When talking of kick plates in an architectural sense what do you think of? Most would probably identify with the Oxford Dictionary’s definition, ‘a metal plate at the base of a door or panel to protect it from damage or wear’.
The answer is technically correct but kick plates can be and are so much more than this! Things have moved on since the O.D.’s definition was written!
Kick Plates: Pattern GA IMSQS101
When considering door and surface protection solutions, kick plates, in today’s commercial and public interiors, are considered as just part of an overall whole.
Surface protection in buildings has become integral with the design plan. Accordingly colours and patterns for such applications are co-ordinated with the rest of the interior décor, fixtures, fittings etc.
Aluminium wall cladding is fast becoming a design staple of contemporary commercial interiors.
Interior architects and designers are using wall cladding systems in exciting and innovative ways be they in perforated, flat or patterned designs.
Interior Wall Cladding: Perforated Sheet
Aluminium as a constructional metal fits in well with today’s requirements of sustainable high performance design and technologically efficient materials. There aren’t many alternatives that can compete with aluminium’s long list of desirable qualities. These positive characteristics include being aesthetically pleasing, durable, hygienic, lightweight, low maintenance and 100% recyclable.
Gooding Aluminium’s wall cladding systems are frequently the answer to a number of problems that occur with refurbishment projects. For example existing partitions and walls that are coming to the end of their decorative service life can be concealed behind attractive lightweight aluminium ‘secret -fix’ cladding. This is a cost effective and easy-fit solution to such issues.
For new build projects the integration of an interior cladding system into a building’s design allows less expensive and quicker construction methods and materials to be used for the core structure.
There are 5 alternative secret fixing methods and styles to suit every internal application. Detailed test results are available online to support the decision making process.
Where acoustic control is a requirement you can select from an extensive range of perforated sheet patterns. By combining perforations with sound absorbing material (this sits within the tray shaped design of the GA Ver-T-Fix system) effective acoustic control can be achieved.
Comprehensive changes are being implemented in the way schools are designed and built. Building cost reduction is driving the new schools building agenda. However it has also been recognised that inexpensive, short-term solutions do not necessarily produce cost savings over longer periods.
There will need to be an increased emphasis on assessing the life-cycle costs of interior design materials. Careful consideration will be given to select materials that are durable, easy to clean, environmentally safe and are economically viable to recycle.
Perforated & Anodised Wall Cladding: Pimlico Academy
You should know that anodised aluminium’s credentials are impeccable in all these respects.
Architectural anodising both compliments and enhances aluminium’s natural qualities. The electrolytic process seals, thickens and hardens the protective oxide film that is present on its surface.
Anodised Balustrade Panels: Christ Church School
Anodic films are integrated with the metal’s structure and are therefore less likely to crack and peel.
‘Spoilt for choice’ would seem to be the case for the diversity of materials available to the Café and Restaurant designer.
It is widely recognised that material selection is one of the defining moments in the ultimate success of any commercial eatery venture.
Anodised aluminium is one of those materials that have consistently proved its worth over many years to the specifier market, both in terms of visual appearance and service longevity.
Anodised bar fascia: Wagamama
One of the great things about the anodising process is that it’s a fusion of science and nature. Yes anodised aluminium is a finish but also a product!
During anodising the natural oxide film on aluminium’s surface is thickened by an electrolytic reaction resulting in a hardened light fast finish with excellent adhesion properties. It will not chip or peel.
Treadplate is a non-directional raised lozenge pattern that was primarily designed as a hardwearing flooring surface. However aluminium treadplate now finds use on vertical architectural applications as well. In fact wherever a robust, textured, and protective surface is required!
It’s easy to see why aluminium treadplate is used just about everywhere! Whoever came up with the idea of combining aluminium with a treadplate design is to be congratulated! This win win product partnership produces a list of impressive service life credentials. Among the many benefits are being, easy to clean, hygienic, corrosion resistant, lightweight and low maintenance.
Add in a ‘clean contemporary look’ to the above list and you will appreciate the sound rationale of the healthy eating Prêt A Manger sandwich chain into converting aluminium and aluminium treadplate in particular, into part of its iconic retail brand!
Treadplate: Prêt a Manger
As vertical surfacing aluminium treadplate is widely used for interior applications as decorative and protective fascias on doors, counters and columns.
5 bar treadplate arranged in a non directional pattern is the most commonly stocked design in the UK. There are also 1 & 2 bar versions normally available in some parts of Europe, Asia and America.
All of these ‘bar’ patterns have been developed as an alternative to the original chequer plate design. This pattern consisted of elongated diamond shapes which unfortunately trapped dirt and water within its recesses. There are no such entrapments with the 1, 2 & 5 bar formats.
Treadplate: McDonald’s
Our treadplate is available in a choice of two surface finishes, mill and anodised. The mill finish (when in architectural grade) is normally semi bright in appearance and has that urban industrial feel about it. The anodised finish produces a silky smooth matt effect that also hardens the material surface and reduces glare.
Here at Gooding Aluminium we are able to fabricate aluminium treadplates into the required shapes and sizes to ensure a perfect fit on site.
Within our stock range of rolled aluminium products is mill, anodised and satin brushed flat sheets, as well as pressed, textured and corrugated sheets.
We also keep aluminium profiles and extrusions in stock and these include, aluminium angle, aluminium channel, aluminium flat bar, tee, glazing channels, stair nosings, split battens, wallboard trims, and louvres.
Gooding Aluminium are a national and international supplier of a wide range of high quality aluminium products including
