interiors
Design is the key
‘Modular stainless steel solutions are available on the market capable of
delivering the smooth,
flawless finish demanded by architects’
tive approach is provided by a system solution. Modular stainless steel solutions are available on the market capable of delivering the smooth, flaw- less finish demanded by architects alongside the required amount of versatility to suit the vast majority of applications. This type of system, effectively eliminates the
In a practical sense, balustrades provide com- mercial, leisure, public buildings and other properties with a safe and protective barrier for open spaces. However, they also present the opportunity for architects to dramatically enhance their corporate space with a stun- ning finish. Ian Page, general manager at Kee Safety Ltd, takes a closer look at the options.
B
alustrades are a significant element to any building. They have a primary functional purpose, which is safety and guidance for
users in staircase, balcony, gallery, parapet, ramp and other applications. But they also contribute significantly to the interior and exterior design aesthetic of the building. The smart, professionally installed and finished balustrading system is inte- gral to the design scheme and, by association, offers the potential to make a positive statement to the building’s users about the organisation where it is installed. There is plenty of choice on the market.
Typically, architects can choose from balustrades that are designed and manufactured as a bespoke solution specifically to meet the needs of the project or system solutions. Material options extend right across the spectrum, embracing tra- ditional materials such as wood in all its types, shades and textures to copper, brass and, increas- ingly the favourite choice for many office and other building spaces, stainless steel. Bespoke stainless steel solutions present par-
ticular challenges for the manufacturer. High quality welding is essential to create the desired perfect finish. In talking with architects about their experiences, it would be fair to say that this
quality can be an irritatingly unpredictable variable on many projects. It depends on the manufacturer selected for a specific scheme, the skills of their craftsmen and their own quality control procedures. If the welding is not uniformly ground smooth,
or if the stainless steel tube itself has been damaged because of a poor grinding process, then the aesthetic results will be disappointing. On a bespoke stainless steel solution, these issues will also present problems in efforts to create a uniform finish to the balusters and handrails. The impact of these problems will inevitably be project delays, extra costs and the potential for site conflict with the balustrading supplier, which could equally prove unsettling in the relationship with the client. Bespoke fabrica- tion is a high risk business. When working with stainless steel, an alterna-
need for the specialist welding or fabrication skills used in bespoke manufactured balustrading. Included within the component range are stain- less steel handrails and balusters in grades (316) 1.4401 and (304) 1.4301, frameless glass balustrades, wooden handrails and a variety of dif- ferent infill options. Since just a few basic tools are required, it is
especially easy to handle and a quick to assemble solution. The result is a system that is versatile enough to join the stainless steel tube into almost any required configuration, with the added support typically provided by the manufac- turer, to assist specifiers with design and instal- lation, if required. The quality, cleanness and reliability of the
finish is assured with this type of system. So too is its strength and safety, removing any uncer- tainty with compliance issues that might be faced when specifying a bespoke solution. Building Regulations’ approved document K sets out the statutory requirements for handrails and balustrades, with the required design loads, limit- ing deflections and guarding heights established in BS 6399-1 and BS 6180. In the current economic climate, reducing cost
is a key priority on many projects. Because modular stainless steel systems use standard components, they are proven to save on design and installation costs, without compromising on the quality of the finished design. Using these components also ensures that a uniform appear- ance is achieved with an excellent consistency in the quality of the overall aesthetics. When it comes to stainless steel balustrading, the system approach not only costs less but is also sure to look great aesthetically, as well as taking much of the uncertainty and risk out of the project for the design and build team.
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