INTERIOR AND DESIGN A stand out staircase
Italian architect Rossi Rolando was tasked by the paint company Pintarelli Verniciature with designing a staircase that would look great, offer the appropriate protection and at the same time act as an advertisement for the company. A tough task, but he rose to the challenge with the help of MEVACO perforated sheeting. The main task of Rossi was to design a staircase with intensity and panache in the Pintarelli Verniciature company building, which dates from the 1980s. He had to show what Pintarelli Verniciature can offer its customers as well as fulfil additional requirements such as safety. The staircase covering had to provide all-round protection, something which is a given with aluminium perforated sheeting, thickness 3mm, due to its inherent stability. Roland Rossi could then draw on unlimited resources when it came to what colours to use. The specially produced MEVACO perforated sheet elements R5 T8 literally became a ‘living’ sample wall in 20 different RAL colours. “I alternately mounted the individual parts at right angles as well as slightly inclined,” Rossi says. “The wall thus unfolds like a leporello design.” As the area involved was up to 7.5m high, Rossi initially created a model in order to visualise his idea. “I then designed the frame on which the perforated sheeting could be mounted,” Rossi explains. Next to it runs a narrow, high glass element. This is lit up from the inside at night. “The subsequent mysterious appeal of the ‘living’ sample wall thus provides the ideal foil to the airy/light design during the day,” Rossi says. The Italian architect is intrigued by the ease with which the material can be processed. “If it was always as easy as it is with perforated sheeting, then my job would be a lot easier. It was also not a problem to subsequently paint the powder-coated sheets,” Rossi concludes. What appeared at first to be a mission impossible turned out to be a walk in the park, thanks to the wide range of application options possible with perforated sheeting. For more information visit
www.mevaco.co.uk
Get the best of bothworlds
With ‘Ultimate’ Bi-foldingDoors from SlidersUK, architects no longer have to sacrifice style for security for what potentially offers the greatest sight lines and access points into a building. Indeed, architects can now benefit from the best of both worlds, by specifying a product that is not only stylish but which is also officially themost secure on themarket. In early 2011, SlidersUK set a new standard for bi-fold security and innovation when its ‘Ultimate’ range became the first to be awarded Police Secured byDesign accreditation. To date, no other bi-folding door has officially satisfied the stringent security standards set by the Secured byDesign initiative, which is operated by theUK’s Association for Chief PoliceOfficers. Thismeans that, in terms of security and crime prevention, Sliders’ ‘Ultimate’ Bi-foldingDoors retain ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status. Sliders’ Secured byDesign approval followed a period of intensive product development and independent testing, after which it was confirmed that Sliders’ bi-folding doors do in fact stand up to their name in providing ‘ultimate security’ and resistance to guard properties against burglars. Sliders’ ‘Ultimate’ PatioDoors also carry the same Secured byDesign approval, having also been the first product in their category to be accredited in 2009. Ian Longbottom, director of SlidersUKsays: “Bi-folding doors have become an increasingly popular style choice for traditional and contemporary properties, new build and refurb, alike - linking rooms together and seamlessly joining inside living with outdoor space.However, as they represent a significant investment, it is important that bi-folds not only look good but are fully secure.With our ‘Ultimate’ doors we have achieved both.” The sleek design of Sliders’ ‘Ultimate’ bi-folding doors and its availability in a wide range of colours and woodgrain effect finishes, is combined with an ultra strong PVC/aluminiumcomposite frame as well as a range of enhanced, high security features, to deliver themost innovative and secure bi- folding door available in theUKtoday. Security features include a uniquely designed, PAS 24 approved hook locking systemwith kite-marked anti-snap/anti- bump cylinders; secure, low level keep plates; and a strong aluminiumsub-frame with quadruple seals on all sash joints. For added assurance and peace of mind, SlidersUKalso offers its bi-folds with a 10-year security guarantee. For more information telephone 01772 698 222 or visit
www.sliders-uk.com
ArchitectNews.co.uk | Architects Choice | 25
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