Rigid wire mesh for architecture

Innovative design in the Spanish capital

The renovated Edificio Celes Office Building is located in the heart of Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital. The project, designed by Touza Arquitectos, was completed in 2020. The challenge here was to give the old building a modern look while at the same time making functional improvements. This is where the DOGLA-TRIO 1033 architectural mesh from Haver & Boecker came into play, which was used over 600 square metres in three different areas and is mainly used for solar shading.

Versatile application options for the mesh

The project required the delivery of ready-to-install elements for façades, balustrades and pergolas. These different applications presented particular challenges, as the same mesh specification had to be used for all of them. Therefore the used HAVER Architectural Mesh DOGLA-TRIO 1033, which, with an open area of around 67% and a weight of 6.5 kg/m², is not only visually appealing but also functional. Nine large pergola elements measuring 4 m x 2.4 m made a decisive contribution to the modern and elegant aesthetics as well as the effectiveness of the sun protection.

Architectural mesh as a sustainable solution

The DOGLA-TRIO 1033 is characterised by its semi-transparent structure, which is suitable for use as façade cladding, balustrades or interior cladding. Stainless steel architectural wire mesh combines unique aesthetics with reliable safety and robust durability. They are maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable after use. These properties make stainless steel wire mesh an ideal solution for modern construction projects such as the Edificio Celes Office Building. Thanks to its three different applications, the building is a prime example of the versatility and sustainable value added by our Architectural Mesh.

The Fortis City Hotel in Pleven, Bulgaria, is a new modern hotel, which opened in 2008. The architects' intend was to emphasive the exclusiveness of the hotel by the appearance of the exterior facade.

For this reason it was decided to use architectural wire mesh, which at the same time offers privacy for the hotel guests. To accomodate these requirements, HAVER & BOECKER developed the new architectural mesh specificaton DOGLA-TRIO 1033.

The facade elements are 5,60 m high with one intermediate mounting level. A total of 237 m² of this material were used. Haver & Boecker supplied ready-to-install panels.

Located towards Mont Blanc, Les Arc is one of the most famous ski resorts in the French Alps. Above the Isère valley, the ski resort, surrounded by forests and precipices, is comprised by 4 villages: Les Arcs 1600, Les Arcs 1800, Les Arcs 1950 and Les Arcs 2000.

As a connection between the new indoor swimming pool in Les Arcs 1800, a new elevator and stair tower was designed by the architect Yves de Preval. The tower received a wire mesh cladding from HAVER Architectural Mesh DOGLA-TRIO 1033. The stainless steel wire mesh DOGLA-TRIO is a robust meshtype, which gets its structure from clusters of vertical wires. In close up DOGLA-TRIO looks very robust but when viewed from a distance it appears as a delicate fabric.

Depending on sun reflection and viewing angles, the semi-transparent cladding made of wire mesh DOGLA-TRIO 1033 appears from the outside opaque or transparent. And from the inside, the wire mesh with its open area of 67 % does not affect the stunning panoramic view of the Alps.

HAVER & BOECKER supplied in total 473 m² of architectural wire mesh cladding for the stair tower in Les Arcs 1800.

The housing shortage in many urban centers and also in the greater area of Paris is a major problem, especially for young people. To address this problem a new students´ hostel was built in St. Denis, a vibrant and modern city in the north of Paris.  Numerous cultural events and places of interest such as the Gothic Saint-Denis Basilica, the Cité Européenne du Cinéma or the national stadium Stade de France characterize the regional cityscape.

One striking feature of the newly constructed student accommodation is the golden façade.

Architect Alain SARFATI chose HAVER Architectural Mesh for the façade design. The golden façade is not only eye-catching but provides effective sun protection. To meet with the technical demands wire mesh type DOKA-MONO 1851 was selected.

The combination of a square mesh type and 58 % transparency provides the façade with a homogeneous golden curtain. The architectural mesh follows the aesthetic holistic of the building without significantly compromising the view from the inside through the windows. To achieve the golden appearance the stainless steel mesh was given a coloured PET coating.

