Laser cut, perforated and many other types of metal screens can limit sun exposure without eliminating it, providing an enjoyable mix of light and shade. Pairing metal screens with a central walkway or seating area that includes a traditional roof structure can help protect employees, customers and visitors from the elements when needed, while offering a unique space on days with nicer weather.

Getting started with your own unique plans for metal screens

Whether you want to use the most traditional metal screen possible or have a truly unique idea for a design or application, you need a trustworthy provider who can assist you throughout the process. To learn more about your many options for metal screens, get in touch with our team of experts today.

A successful construction or renovation project has to ensure structural integrity and general usability above everything else. But a perfectly functional and safe building will leave something to be desired without a strong visual identity.

Aesthetics are a vital consideration when engaging in new construction or managing a major overhaul of an existing building. The right approach can make your structure more recognisable and memorable to everyone who interacts with it, whether in passing or on a daily basis.

Decorative metal is an excellent option for project managers who want to address the need for strong aesthetics. There are many different choices available, from bespoke designs to standardised patterns, in a variety of materials. Decorative metal can be implemented across a structure's exterior as well as in various internal applications. Whether your project needs cladding, a unique facade, engaging interior design work, or a mix of these design elements, there are a wide variety of decorative metal applications to consider.

Let's look at a handful of dependable, flexible, and eye-catching ways you can add flair to your next project through decorative metal.

Laser

Laser-cut designs in a substrate metal allow for many abstract or representational images and patterns to be faithfully replicated. Recent advances in technology, tools and processes mean laser designs can go far beyond regular or repeated shapes and designs. There are still best practices to keep in mind for ensuring a design isn't so intricate that it causes issues with cutting or the long-term stability of the finished product. Locker is here to help you streamline complicated designs and imagery to ensure the end result is of the highest quality.

Whether your plan focuses on a handful of small panels in key areas or dozens of them stretching across an interior or exterior wall, laser cutting can create intricate images and clean, eye-pleasing shapes. Combined with the many options available for coating and painting laser-cut metal, you can realise a wide variety of results.

Atmosphere panels bring together color, shape, and texture to support a building's aesthetic.

Atmosphere

An intriguing facade makes a great first impression to visitors, guests, workers, and residents. These architectural elements also serve practical purposes. With the right facade, a building can reduce its exposure to sunlight and heat, lowering cooling costs and making areas from offices to car parks more comfortable for those that use them.

Decorative metal used as a facade can evoke a recognisable form or abstract concept through perforations in the substrate layer as well as larger three-dimensional shapes made by aligning panels at an angle or crafting panels with ridges. Colour and finish also play crucial roles. Our Atmosphere offering takes all of these design considerations into account, providing you with a facade that closely aligns with your vision and needs. And detailed work by our engineering teams allows for fast and dependable installation.

Pic Perf

Perforated metal offers a number of advantages in terms of practicality and design. Pic Perf maintains the functional advantages, like regulating exposure to sunlight, with a more complex and powerful visual component. Our Pic Perf process allows you to incorporate imagery into metal sheets through perforations. Our detailed approach allows you to essentially print your company wordmark or logo, a visual representation of the building's purpose, or an abstract design onto metal sheets. The scale at which Pic Perf is created means a high degree of detail is possible.

These panels can serve as a partial or complete facade or as an accent piece, wall, or partial barrier on the inside of a building. The many options available for utilising Pic Perf make it that much more valuable when choosing key design elements for a new project.

Woven Wire Mesh

Wire mesh may sound simple compared to the other options we've reviewed, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Woven wire is available in many different substrates and designs, from the most traditional grids to much more detailed and uncommon weaves and patterns. Mesh offers many of the practical benefits that perforated metal provides in terms of limiting visibility and regulating exposure to sunlight. Coating and painting options offer additional opportunities for customisation. Wire mesh is an effective way to make a new project or major renovation stand out from other structures in the area.

Adding flair to your next project with a top-notch partner

At Locker, we provide a variety of perforated metal and wire mesh products focused on boosting design aesthetics and introducing a sense of flair to new construction projects and major renovations. With our industry experience, skilled technicians, carefully calibrated processes, and end-to-end support, you have a partner you can count on. To learn more, get in touch with one of our experts today.

