It’s hard not to love stainless steel wire rope for architectural projects, given its many functional and aesthetic qualities.
Here are just a few reasons why it’s such a great material to work with.
1. Strength
It’s very strong and robust. With stainless steel wire rope systems supported by components such as rods and connectors, you know your project is not going to fail at the first challenge.
For example, when the material is used as an engineered support structure in a multi-storey green facade, you can be assured of its ability to withstand natural elements as well as the weight of the plants and substrate.
2. Malleability and form
Stainless steel wire rope is very malleable. When formed into Webnet mesh, it can be used to wrap around all kinds of shapes to provide near-transparent safety barriers.
The wire rope is also beautifully formed in itself. It has the look of traditional rope but is made from marine grade steel and comes in a range of configurations and sizes.
3. Durability
Stainless steel wire rope is durable, capable of lasting many decades. Its weather resistance makes it an ideal material for outdoor projects where other materials (such as timber or plastic) are likely to fail over time due to corrosion or degradation.
Wire rope cables and mesh are also virtually maintenance-free, which reduces project costs in the long term.
4. Versatility
Stainless steel wire rope is remarkably adaptable in that it can lend itself to a wide variety of installations and projects.
It can be configured to form balustrades, trellises for green or decorative facades, and support structures for vertical gardens, catenary lighting projects and artistic installations.
In these roles, the wire rope is never rigid or stiff but ‘goes with the flow’, adapting to wind movements and natural forces while remaining strong.
5. Visual appeal
Stainless steel wire rope can look great, either on its own or when playing a supporting role.
For example, it can be used to form sleek and minimalist fall protection barriers – such as in the Monash University LTB where the cable barrier itself adds to the modernist appeal of the building.
In other projects, the steel wire rope’s translucent and light appearance fades into the background, allowing other elements of the design to shine through.
Importance of precision engineering
However you use wire rope in architectural projects, it must be correctly engineered. Precision engineering helps reduce the risk of both collapse and overextending on costs. Get in touch if you’d like more information on this material!