The complex geometry of 28 mesh elements, each with a length of 24 meters was tensioned at the substructure using flat tension profiles, clevis screws and pressure springs. For the required intermediate fixing round bars located behind the wire mesh were used.


Photos: © Gérard Tordjman

According to plans by the architect Sascha Werth, a two-storey building was built on the banks of Germany's third-largest water reservoir, which offers with an area of around 600 m² plenty of space for training rooms, boats and material storage as well as apartments for students.

Eyecatcher is a transparent sail of made wire mesh. The 7 m high and 5 m wide sail was made from HAVER Architectural Mesh DOKA-MONO 1851.

Six elements create a total facade area of approximately 12 x 12 meters. The logo and the script of GEG were painted onto the mesh as per the template by the customer. The logo spans over 4 elements and was painted onto the mesh prior to shipping.

To install the panels HAVER & BOECKER's standard mounting system "Flat tension profile with clevis screw" was used.

The Dolphin Village, a residential resort community, is located in the heart of the Bausher area of Muscat (Oman). It´s location between mountains, sand dunes and the City & Gulf of Oman is unique. During an extension of the resort, 290 m² HAVER Architectural Mesh were used for balustrades and guardrails.

HAVER & BOECKER supplied prefabricated wire mesh elements that were installed by local metalworkers.

52 mesh elements, each element with a height of 9.50 m and a width of 2.50 m, were installed.

HAVER & BOECKER supplied ready-to-install architectural wire mesh elements with a total surface of 1200 m² and supported the local contractor during the installation.

Sustainability meets modern architecture

The ‘Seguros Atlas’ office building was completed in 2023 and is a project by the renowned architectural firm Vega Arquitectos Asociados S.A. DE C.V. With a total area of 870 square metres, the building's façade was clad with EGLA-TWIN 4253 architectural mesh. This metal wire mesh is particularly known for its versatility and aesthetic properties. With a weight of approx. 6.0 kg/m² and an open area of around 51%, it creates an optimum balance between light transmission and solar protection.

The use of this special mesh as a façade material has several objectives: It serves as effective solar shading, minimises heat transfer through solar radiation and therefore contributes significantly to reducing energy consumption. The fabric façade not only contributes to the aesthetic enhancement of the building, but is also an important step towards sustainable construction.

Technical details and challenges

The mesh elements were manufactured in sizes of around 16 x 2.5 metres and assembled using clamping edges and clevis screws as well as the tubes of the intermediate connection. This construction not only provides stability, but also enables flexible adaptation to the architectural requirements. A particular challenge of the project was to effectively control solar radiation in order to reduce energy consumption through cooling. The EGLA-TWIN 4253 specification chosen has proven to be particularly effective in this respect (studies by ZAE Bayern).

The EGLA-TWIN 4253 architectural mesh is very popular for façades due to its filigree, textile-like structure. The direction of the mesh can be freely selected, which offers additional design freedom. In addition, architectural mesh is maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable after use, making it an extremely sustainable choice for modern construction projects.

A pioneering project

The ‘Seguros Atlas’ office building in Santiago de Querétaro is a prime example of how innovative materials and well thought-out design can go hand in hand to fulfil both functional and aesthetic requirements. The use of Haver & Boecker's architectural mesh shows that sustainable architecture is not only possible, but can also be extremely attractive.

With this project, Haver & Boecker is setting new standards in the field of façade design. The combination of unique aesthetics, reliable safety, minimal maintenance and robust durability makes architectural mesh an ideal solution for modern construction projects. The ‘Seguros Atlas’ office building is not only an eye-catcher in the Centro Sur district, but also a pioneer for sustainable and energy-efficient construction in Mexico.

Photos: © Porcer, S.A. de C.V.

On the grounds of the former Colbert Hospital in Nerves, France, the new medical centre "Maison des Spécialistes" opened in 2017. Up to ten medical specialists from different fields meet the demand for high-quality medicine in view of a generally growing shortage of doctors and an increasingly ageing population.

