INTERIORS
83 Specifying for high performance
Vernon Charles of Prospec offers a route through the specification minefield for washroom surface materials and storage
identity and cement a business’ reputation. But while manufacturers are ready to offer a wide range of solutions and design enhancements, it’s crucial for specifiers to make the right choice regarding materials for the specific operating environment. Materials choice is the main element that will ultimately determine the products performance and style. There are a wide range of panel materials offering different finishes and levels of performance, with laminated and single toughened glass and compact grade laminate the most often specified materials for cubicles and lockers in sports and leisure.
W Unlocking the options
Glass has wide application and is particu- larly suitable for high-end facilities and finishes. It can be used for cubicles, lockers, IPS and wall panels, and even vanities; a popular choice for wet or dry areas in exclusive leisure centres, hotels, spas, golf clubs and offices. Single sheet glass, often referred to as ‘back painted’ glass, has coloured ceramic paint applied to one side. The painted side would then be bonded to a substrate (e.g for IPS panels) with the opposite face being the final finish – hence the name ‘back painted’. Toughened and laminated glass is usually two sheets of glass bonded together with an ethylene vinyl acetate interlayer, which is coloured by bonding single ceramic painted glass sheets together. This process also allows the incorporation of hidden fixings, creates overlaps for a flush-fronted cubicle appearance and can provide a different colour for either side (achieved by bonding two different coloured sheets together). Laminated glass is more durable in service and in the unlikely event of a critical impact one side it will often remain intact by ‘holding’ the damaged sheet safely in place.
If white or lighter colours are required,
owing visitors with bespoke design and elaborate finishes in washrooms can boost brand
it is important to specify low iron opti- white glass that has a purer and easier to match colour. Standard float includes iron contamination that produces a green tinge, which can be difficult to match. Almost any RAL colour finish can be produced on glass, including patterns such as metallic and large format high-resolution bespoke prints. Glass panels must be finished with a radius or bevelled edge to eliminate sharp, square edges. All holes and cut outs must be predetermined before manufacturing, and it is vital that this is done before the ‘toughening’ process as glass cannot be reworked once toughened.
When faced with the task to fit out high- usage facilities such as leisure centres, sports stadiums, prisons, hospitals or schools, specifiers can choose solid grade laminate (SGL). Also known as compact grade laminate, this material is extremely durable, vandal-resistant and impervious to water.
SGL is made of compressed sheets of kraft paper, impregnated and polymerised
ADF FEBRUARY 2017
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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