Wire mesh is widely used in a range of architectural applications, both structural and aesthetic on buildings and public structures. In this article, Locker Group explores some of the fun and unconventional ways their woven wire products could be used in projects.
Mazes
A maze can be built out of a number of materials but woven wire’s variable opacities provide a unique twist to the structure. Building a maze out of solid barriers that offer glimpses of where you want to go, or where other maze-runners have found themselves, adds a fun dimension to the experience.
Among the great mazes opened to the public in Australia in recent times is the Tangled Maze in Springmount, Victoria, which made it to the Telegraph's international list of top ten mazes.
Fashionably dressed statues
Public statues are great sightseeing attractions but can get monotonous after some time because they remain unchanged – almost forever. Take for instance, James Cook in Sydney's Hyde Park, the bronze Queen Victoria in front of the Queen Victoria building, and even the Big Merino in New South Wales – perhaps there is an opportunity for a tourism boost if these spectacular characters became a little more of a spectacle, say by getting freshly outfitted.
A grand new coat for James, or a full suit of armour for Victoria and even a jaunty hat for the iconic sheep – woven wire’s range of finishes and configurations offers a multitude of options for customisable outfits that could be attached to the statues and swapped out regularly. Being lightweight, these fun woven wire additions could be made without putting undue stress on the valuable statues underneath.
Unique playgrounds
Frew Park in Brisbane has a playground constructed in part from stainless steel wire mesh. Designed by Guymer Bailey in collaboration with Locker Group, the project is based on the architect’s vision of an industrial-styled playground for Brisbane City Council. The project called for a material that would give the playground the feel of a tiny abandoned city while still meeting the requirements for safety and visibility. Locker Group’s Boston 311 woven wire profile fit the bill perfectly.
The Frew Park playground also made the shortlist for Australia's Best Playground in 2016.