HAVER Architectural Mesh: aesthetic cladding and sun protection at the same time
The architectural office Atelier Bentejac placed particular emphasis on the building's representative external appearance when planning the new medical centre. The entrance area is covered with HAVER Architectural Mesh type EGLA-TWIN 4253, which perfectly matches the architect's design. The EGLA-TWIN mesh type is characterised by its smooth surface on one side, which reflects the light across a very wide plane. For façades, EGLA-TWIN is particularly popular due to its solar protection properties and its filigree and fabric-like appearance.

Due to the transparent characteristic of the wire mesh, the reception area behind the mesh elements is protected on the one hand from direct sunlight and on the other hand, it is supplied with sufficient daylight.

Sixteen 10 m long and 2.50 m wide ready-to-install wire mesh elements were installed by Haver & Boecker. The elements were attached by using the proven mounting system of flat tension profiles, clevis bolts and pressure springs.

Photo: © Thierry Bonnat

Located next to the Arlington International Racecourse in Illinois, The Arlington Downs development is designed with an urban feel. One Arlington Apartments sits 13 stories high on the development, offering 214 luxury apartment units to Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs.

The Mandate
One Arlington Apartments was once the home of Sheraton Chicago Northwest hotel. With the help of the architects at Pappageorge Haymes Partners, the old shuttered hotel was revitalized into a lively apartment building.

The Challenge
The architects needed a breathable system to screen several mechanical louvers on the front of the building. The system needed to fit their design intent while still meeting open area requirements for the mechanical systems.

Solution
Haver & Boecker was able to meet all requirements for the One Arlington project with their wire mesh. HAVER Architectural Mesh offered a system with reduced visible anchors and seems between panels, while also being able to provide woven panels large enough to cover 3,200 square feet. Combined with meeting the opening requirements for the building, HAVER Architectural Wire Mesh was the perfect design solution.

To reduce visual transparency from the street but still allow for direct airflow, the architects decided to use the very versatile wire mesh <link _top mesh egla-twin>EGLA-TWIN 4253. With its smooth flat surface on one side which reflects light homogenously and an open area of 51 %, this stainless steel mesh is very popular as a filigree textile outer skin on Façades.

The Result
The mesh adds an attractive integration into the building design and the collaboration was a complete success.


Photos: © 2017 Pappageorge Haymes Partners

This medieval ruin was partially reconstructed using steel beam construction. The ensemble was completed with new buildings. The "Palas", some bridges and the transmitting tower were clad with wire cloth of EGLA-TWIN 4253, which trace the volume of the structure and emphasize the character of the masonry in a modern way.

This project comprised the installation by a HAVER & BOECKER Team and the development of suitable mounting techniques.

Not only new sport arenas were built for the Olmpic Games 2004 in Athens, Greece. Many other buildings have been upgraded for this event. The Benaki Museum for example was equipped with a facade cladding consisting of 361 m² of stainless steel wire mesh type EGLA-TWIN 4253. 12 equal elements were installed using the HAVER & BOECKER tensioning mechanism flat tension profile with clevis screws. At the bottom additional tension springs were incorporated. For the intermediate mountings of the 14,30 m large elements wire connectors have been used.

This new modern building has been built to house art exhibitions, gallery and cultural events on behalf of the Benaki Museum Organisation. The structure incorporates an atrium for several open space events.

EGLA-TWIN 4253 panels lend a dense feeling to the façade whilst at the same time they reflect and diffuse the spotlights creating interesting reflection shapes. This wire mesh specification offers adequate sun protection of the south facing facade of the atrium.

Challenge:

• Improving acoustics in the performing arts centre
• Modern amibitious design
• Enhancing the lighting effects

Solution:

• Tensiong of extensive elements with flat tension profile and clevis screw
• Designated wire cloth to create varying light effects from different viewing angles

In the end they decided to use the architectural wire mesh specification EGLA-TWIN 4253, which offers a good visual protection and still allows natural air ventilation.

HAVER & BOECKER supplied ready-to-install panels with a total surface of 1750 m².

In the staircase of the entrance hall this wall cladding with EGLA-TWIN 4253 arose. The wire cloth elements are covered with a flat U-shaped profile all around the perimeter.

