IBI Group, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Retrofit Team
Architect: IBI Group
Materials
IBI Group first encountered wire mesh while working on a project for a client. The detail and quality of the material inspired the firm’s representatives to specify woven wire mesh in the renovation of IBI Group’s own Edmonton office.
The manufacturer wove stainless-steel flat wire into its S-18 pattern—a mid-scale basket weave. This checkered pattern’s low percent open area allows it to reflect color and light, adding warmth and elegance to the office space.
Woven wire mesh manufacturer: Banker Wire
The Retrofit
The walls in the renovated office’s gallery and technology boardroom are clad with wire mesh. IBI Group wanted the cladding to have a natural edge, requiring that the mesh’s manufacturer fold the mesh over at its ends to form a rectangular prism over the original wall. IBI Group also requested a system that held the mesh away from the wall with no visible means of connection.
The manufacturer formed and framed wire mesh wall tiles with hidden brackets that remain imperceptible from the front. Supported by the invisible brackets in each corner of the wall tiles, the mesh cladding brings texture and visual depth to the space without a bulky attachment mechanism.
“The finished product is impressive—a clean and simple look that, from a distance, is substantial,” says Corry Bent, senior interior designer of IBI Group. “Everyone who sees the installation touches and comments on it. We chose [this product] because of the beauty and richness of the stainless-steel woven wire mesh, as well as the responsiveness of their team.”