The Archibald Residences project in Bondi Junction features bespoke perforated images of Sydney’s trams created using historic photographs. These custom perforated photo panels not only conceal the building’s machinery but also provide ventilation to the equipment within.
So is it possible to use old black and white photos when you’re choosing a picture for a custom perforated panel?
Yes, you can use black and white photos of any age to make custom perforated images. They’re the best kind to use and here’s why: Our specialised tooling machinery software that turns your photo into a CAD drawing recognises tones, not individual colours. This means choosing a picture that’s originally black and white – or one that looks good when it’s turned into black and white – is a great starting point for your perforated images.
Why use old photos for perforated images
While you may not even consider using old photographs for a modern building project, these types of custom perforated images are an easy way to integrate local history into a new development.
At the Archibald Residences, for example, the perforated images that hide the building’s machinery offer a glimpse of a bygone era, when trams trundled down Oxford Street where the Archibald now stands. The panels are so detailed that you can see the passengers’ expressions and the folds of their clothing, thanks to the punching technology and CAD techniques that we use for photo replication.
By choosing historic perforated images instead of standard ventilation screening solutions, Archibald’s architects are bringing Bondi Junction’s past back to life. Plus, it’s a very cool way to get airflow to the building equipment.
Our expert tips for choosing photos for your perforated images
When selecting photos to turn into perforated images, it’s important to consider:
The contrast of the image
There needs to be good contrast between light and dark areas. This is because our software translates tonal changes in your image into different diameter holes to produce all the fine details.
We can always adjust this before the CAD drawing stage by lightening or darkening areas of your photograph to make it suitable for perforation. Although modern images are easier to work with, the age of your image does not matter – it is the contrast that counts!
Image size
The larger your image is on the finished panel, the better the details. We may advise focusing on a specific area of a photograph to get the best result.
Colour
If you want the perforated image to have a coloured finish, we can apply any colour or shade from bright and bold hues to metallic effects. Colour helps with visual impact – such as these illustrated red screens that we manufactured for Blacktown Tennis Centre or the flower panels below.
Background
What will be behind the installed perforated images – is there light flow or a solid background? This will determine the type of perforation technique that we will use to create the details in your panels.
Function
Do you need your finished perforated images to perform a functional purpose like at the Archibald Residences to provide light or ventilation, for instance? If so, we have the expertise to adjust your image, creating multiple iterations of your panels until all the visual and technical goals are achieved.
Create custom architectural perforated images with Arrow Metal
Whatever style of photo you choose for your perforated images, our team will work closely with you to understand your project as well as your desired outcomes, advising any limitations and adjustments, and the solution that best meets your project budget, timescale and expectations.