Many special elements with one-sided angular cuts add to the charm of this project.

Three elements made from architectural mesh EGLA-TWIN 4253 are separately fed with water. Each element receives a run of water for a certain period of time. The interruption of the water flow creates unique effects.

When people are coming close to the water wall, the water flow is interrupted as well. At dawn and at night the fountain is illuminated from the back.

Wire mesh elements with a width of 1.25 m and heights of 2.0 m up to 10.0 m were used to form ceiling linings and decorative partitions.

The horizontal ceiling panels are mounted in such a way that they deflect light to the areas beneath the ceiling. The sail shapes of the elements make the ceiling appear delicate and lightweight. The vertical partitions are made from a version of HAVER EGLA-TWIN that has a special feature! EGLA-TWIN VARIO has varying aperture sizes which creates different levels of transparency throughout the large mesh elements.

In some areas the wire mesh appears transparent and translucent. Whilst in other areas the mesh appears opaque and more light reflective. The changing transparency creates visual interest, opening up new vistas.

Challenge:

• Optical upgrading of existing buildings
• Securing houses from unwanted guests
• Avoid joints in the corners

Solution:

• Selection of specification that meets the architectural demands
• H&B-System flat tension profile and clevis screw
• Special corner elements - they cross the corners.
• Supply of ready-to-install elements

The new building extension of Technolit GmbH, the welding and workshop expert  in the hessian Town Großenlüder, received a façade cladding with HAVER Architectural Mesh to visual enhance the optical appearance of the external staircase.

Due to the fact, that the staircase should be used as a recreation area for the staff as well, the architects Staubach + Partner searched for a façade cladding that is on the one hand visually appealing and on the other hand ensures optimum air circulation.

The architects decided on a semitransparent wire mesh by HAVER & BOECKER. The chosen HAVER Architectural Mesh EGLA-TWIN 4253 with its smooth surface on one side reflects light homogenously. To enhance the public image of the company, the wire mesh cladding received a painted logo and an illumination. 11 LED-Liners are positioned at the base of the mesh cladding to illuminate the mesh façade. Only one LED-Liner is necessary to illuminate the total height (17m) of the façade.

HAVER & BOECKER supplied 276 m² ready to install mesh elements with painting and arranged the wire mesh assembly with the commissioning as well as the programming of the wire mesh illumination.

Stainless steel wire mesh can be utilized to filter sunrays, creating an aesthetic sun protection screen while maintaining a cool, comfortable temperature inside the building.

These reasons also convinced the architects at Studio Inhomogeneo SC. For their sun screen façade in Polanco they chose the HAVER Architectural Mesh EGLA-TWIN 4253. This wire mesh is characterized by its smooth flat surface on one side which reflects the sun light homogenously. In total three wire mesh elements of 6.50 m length and 2.90 m width are mounted over the three floors of the new renovated office building. The mounting consist of tension profiles, clevis screws and pressure springs.

The transparent character of the wire mesh cladding complements the optical effect of the facade and provides a good view out of the building.

Photos by: Carla Danieli Photograpy

At this bike station in Bergisch Gladbach the HAVER Architectural Mesh EGLA-TWIN 4253 was used. The robust facade cladding acts as a theft protection.

The new building in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, was clad with HAVER Architectural Mesh EGLA-TWIN 4253. This wire mesh is characterized by its smooth flat surface on one side, which reflects light homogenously. With an open area of 61 % and a horizontal mesh pattern, the mesh is suitable as an effective sun protection. At the same time, the semi-transparent stainless steel mesh maintains the look of the building from both inside and outside.

Haver & Boecker supplied a total of 12 ready-to-install mesh elements for the facade cladding, including fastening technology.
 

On the former site of the Volg Wineries in Winterthur, Switzerland, the architectural company Beat Rothen Architektur GmbH created a new area of residential and commercial space. The new area "Zur Weinlese" consists of 125 rental apartments and around 950 m² of commercial space.

