Proper Hotel Employs Wire Mesh to Create a Memorable Architectural Statement

MUKWONAGO, WI —  The newly renovated Proper Hotel in San Francisco opened in late 2017, showcasing an interior design concept from world-renowned Kelly Wearstler Design that combines maximalist design elements with the refurbishment of the building’s Beaux Arts interior architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Proper Hotel offers several new elements in the lobby including a striking stair enclosure made from Banker Wire’s architectural woven wire mesh.

Nicknamed “the cage,” the lobby’s two-story steel enclosure provides a bold, yet delicate, sculptural statement that visually engulfs the main staircase and distinguishes itself from the front desk reception and main lounge areas. Kelly Wearstler Design drew inspiration from San Francisco landmarks such as the Golden Gate and Oakland Bay Bridges and the historic “cage” elevators commonly seen in the early 20th century.

“When designing this intricate structure, I needed to be able to create an exposed metal structure which had the same level of intricacy and detail as the inspiration sources,” said Kelly Wearstler, Founder of Kelly Wearstler Design. The design team turned to Banker Wire for its wide range of styles and patterns, which, in turn, allowed the firm to explore various configurations and combinations to find the right balance of transparency and texture.

Oakland, CA.-based Five Twenty Two Industries fabricated “the cage” using three of Banker Wire’s popular wire mesh patterns: M22-37, a strong and rigid twin wire weave that balances spacing and wire diameter; M22-22, a unique twin wire flat top pattern; and M22-28, a small scale twin wire intercrimp pattern. To add visual interest to the space, Five Twenty Two Industries used a hand applied, oil rubbed bronze finish for the wire mesh. The end result achieves a unique contrast against the turn-of-the-century lobby’s white walls and marble floors.

“It is a simple and unexpected juxtaposition of texture and form that evokes the Monolith from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey while contrasting Kelly Wrestler’s maximalist interior,” said Phillip Tiffin, Principal of Five Twenty Two Industries.

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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. From intricate design highlights in architectural environments to large-scale industrial applications, the company’s scalable operations ensure every mesh job is precisely manufactured according to the specifications of each order. Durable, sustainable and available in thousands of patterns, wire mesh is the ideal medium to satisfy any project regardless of its function or aesthetic. Founded in 1896, Banker Wire’s state-of-the-art facility in Mukwonago, Wisconsin employs proprietary equipment and processes that have been refined for more than a century, bringing unmatched customization, variety, quality and service to customers globally. For more information visit 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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