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Stainless Steel Washrooms
Stand The Test Of Time
are exploiting the possibilities it offers in terms
of aesthetics and performance. Some of the
most stunningly designed washrooms use
stainless steel as the central visual theme.
When this is used with complementary
materials such as glass, concrete and marble
and carefully planned lighting, it creates some
amazing architectural forms. These aesthetic
qualities have been used to great effect in many
projects to such an extent that the design of the
washroom has become as prominent as any
other space in the development.
It is the aesthetics of stainless steel that first
attracts many clients, along with the fact that the
material, as well as the design, is unlikely to date.
Even now, some of the most iconic buildings
that used stainless steel continue to look as
contemporary as the day they were built.
Take, for example, the stainless steel pinnacle of
the Chrysler building in New York which, built in
1928, continues to present a modern and fresh
image for the 21st century. Here in the UK the
Lloyds building, which was designed by
Richard Rogers in the early eighties, is
largely constructed from stainless steel and
glass – one of its most unusual features is
that the lifts are placed on the outside.
Having become one of the capitals most
recognizable buildings, the combination of
Specifying washrooms that provide these two materials will ensure it remains a
clients with quality products on time timeless landmark in the centre of
and on budget is a crucial London’s financial centre. So iconic has
requirement. However, as well as the design become that there is now even
this, the latest trend is a move a gift shop within the building selling prints,
towards high aesthetics, with most books and souvenirs.
hotels, clubs and restaurants now In terms of washrooms, stainless steel is
also expecting well designed and now being used extensively in bars and
stylish washroom facilities. restaurants and we have seen examples
The result is that stainless steel is where it has been combined with
becoming the material of choice. elements such as lighting to create a
Steve Duree, Commercial Director at stunning visual appearance. Depending
Pland Stainless, takes a look at the on the effect desired by the architect,
reasons for this increase in popularity. stainless steel is offered with either a
polished or satin finish. The trend at the
s a material, stainless steel, when moment is definitely towards satin finish
A
used in washrooms, offers on the larger flat surfaces, which has
numerous benefits. Principally, it grown in popularity for washrooms
is corrosion resistant which because it creates the minimalistic
means that it won’t be affected appearance sought by architects looking
by the surrounding environment. The fact that for purity of design. The finish is also
stainless steel is hygienic because it is easy to steel its beneficial characteristics. perfect for high traffic areas because it reduces
clean makes it an ideal choice for washrooms Its ability to self renew means that if damaged the visibility of scratches and other blemishes.
and the reason why it is also used in or scratched, the protective film reforms The use of stainless steel as an architectural
applications where strict hygiene conditions are immediately, making it ideal for use in element of modern buildings continues to grow.
required, such as hospitals, laboratories, washrooms where there are high traffic levels, Many more prestigious buildings are now using
kitchens and food processing plants. such as bars, restaurants and schools. the material for internal fittings as well as for
The key element of stainless steel that gives it However, more recently, it is the aesthetics of roofing, cladding and structural components.
these properties is the minimum percentage stainless steel that has resulted in a resurgence From the Chrysler Building in New York to The
(18 per cent) of chromium. of use amongst an increasing number of Sage at Gateshead, stainless steel is one of the
The chromium has a great affinity for oxygen projects. The pure design quality of stainless most striking and versatile materials. When
and during the manufacture of the steel, it forms steel conveys a timeless modernity to any used in washrooms it offers physical as well as
a passive chromium-rich oxide layer on the element of a building and is one of the reasons aesthetic benefits and provides clients with a
surface. Although only one to five nanometers why it is now preferred by many clients. purity and longevity of design rarely found in
are completely invisible, this layer gives stainless Architects and designers throughout the world other materials.
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