The project is named after the wall painting "Weinlese" by the Swiss artist Heinrich Danioth, painted in 1943. The listed sgraffito is located on the old winery warehouse. The Tower is the only surviving building of the former complex and offers space for studio and residential uses as well as commercial units. The houses in the southern part of the area were replaced by two new rows of houses with family-friendly 1½- to 4½-room apartments.

Textile elegance and lightness through HAVER Architectural Mesh.
As fall protection, stainless steel mesh provides robust safety and creates transparency and privacy, depending on the mesh and the viewer's perspective. Despite its stability, Architectural Mesh nevertheless creates a textile elegance and lightness.

The HAVER Architectural Mesh EGLA-TWIN 4253 was used as fall protection for the staircases as well as for the balustrade infills of the balconies. With its smooth surface on one side, the wire mesh EGLA-TWIN has a uniform surface that reflects light homogenously. The final finish of the stainless steel mesh is provided by a lacquering in "Perlgold" RAL 1036.

Haver & Boecker supplied a total of 428 m² ready-to-install wire mesh elements for the entire project.

To spice up the LAPD MTD+MSP Parking Garage JFAK Architects opted to create a unique facade made from woven wire mesh. Additionally the imaginary façade concept showed a leaf design and an undulating shape.

Together with our US subsidiary W.S. Tyler, HAVER & BOECKER was first faced with these tasks by the architect in the summer of 2005. Almost exactly four years later 49 architectural wire mesh panels for a total quantity of just under 1300 m² were installed.

To realize the undulating form of the facade, the wire mesh panels, which are made from EGLA-MONO 4832, are split into vertically and horizontally tensioned elements. 34 vertical panels are up to 13500 mm long and 2440 mm wide. The horizontal canopy consists of 12 panels with a maximum length of 5750 mm in the same width.

Additonally three straight panels were installed at the side of the parking garage. These elements are 13100 mm long and 1830 mm wide.

All panels are equipped with the HAVER & BOECKER standard mounting system "flat tension profile with clevis bolts". Pressure springs allow for perfect tensioning, while wire connectors are used to the secure the mesh at the intermediate mounting levels.

The painting is an overlay of larger and smaller leaves, some painted in two different green shades, some not. The architect decided to not paint the initally existing third "color" to keep some of the sparkle and reflective quality of the stainless steel. The lacquering was the very last manufacturing step just prior to shipping the material from Germany to Los Angeles.

The new courthouse at Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, France, has fundamentally changed the judicial life of the island. Previously the services of the Supreme Court were spread over several locations - now they are concentrated in a single court building comprising three courtrooms.

"Apart from the technical constraints underlying the acute function of the services, each court building inevitably poses a challenge to the architecture," said the architect. The new building planned by Ignacio Prego Architects is a contemporary reinterpretation of the profound symbolism of the judicial area. Located in the heart of the city, the building is designed to reconcile the citizens with the authority of justice. The result is a low, highly glazed building that faces people with a transparent and open appearance, giving them confidence. With its traditionally wide and thick walls, the Palace of Justice symbolises strength and power, while at the same time its additional façade design – in contrast to usual authoritarian codes of judicial architecture – evokes openness and transparency. Due the glazed façade surfaces facing the street, the Palace of Justice also shows transparency in its function.

Sun protection made of HAVER Architectural Mesh with varying open areas
Heavy rainfall and constantly high temperatures characterize the tropical climate of Pointe-à-Pitre. Trade winds, high humidity and particularly intense sunlight pose a great challenge for the building design. Therefore, the selection of materials and the air conditioning of the building were important aspects in the design of the Palace of Justice.

HAVER Architectural Wire Mesh type LARGO-NOVA 2032 VARIO (with varying apertures) covers the street side of the glass façade. This weave type is made from crimped flat wires and vertical round wires, creating a flat and homogeneous appearance with low transparency. With a precisely adjusted open area of 40 % LARGO-NOVA 2032 VARIO filters sunlight and contributes to a cool but bright room climate. In addition to the passive control of the light intensity, this stainless steel wire mesh allows the reduction of energy consumption.

