The History of Decorative Woven Wire Mesh (Architectural Mesh)
For years, architects have experimented with various methods and ideas to enhance their architectural design process and turn their vision into a reality. However, one of the biggest obstacles they face is identifying design materials that best suit their needs.
Implementing an adequate design material can help truly capture the aesthetic you were thinking of. In contrast, failure to implement an appropriate design will not only hinder your ability to capture your vision but affect the lifespan of the project as well.
This is why architects must explore the capabilities of various design materials, such as woven wire mesh. To that end, how exactly did material like decorative woven wire mesh enter the world of architectural design?
W.S. Tyler has been a prominent supplier of woven wire mesh for over 140 years and is here to help you better understand everything you need to know about decorative woven wire mesh.
To help, this article will provide insight into:
- How decorative wire mesh began being used
- Why W.S. Tyler entered the world of architectural mesh
- How decorative woven wire mesh has changed overtime
- The direction decorative woven wire mesh
How Did Decorative Woven Wire Mesh Get Its Start?
Wire mesh has been used for over a hundred years. Everything from panning for gold during the "Gold Rush" to Rock Quarries. From filtering out small particles to cladding parking garages.
Over time, architects began experimenting with wire mesh as a design material and found it could benefit their architectural design process by creating a dynamic, modern look. Additionally, it was discovered that wire mesh could facilitate natural ventilation, sun protection, fall protection, and a long-lasting design.
That said, before they started cladding garages, architectural mesh was first used in elevator cabs, fireplace screens, flower trellis, and Miners lanterns.
How Did W.S. Tyler Become Involved With Architectural Mesh?
W.S. Tyler began manufacturing and supplying woven wire mesh solutions in 1872. To leverage the unique aesthetic of wire mesh to combat architectural design issues, we started collaborating with world-renowned architects to explore the capabilities of wire mesh panels in both interior and exterior applications.
One of our earliest applications was an art exhibit in the middle of a Rock Quarry. It was only fitting that woven wire mesh typically used in the quarry industry was part of an art exhibit consisting of framed mesh panels painted to match the color of the rocks, gravel, and earth surrounding it.
How Has Architectural Mesh Usage Evolved?
Limited only to your imagination, architectural wire mesh can be used in almost any application. We have the ability to supply the mesh in cut-to-size pieces, large rolls, or a fully engineered systems that spans 10' wide by 100' tall if needed.
We have a variety of mesh patterns and openings to meet all your aesthetic and functional needs. From a very fine delicate mesh used for interior wall coverings to a more robust wire mesh for exterior facades.
Now, a few limitations we had in the early stages of wire mesh were the size of the panels and engineering capabilities. We were only able to do smaller cut to size pieces that fit into handrails and elevator doors.
But because the design world is always changing and we are always looking at new and unique weave patterns, we began designing and building our own weaving looms. This allows us to create new and exciting patterns that are both visually and budget appealing.
Now we supply a fully engineered system that gives us the advantage to cover an entire parking garage. Our system includes:
- Standard mounting and attachment hardware
- Structural Calculations
- Shop Drawings
- Engineering services
What Direction Is Architectural Mesh Headed?
Because wire mesh is a sustainable product, it's one of those materials that will be used for years to come. The design industry may change, but one thing you can count on is that Architectural Wire mesh can be incorporated into any application.
One of our tag lines is that the use of architectural wire mesh is limited only to your imagination. We're always looking to be challenged and think outside the box with new ideas and ways to install wire mesh.
Expand Your Knowledge of Other Materials To Build Your Confidence
Decorative woven wire mesh, also known as architectural mesh, got its start after architects began to notice that it could deliver a unique balance of aesthetic and function. As its use as an architectural design element has changed over time, it is proven to deliver the natural ventilation, sun protection, fall protection, and durability needed to withstand both interior and exterior applications.
But as we want you to feel confident in the architectural design materials you chose, whether decorative wire mesh or not, it is important that you understand the benefits and drawbacks of the various materials on the market. This will help solidify whether or not architectural mesh is right for you.
As a leading woven wire mesh manufacturer and supplier with over 140 years of experience, W.S. Tyler strives to help its customers facilitate an efficient architectural design process that genuinely turns their vision into a reality.
To learn how architectural mesh compares to other materials: refer to the following articles:
About Wendy DeCapite
For over 17 years, Wendy has strived to educate both architects and contractors on the benefits architectural mesh delivers to the world of architectural design. As W.S. Tyler’s Architectural Products Marketing Specialist, she eagerly leads AIA presentations to help customers better understand how architectural mesh can be used to weave your vision into reality.