A brave new world of facades
Architecture & Design
Apr-Jun 2021
Words: Stephanie Stefanovic
The term “commercial building” can include just about anything from an office skyscraper to your local hold-in-the-wall restaurant, shopping mall or even a parking lot. By the same token, the options for commercial facades, walls and structural materials are seemingly endless.
Excerpt: Architectural mesh is a surprisingly versatile material that can add to a building’s structural integrity, ventilation and aesthetics, all at once. One example of this is Kaynemaile’s architectural mesh, which the company describes as the reimagination of 2,000-year-old chainmail into a unique mesh product made from high-grade polycarbonate.
The mesh was used in the Cumulus Studio-designed Protagonist café and bar, located in the historic Melbourne arts precinct that is also home to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the State Theatre.
"Protagonist is wrapped by a chainmail curtain which physically opens and closes each day, inspired by the curtain and fly tower within Arts Centre Melbourne's theatres. The colour is a reference to the centre's landmark spire,” says Cumulus Studio director Keith Westbrook.
Not only does the mesh contribute to the café’s bold, eye-catching design, but it serves a dual purpose, forming a screen at night where visuals are projected to promote upcoming events.