To create the desired open character of the building, the wire mesh cladding has to provide a high level of transparency, whilst at the same time provide sun protection. In order to achieve this, the open area is increased significantly in a 1.5 m high horizontal area (band) which runs over the width of the entire façade. The mesh in this part of the façade has an open area of 70 % instead of 40 %.

As well as providing a good view from inside to outside, the mesh façade also ensures intimacy for the interior spaces vis-à-vis the busyness of the surrounding streets. In addition to its function as privacy and sun protection, the stainless steel mesh façade protects the glazed surfaces against shocks in the event of violent hurricanes.

From a total of 412m² of stainless steel wire mesh, Haver & Boecker manufactured 24 mesh panels with edge protection profiles on the vertical sides. A particular challenge in the production of the mesh panels was to maintain the exact position of the varying meshes on every mesh element, as well as on the width of the complete façade. The 2.38 m wide and 6.05 m long mesh panels were tensioned and fastened over the entire height of the façade using the fastening system of tension profiles and clevis bolts. This system requires a solid substructure on the upper and lower end of the façade to absorb the resulting loads. After Haver & Boecker provided installation instructions, the customer took over the installation of the complete mesh façade.


Photos: ©Luc Boegly, ©Laure Vasconi

To realize this HAVER & BOECKER designed a wire mesh with a changing transparency within one mesh panel. LARGO-NOVA 2032 has an open area of 40% and therefore meets the requirements for the areas between the windows. In front of the windows, the distance between the horizontal flat wires was increased to achieve the requested view from the inside. Here the open area is 72%.

Wire mesh with varying openings offer architects and planners a large scope for design; individual structures can easily be generated. The facade at the St. Antoine Hospital for example has a distinctive horizontal structure.

HAVER & BOECKER supplied ready-to-install elements, despite the different openings only one panel in the height of the building. The change in the openings was conducted at the same location for each panel creating an overall homogenous facade. The gaps between the mesh panels are almost not visible.

HAVER Architectural Mesh combines functionality and outstanding design in an attractive way. Due to its semi-transparent geometry, metal mesh is well suitable as external sun protection. It combines sun protection with excellent use of daylight, natural ventilation and good transparency from the inside.

For the restoration of the TCO head office the architects from Ground Architectes chose a façade cladding made of HAVER Architectural Mesh. The used stainless steel mesh should on the one hand visually enhance the façade; on the other hand it should ensure effective sun protection for the office building.

From a wide range of architectural mesh types the architects chose the stainless steel wire mesh LARGO-NOVA 2032. Especially for this project it was woven with varying mesh widths. In the area of the windows the 24 m long wire mesh elements have a lager open area than in the other sectors.

Haver & Boecker produced out of 1,500 m² stainless steel wire mesh 126 ready to install architectural mesh elements.

The new Climat Planète Research Center building is located near the CERMO building on the campus of the Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) in Saint-Martin d'Hères, France. With the construction of Climat Planète Research Center, the architectural firm Serero Architectes created a building for climate research with laboratories, a data center and a space for numerical calculations and virtual process simulations.

In the planning of the new climate research center, Serero Architectes focused on energy efficiency and sustainability in addition to a distinctive exterior appearance. Now, the Climat Planète Research Center is the first building on campus with a positive energy footprint.

HAVER Architectural Mesh contributes to energy balance and sustainability
The sun protection façade made of HAVER Architectural Mesh contributes to the positive energy balance of the Climat Planète Research Center. Used as a sun protection façade, it shades the glass connection between the two parts of the building and helps to reduce additional energy consumption for air conditioning and lighting.

The façade cladding of the east and west façades is realized with HAVER Architectural Mesh LARGO-NOVA 2032. The LARGO-NOVA mesh is made up of crimped flat wires and vertical round wires that create a flat and homogeneous appearance with low transparency. With an open area of 40%, the stainless steel mesh contributes significantly to the shading of the premises and effectively reduces solar energy input into the building. In return, the semi-transparent wire mesh creates a pleasant natural light inside the building, reducing the additional energy required for artificial lighting. In addition to its function, the sun protection façade impresses with its timeless design. The stainless steel mesh from Haver & Boecker is maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant and can be recycled at the end of a long service life.