When you develop the visual identity of a building, all details are important. While a major element, like a facade, can quickly catch the eye of passersby, the smaller individual components inside a structure work together to develop a sense of continuity, purpose and specific aesthetic.

In this context, it's important to consider the value of internal balustrade and how they contribute to the design, intent and purpose of your project. With the right application, these supporting structures can stand out in the eyes of all those who enter your building as well as help guide them through the space safely and as intended.

Let's go through a brief review of exactly what internal balustrades are, then consider some unique and eye-catching uses of them in a variety of building contexts.

What are internal balustrades?

A balustrade is a group of balusters, which themselves are individual structural forms. They're most commonly seen supporting staircase railings but can also be used in fencing and other applications. In the simplest terms, they're vertical posts connecting the floor and the railing or other object above.

Balustrades offer elements of both form and function. They might be intricately or simply styled, in line with the overall design concept of the structure they reside in or outside of. They play a key safety role as well, keeping people and objects from easily falling – an especially important need when serving as a barrier between a lower and higher level, like a balcony. These design elements can be made of wood, stone or a variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminium and other materials.

Internal balustrades, then, are just balustrades seen indoors. Because they aren't exposed to the elements on a regular basis, they can be coated, painted and otherwise designed with more freedom than exterior balustrades.

Interesting uses of internal balustrades

Floor-to-ceiling post balustrade

Balustrades can fulfil their function in a variety of forms. While internal balustrades are often designed to connect a railing and the steps or floor below it, this doesn't always have to be the case. Australian company Studio Black Interiors put a new spin on the common format by extending the balustrades next to a staircase from floor to ceiling.

This eye-catching concept still offers the protective, functional element of a balustrade, but does so in a novel way. This look could be executed with a number of different materials and finishes, such as stainless steel or a variety of coated metals. Depending on the needs of your specific project, a similar approach could help craft the visual identity of your main or ancillary stairwell.

Mesh screens as balustrades

The flexibility of the basic balustrade design concept is on display in this example that we fabricated. As opposed to keeping the posts between the steps and railing – or using posts at all – a reinforced wire screen plays the role of balustrade on the side of the staircase that's exposed to the floor below.

This foundational idea can be customised with a variety of individual specifications. You may choose to use woven wire as the screen material. Aluminium, stainless steel and other metals can offer the support and protection from heights needed while lending themselves to a visually impressive appearance.

Steel wire balustrade

Balustrades don't have to be strictly vertical elements. A combination of wide-spaced vertical posts with wire run between them adds a new dimension to the look while also addressing safety issues.

Netherlands-based Newstairs executed this concept on a balcony, creating an area that feels less confined without sacrificing any of the protection balustrades provide. Other, similar options for this approach include using stainless steel or aluminium balustrade panels to offer a mix of visibility and security on balconies.

A partner to help you make the most of internal balustrades

A great concept or design for a balustrade is only effective when you have an experienced, dependable partner to help craft, finish and deliver the necessary parts. Locker helps architects, builders and other stakeholders successfully execute their vision for new construction and renovations with a variety of standard and custom-made fabricated metal parts. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help turn your vision for your internal balustrades into a reality.

Perforated metal sheets offer a valuable combination of aesthetics and practicality. These architectural elements can be extensively customised, with a wide variety of patterns available. Perforated metal can help a structure stand out with a memorable appearance and address a number of issues common to midsize and large buildings.

Let’s look at some of the most important benefits perforated metal sheets provide, then review some intriguing patterns than can help your next project be uniquely memorable.

How do perforated metal sheets benefit my project?

