Gateway III, Manor Royal

Graepels | Picture Perf Corten

This project was completed with Sion Thaysen, Director at Allen Scott Landscape Architects, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. This stunning sculptural ‘M’ incorporates elements from nature with the use of Corten metal. The rusted Corten blends effortlessly into the surroundings, as nature’s colours compliment and work harmoniously together with the burnt orange of the structure.

The project was comprised of 76 metal panels per side giving a total of 152 panels. These panels were punched using 8mm and 14mm perforations in conjunction with unperforated areas to give contrast and shading to the image.  Each panel was levelled to ensure flatness and perforated with bolt holes so as they could be bolted onto the galvanized, mild steel frame. The Picture Perf ‘M’ was perforated with images of Nature including trees, birds and rabbits. The design was mirrored on the opposite side.

The juxtaposition of the modern glass and steel buildings of the Royal Manor business park with the deep rusty orange ‘M’ sculpture offer fantastic contrast between both materials and colour.

Perforations as opposed to laser offer quicker production times and result in a higher quality finish. Perforations disperse light differently through each of the perforated hole sizes, creating shadow images and patterns as the light refracts through the holes. Perforating sheets have additional advantages over laser when it comes to finger trapping and this is an essential consideration when using any perforated or laser metal panels.

Graepels are delighted to have worked with Allen Scott Landscape Architects on this job. We enjoy working closely with all our customers, ensuring we meet our customer’s specifications and requirements. We are delighted with the finished project which was well designed and is a stunning addition to the Manor Royal business park roundabout.