For the wire mesh cladding of the three-story facade, a total of 269 m² of HAVER Architectural Mesh LARGO-NOVA 2032 was supplied in 10.7 m long and 3 m wide ready-to-install mesh elements including the corresponding mounting solution.

Photo © Didier Boy de la Tour

1. We will “store” 791 cars with 4 levels.

2. The exterior skin must be a minimum of 20% open by code.

3. Make the building unrecognizable as a parking garage.  At first glance it will appear as an office building.

4. Devise a way so that the cars are not visible from the outside during daytime or nighttime.

5. Make the exterior respond to the constantly changing light and color of the Oklahoma sky.

6. The structure will “connect” to campus and not duplicate.

7. Think “Brick Shadow” and soft / sky reflections.

8. Make the architectural mass “dissolve” into the sky

In full sunlight the mesh facade appears fully opaque and the building is not recognizable as a parking garage. To further accentuate the structure, aluminum tubes have been added to the south and east elevation, which create interesting reflections on the mesh itself.

HAVER & BOECKER provided three 150 mm square cut-outs per panel, that allow the aluminum tubes to penetrate through the mesh, while at the same time maintaining the tension on the panels.

The area of the parking garage exceeds the standard lot size of the Chesapeake Campus; therefore black wire mesh panels indicate the regular lot size and separate the north and south elevation.

Aside from the aluminum tubes the east facade is equipped with another architectural feature. In the center 8 black mesh panels are set back facing inside the parking garage.

For the past several years, University of Florida Health (UF Health) located in Gainesville, Fla., has been working toward consolidating pediatric services within the university medical center. A planned renovation for the east entry atrium and building façade led the owners to realize it was time to establish a completely separate identity for the children’s hospital. According to Bradley S. Pollitt, AIA and vice president of facilities development at UF Health Shands Hospital, “The portal project is now rebranding the entrance to the building so that our smallest patients do not have to enter through the adult hospital.”

Understanding that a hospital can feel ominous to a child, the owners asked the architectural firm, Ponikvar and Associates, to take an approach to the renovation that was child-friendly, while at the same time created a separate identity for the children’s hospital that would differentiate it from other areas of the facility. According to Jack Ponikvar, “We were challenged to do something that was child-like without being childish.”

This differentiation demanded a dramatic change to the exterior of the building. Months of reviewing design options and product research led the architecture firm and the construction management firm, Ajax Building Corporation, to consider a light and colorful alternative to the somberness of the existing brick façade with HAVER Architectural Mesh.

The woven wire mesh product by HAVER & BOECKER provided options not available with any other type of material. The color selection allowed for a bright, multi-color façade layered over the existing brick cladding, which would be appealing to young patients while also establishing a new identity for the building. Additionally, creating colored facades with architectural mesh presents a multitude of unique design options. The interaction of artificial light, daylight, transparency, luminosity and color ensures the stylistic effects of the façade change continually. And, the painted stainless steel wire mesh is incredibly durable, weather-resistant and virtually maintenance free.

Bringing the visually striking design to life was not without its challenges. The outermost skin of the façade is made up of 26 green painted MULTI-BARRETTE 8124 panels. These include 19, 85-foot long panels that diagonally slope approximately 19 feet over the span of the design. Supporting the mesh panels at the changing elevations to maintain the rolling hills visual provided a unique test for the installation team. However, overcoming the obstacles has proven worthwhile in the appearance of the finished product.

The wire mesh LARGO-PLENUS 2022 with a 25 percent open area was used for the Shands Children’s Hospital project.

Says Pollitt, “Changing the building this way creates a more modern perspective of the hospital. The new façade will really grab people as they go by and make them want to come in. The colors make it attractive to children. It’s more cheerful, which can be part of a good memory.”


Photos: © Johnston Photography 2015

Based on the viewing position the facade now appears either golden or in a stainless steel color.

