With the pandemic forcing many people indoors, the home interiors market is experiencing significant gains. Many are considering renovations to their interior spaces and curved walls are making a comeback.
However, not all architects and builders are keen to incorporate curved surfaces because there is a perception that they can be costly and complicated to achieve. Is this a fair judgement?
Why do we love curves?
It has been scientifically proven that the human brain loves curves. In a 2013 neuroarchitectural study, it was found that participants were more likely to judge spaces as beautiful if they were curvilinear rather than rectilinear.
The most likely explanation for our love of all things curvaceous is that they remind us of the beauty of nature.
Sydney architect Tony Owen told the Financial Review in a 2014 article that curves derive their inspiration from the efficiency of design in nature. “They also relate to the human body, the feminine form. It’s why iPhones, glasses and cars have curves; we instinctively love curvy things," he said. Curves also add a sense of movement to a structure.
Architects often favour curvilinear designs to reflect a sense of fluidity from the natural surroundings of the building, such as the ocean or forest. Curves can also soften the impact of the building on the surroundings.
Organic shapes set to become a trend
The COVID 19-pandemic has led to people spending more time indoors, and it is likely that the prolonged periods of lockdown can lead to significant changes in how we design the spaces we work and live in.
In a post-COVID-19 world, we can expect more emphasis on designing buildings that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also make us feel good.
In a recent article, Interior Design Trends That Will Shape the Next Decade, ArchDaily listed biophilic design, ‘chubby’ design and arches as important future influences on interior design. These trends reflect our preference for organic shapes and contours in indoor spaces.
Biophilic design and COVID-19
At the heart of biophilic design is the hypothesis that humans possess an innate desire to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. It is believed that rekindling our connection with nature through design can improve mental health and give creativity and production a boost.
Because people are spending more time indoors as a result of the pandemic, it is understandable why biophilic design has made the ArchDaily list of interior design trends.
Social distancing, lockdowns and remote working arrangements have become part of our daily reality and we are spending less time outdoors. It is true that the built environment helps to keep us safe in this time, but the continued isolation indoors is leading to mental health issues.
Author and nature advocate Richard Louv describes nature-deficit disorder as a phenomenon that shows up as challenges with focus, clear thinking, physical health and mental wellbeing.
The restricted ability to be outdoors can be combated by the concept of bringing nature into the home.
There are many ways to incorporate the biophilic design principle, including the use of natural materials, indoor gardens, water features and fresh air. Incorporating curvy and organic lines and shapes that remind us of nature is another important strategy.
Are curves hard to achieve?
Despite their beauty, architects and building designers are often wary of using curved walls and other surfaces. The perception is that it can be difficult to plan them into the design, present challenges to the contractor and add to the costs.
Most building materials and elements are hard and inflexible and come standard with straight lines and dimensions. Successfully achieving curves with these materials requires skill and know-how. Of course, other materials (like plasterboard) are easier to curve.
In a 2015 article on the home renovation and design website Houzz, Architectural Curves: Are They Worth It?, Kate Fitzpatrick from Auhaus Architecture, which is known for using curves in many of their buildings, said this about curves: “Proceed with caution.”
“They are hard to make and if done badly they can look terribly clunky,” she said.
The extra cost, according to Fitzpatrick, is mainly from the additional labour, rather than the materials, with curves and angles more difficult to set up and construct.
But despite these obstacles, architects still love curves and many contractors are up for the challenge.
“If done well, they can be a fantastic sweeping gesture, enveloping space in a soft and organic way and moving you through spaces in a fluid manner,” Fitzpatrick said.
Curving plasterboard
Plasterboard provides an easier option to creating beautiful curves in internal spaces. With careful installation and proper framing methods, even tightly curved walls and ceilings can be achieved.
Most plasterboard panels can be curved to an extent. For curved finishes our plasterboard can be used in conjunction with Siniat Track Flexible - a complete solution for creating curved framing of walls, partitions, bulkheads, archways and columns.
Where really tight curves are required, Siniat CurveShield is your solution. CurveShield is an internal wall and ceiling lining suitable for residential and commercial applications. It is 6.5mm thick and perfect for applications where the radius is less than 900mm and as small as 250mm, although much tighter curves can be achieved in the hands of an experienced tradesperson.
When tight curves need to be achieved, we recommend using a template. Move it into the wall once the board has taken shape. Curve the board slowly, and remember that it is easier to curve plasterboard across the width (although this is counter intuitive).
Hot and humid conditions are ideal for curving plasterboard. In cold, low-humidity conditions or if very tight curves are required, prepare the plasterboard by applying a small amount of water to the plasterboard surface that will be in compression.
For more advice on curving plasterboard, download the CurveShield Technical Data Sheet here.