There are many potential benefits that come with the careful placement of thoughtfully designed perforated metal sheets. They include:

• Strong visual identity: Perforated metal sheets make a clear statement to those who work in, live in or visit your building. They can also serve as a local landmark or attractive visual experience for those who pass by. With options like Pic Perf, your company can implement a totally original design. Whether it incorporates a corporate logo, distinct visuals related to the purpose of the facility or simply a novel pattern, Pic Perf emphasises fresh and engaging visuals.
• Acoustic adjustments: Perforated metal can positively influence the acoustics and overall audio environment in buildings where it’s used. The two major ways perforated metal influences acoustics are by acting as a facing for specially designed materials like acoustic foam and serving as a tuned resonant absorber, which absorbs sounds at a specific frequency.
• Privacy: Using perforated metal sheets near windows or as screens for outdoor areas can help limit the ability of the general public to see in without restricting those inside from seeing out. In buildings where privacy is required or desired, like medical facilities and business offices, perforated metal can serve as an elegant solution to a common problem. They can also be used to divide indoor spaces without totally sectioning them off from each other.
• Sunlight and heat regulation: Large windows are excellent portals to the outside world, helping those within a building spark creativity or simply check on the weather. But banks of windows can also allow an excessive amount of heat and light into buildings. Perforated metal sheets can deflect sunlight and the heat that comes with it, creating valuable shade and reducing cooling costs as well.

Intriguing patterns to consider in perforated metal sheets

The versatility of perforated steel and other metals is clear. Finding the right pattern can perfectly align aesthetics and practical use, making your project look, feel and function exactly how you want it to. Keep these seven popular hole pattern options in mind, and remember than there are so many others you can choose from.

1. Pic Perf: Anything you want it to be

Our Pic Perf product allows you to design almost any perforated metal pattern and apply it to steel or other types of metal base layers. Pic Perf often utilises stainless steel and aluminium and a number of coating treatments, including anodising, powder coating and electroplating. Our knowledgeable and experienced team capably combine imagery, substrate and coating to craft a completely customised final product. If you have a very specific vision in mind for your project and don’t want to rely on existing patterns, as versatile and striking as they can be, Pic Perf is the solution.

A curved sheet with square perforations offers a unique blend of rigidity and flexibility.

2. Grid and square patterns

A grid pattern provides a stable aesthetic, with a repeated, uniform visual appearance. This type of perforated metal sheet doesn’t have to be implemented in a standard square or rectangle shape, either. A curved sheet can blend the appearance of a natural wave form or evoke the feeling of the blowing wind while striking a balance with the soothing repetition of a square pattern. And with plenty of options for the size and spacing of the square perforations, you can address acoustic and privacy concerns with this type of perforated metal sheet as well.

3. Honeycomb pattern

Honeycombs have plenty of positive associations. Bees operate in highly efficient and organised societies. They store a product that is critical for bees’ own survival and is a common food and ingredient for across the world. A honeycomb is also visually pleasing, with hexagons neatly fitting together across surfaces large and small.

A honeycomb pattern can be used internally and externally, stretched across most of or an entire facade or in other, more targeted applications as privacy screens and fences. With many different sizes of honeycomb pattern available, there’s plenty of versatility too.

4. Champagne pattern

Utilising different-sized circular perforations, the champagne pattern offers a sense of whimsy that isn’t seen in more regimented styles like honeycomb and grid perforations. This eye-catching visual is easy to craft and install, making it a simple and direct choice despite its novel appearance. While still an abstract visual, the champagne pattern evokes a bubbly, happy atmosphere that can be used in a variety of settings.

5. Herringbone pattern

Herringbone is an enduringly popular pattern seen across classic and contemporary fashion, from military fatigues to wool suits. It even pops up as a common design on the soles of sneakers and other shoes. In terms of perforated metal sheets, the zigzagged rows of rectangles or parallelograms create a visually pleasing design that is orderly and neat, but becomes more and more intricate as a viewer spends the time to take a closer look. Herringbone is easily used in applications ranging from pure aesthetics to privacy and sun screens.

A mesh pattern can be effective inside and outside of buildings.

6. Mesh pattern

Small holes placed close together emphasise fine detail, creating a pattern that viewers can briefly lose themselves in. A mesh pattern is practical, too, in that it can help regulate sunlight and related heat exposure, as well as serve as an effective privacy screen when placed in the right area. Mesh’s uniformity, and the ability to use mesh patterns of different sizes across various parts of a facility, offers an effective mix of standardisation and customisation.

Finding the right partner for your perforated metal sheets

A dependable and experienced partner can help turn your vision for perforated metal sheets into reality. Locker has the knowledge, tools and staff needed to create standard and custom perforated metal that suits the specific need of your project. To learn more, get in touch with us today.