Haver & Boecker supplied ready-to-install elements with flat tension profile, clevis bolts and one-sided pressure springs.

AIC architects equipped this office  building in Gießen with a cladding made of stainless steel mesh LARGO-PLENUS 2022. The assembly team of Haver & Boecker installed a total of 650 m² architectural wire mesh on site.

The Belgian family company FACQ has been a specialist in bathrooms, heating and renewable energies since 1880. As a wholesaler, the company addresses both installers and private customers.

Façade cladding made of HAVER Architectural Mesh acts as sun shading
The stainless steel mesh cladding from Haver & Boecker is interrupted horizontally over its entire length by an elliptical elongated shape. In front of the glass façade on the south side of the building, the metal mesh cladding acts as an effective privacy- and sun protection screen. From the very beginning, special requirements were made on it. On the one hand, the facade cladding should appear transparent from the inside but opaque from the outside, on the other hand it should offer perfect sun protection with a very low g-value. Haver & Boecker fully meets the customer`s requirements with the stainless steel wire mesh LARGO-TWIST, developed especially for sun protection.

Excellent shading values
Due to the semi-transparent geometry, HAVER Architectural Mesh is very well suitable for external sun protection. By providing efficient shading and a transparency at the same time, architectural wire mesh improves indoor comfort and energy efficiency of the rooms.
The used stainless steel mesh LARGO-TWIST 2045 is characterized by its tilted horizontal flat wires, which offer good sun protection. With an open area of 38%, the mesh type creates a homogeneous appearance with low transparency and extensive light reflections. At the same time, it allows an unobstructed view out of the building.

With a sunlight incident angle of 60° and a double glazing window, most of the architectural mesh types used for sun protection effect a reduction of solar energy input between 40 % and 70 %. In interaction with a solar control glazing, they reach at the same angle of incidence a g-value among 0.1 to 0.18. The LARGO-TWIST 2045 sun shading mesh clearly exceeds these shading values. Confirmed by independent tests, LARGO-TWIST 2045 reduces the entry of sunlight at this angle by more than 90 %. In combination with solar control glazing, it is a g-value of 0.02.

Everything from a single source
Haver & Boecker took over the assembly of the 3,200 m² mesh façade. In total 182 façade elements, with a width of 2.98 m and a length of up to 7.71 m, were attached to the substructure using flat tension profiles, clevis screws and pressure springs. The architectural team of Haver & Boecker was a competent partner at the customer's side from consultation and planning phase, through mesh production and delivery, up to installation of the wire mesh elements.

PhotoCopyright © Bart Vercammen  www.studiovercammen.be

Project description and requirements
The GEMACO building underwent a modernisation, which was designed by Vincent Boveroux. Among others the office building entrance, front façade and parking spaces were redesigned. A central element of this project was the installation of the external solar shading on the first floor using the HAVER architectural wire mesh. With a total area of 110 square meters and element sizes of 3 x 2.5 meters each, the mesh spans in front of the entire façade length and creates an outstanding metal cloth.

Properties and challenges of the project
The HAVER architectural mesh LARGO-TWIST 2045 consists of inclined, horizontal flat wires, has an open area of around 38% and offers a homogeneous appearance with a unique refection. It provides effective solar shading and enables an excellent view from the inside to the outside. The attachment of the mesh elements using the proven tensioning system was carefully planned so as not to jeopardise the structural stability of the existing building.

Metal wire mesh as an architectural highlight
Architectural mesh made of metal wire combines unique aesthetics with reliable safety, minimal maintenance and robust durability. They are suitable for both exterior façades and interior applications, act as sun protection and fall protection and offer numerous advantages as they are maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable after the lifetime cycle. A modern product for modern architecture.
 

HAVER Architectural Mesh as a privacy screen in front of a façade. HAVER & BOECKER developed the new architectural mesh specification LARGO-TWIST 2045 which creates a homogenous appearance with reduced transparency and extensive brilliance.

A total of 1.350 m² architectural wire mesh made of stainless steel were used for this façade cladding. Haver & Boecker supplied ready-to-install panels.