APPOINTMENTS & COMPANY NEWS 63


If site-fi nished materials are specifi ed, such as GRG or plain MDF and plywood, it’s likely that scaffolding will need to be erected, then dismantled, relocated and rebuilt, so that each column can be fi nished in turn. This clearly, adds avoidable time and cost to the building programme and is an issue than can be removed at the specifi cation stage. Casing shape is not only a matter of personal preference but is also driven by the elements that need to be concealed. In many applications, the column casing will be enclosing a single column or structural support, which usually results in circular sections being favoured for aesthetic and ergonomic reasons, given the wide choice of diameters and fi nishes available.


Form and function However, where building utilities, such as electrical cabling, air conditioning system components or pipework are secured to structural supports, a circular shape could prove impractical, as the diameter may need to be over-sized, purely to accommodate the additional services. An alternative solution would be to use, rectangular,


designs, allowing the elements to be concealed effectively


while


elliptical or extended circle minimising


the casing’s


footprint and maximising fl oor space. Specifi ers can also utilise the external


surfaces of column casing to locate electrical sockets, lighting, signage, security cameras and television screens among other items. This can help provide additional benefi ts for shops, schools and other buildings, where space is generally at a premium, but may also have an infl uence on the casing shape and material. For example, where electrical sockets are


fi xed to the column casing, it might be more practical to specify a square or rectangular casing solution with a fl at surface, rather than curved. Also, if the casing is to support lighting, cameras or mirrors, shape becomes less of an issue, but the casing itself


NEC Piazza – Birmingham


Stacked column casings – Devonshire House – Newcastle University


needs to be robust enough to support the weight and allow the fi xing of the necessary support brackets. It’s also worth noting that with very few exceptions, all column casings will need to incorporate adjustable recessed head and skirting collars as part of the specifi cation.


In almost all cases, price tends to be driven by several factors, in addition to material choice. The size, shape and fi nish should be considered, as well as whether the casings are a ‘standard’ or a bespoke manufactured items. Typically, MDF and plywood casings can be specifi ed from a standard range while GRG and GRP moulded casings allow a high degree of versatility for bespoke solutions. As metal casings are bespoke manufactured, this usually attracts a price premium, as they are specifi ed to meet unique dimensions, forms, fi nishes and other dedicated project criteria.


For assistance with specifying any Radius column casing, please call Pendock, visit the website,


or e-mail technical@pendock.co.uk


01952 580 590 www.pendock.co.uk


These provide a level of dimensional fl exibility, at both design and installation stages, allowing any variation in the fl oor to ceiling height to be accommodated. This is particularly helpful in multiple column installations where the casing heights can be kept the same and any gaps, top or bottom, are fi lled by the sliding collars.


Virgin Active gym – London


Comparative cost As a general guide, in terms of budget, laminated-faced plywood products are the most cost effective, followed by aluminium and GRP options, with stainless steel being the most expensive material.


ADF05_Pendock_DPS ADV.indd 3 ADF MAY 2023


Rectangular plywood casings – Waltham Forest Library


11/05/2023 11:30 WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK


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