Renovation Project at UCLA School of Medicine Calls on Custom Mesh Solution from Banker Wire

MUKWONAGO, WI—APRIL 29, 2016—Banker Wire worked with ZGF Architects LLP to create a custom mesh railing infill for the South Tower building on UCLA’s Center for the Health Sciences (CHS) complex. The 443,000-square-foot building underwent a seismic upgrade and renovation to convert nine of the former hospital’s 12 floors into research lab space.

The upgrade and renovation is part of the South Tower Seismic Renovation project – a four-phase initiative to reinforce the building’s structure, make interior improvements on levels 2-12, and make exterior upgrades to comply with new energy requirements. This was all to be done without compromising the structure’s architectural integrity.

ZGF Architects challenged Banker Wire to manufacture a custom woven wire mesh pattern for use as railing infill in a new exterior stair tower. The infill needed to be built to specifications for safety, transparency, and aesthetics. Banker jumped at the opportunity and began developing tooling to create the perfect pattern to complement the high-performance, ultra-clear glass curtainwall.

ZGF’s vision was to maximize openness without diminishing the strength of the railing infill material. Banker Wire turned this vision into reality by creating a brand new mesh pattern – M55Z-2 – a rectangular 5-wire repeat infill with a high percent open area. Its long, straight sections of wire are interrupted by a smooth and gentle crimp.

“We chose to work with Banker Wire’s product because we wanted the railing infill to look somewhat transparent while meeting building codes,” says Phiroze Titina, Principal with ZGF. “Banker delivered a maintenance-free material that satisfied both of these needs for the railing systems in an unconditioned space.”

“We really appreciated ZGF sharing their vision with us, and giving us the opportunity to satisfy that vision,” says Harrison Horan, Vice President of Banker Wire. “As a result, a beautiful new mesh has been created through the collaboration of the designer and the manufacturer.”

The glazed curtainwall, with the help of louvers and soffits, facilitates natural ventilation to save on energy costs. The constant breeze moving from the top to the bottom of the tower during the day creates the potential for wind-driven rain or humid air to pass through. The mesh will maintain its pristine look indefinitely because it resists these conditions.

“We are extremely happy with how the railings look. We couldn’t have asked for a more versatile and durable product for this application,” adds Titina.

The South Tower is the largest single building on the UCLA CHS campus. Supporting the David Geffen School of Medicine Research and Education programs, it was designed for LEED Platinum certification. The University saved $78 million by retrofitting the existing structure and shell of the building.

Phase 3 of the South Tower Seismic Renovation project was completed in December 2014. The fourth and final phase, “Enhanced Tenant Improvements,” will be completed in June 2017.

The project team included owner University of California, Los Angeles; architect ZGF Architects LLP, Los Angeles, CA; general contractor (Phase 1) LVI Services, New York, NY; general contractor (Phase 2 and 3) PCL Construction Services, Inc., Denver, CO; and construction manager Gafcon and Benchmark Contractors, Inc. in a Joint Venture.

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About Banker Wire
Banker Wire is the world’s leading manufacturer of woven and welded wire mesh for architectural and industrial applications. With the most modern and productive mill in the U.S., Banker Wire provides custom-weaved material for any aesthetic on any scale – from intricate design highlights to expansive building facades. Founded in 1896, Banker Wire’s manufacturing expertise has been refined for more than a century, bringing unmatched customization, quality, and service to customers. State-of-the-art grid welding equipment provide a wide variety of wire alloy, spacing and diameter configurations, trimmed or untrimmed. For more information visit https://www.bankerwire.com.

About Architectural Woven Wire Mesh
Pre-crimped woven wire mesh is constructed of individual wires that are crimped prior to being woven together on a loom. Pre-crimping the wires provides a much higher degree of control during the weaving process. This allows for far more intricate and interesting patterns, as well as unique customization, to meet the vision of the designer. Banker Wire has refined and innovated its crimping process more than any other manufacturer, delivering more than 8,000 different spacing, diameter, and crimp combinations, plus endless customization options. As a result, Banker can make any woven wire mesh pattern imaginable – manufactured to specify for any project type.

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