Green credentials are becoming increasingly important for multi-storey residential and commercial buildings. As such, it makes sense to install eco-friendly safety barriers too.
Designing and installing eco-friendly barriers is something we are committed to at Tensile. The materials we use for most of our barriers – Jakob stainless steel Webnet mesh and wire-rope cabling – contain a minimum 70% recycled content and are manufactured in facilities that operate on solar power. The materials can also be recycled all over again after dismantling. These features make them a great match for modern buildings with a sustainability or eco-friendly focus.
Jakob stainless steel materials are also designed to last a long time – up to 25 years. This reduces the potential for wastage and the need for replacement. They are also quick to install and very low maintenance – reducing labour resources and costs.
But it’s not only the choice of materials that matters. There are other ways that safety barriers can be made more eco-friendly.
Tensile construction methods
Tensile structures are generally lighter in weight and use fewer resources to construct, such as labour and transport. In this sense, tensile structures tread more lightly on the planet.
Tensile barriers can offer the same kind of benefits as tensile construction –they are lighter in weight and require fewer resources than barriers made from solid materials, while simultaneously offering maximum strength and safety.
Eco-friendly barriers offer energy savings
Tensile stainless steel barriers are highly transparent, facilitating natural light entry and airflow. Webnet barriers have an open area of approximately 90%. This can reduce the need for artificial light and mechanical ventilation along with the energy required to power them – which in turn means fewer carbon emissions as well as lower costs.
And to top it off, tensile barriers can also support climbing plants, which can help reduce cooling costs in the summer. The plants help cool the building, reduce sunlight entry, and create cooling breezes.
Buildings and barriers with an eco-friendly focus
We have installed safety barriers in numerous eco-friendly buildings over the years! Here’s a sample.
Residential
Sustainability and eco-friendliness were key goals in the design of the new Albermarle Apartments in Melbourne. These themes were brought to life through the use of solar panels, durable materials, and carbon-neutral operations.
Our role was to install safety eco-friendly barriers on the indoor shared walkways. For this project we used 100mm Webnet mesh – which echoes the open-air feel of the walkways, facilitates cross-flow ventilation and natural light and creates a light touch on the structure.
Educational
When Melbourne University designed its new student precinct, sustainability and community were at its heart. It was important therefore that the safety barriers to the balconies reflected this.
For this project, we used 30mm Webnet to create the transparent barriers. The finished barriers foster connection and sustainability while meeting all required compliance codes for fall protection. The completed precinct won several architectural awards.
Another educational project that emphasised connectivity and sustainability was the Chatswood Public School redevelopment. Our brief was to install Webnet barriers on walkways, balconies, and other elevated spaces. In this case we were able to save the client a lot of money by joining together Webnet mesh panels of different aperture sizes into one continuous sheet, in effect reducing the volume of material required.
Integrating eco-friendly barriers
When they are installed in solid buildings, tensile eco-friendly barriers require the expertise of a team that understands how to integrate two very different kinds of building systems. This is something the team at Tensile has experience in – so call us today to find out how we can integrate eco-friendly barriers into your next project.
