Airtronics Forges Architectural Partnership
When San Francisco’s NC2 Studios conceived “Bok Modern” – an innovative line of panels, railings and screens – they selected Airtronics to punch, laser and bend their designs into reality.
People rarely use art and sheet metal fabrication in the same sentence, but art is exactly what Airtronics is fabricating for Naylor & Chu Architects. When the San Francisco architects conceived of creating custom-designed metal panels, shades and railings for architectural projects, they selected Airtronics to turn their visions into reality.
Partners Russ Naylor and Heddie Chu visited numerous sheet metal shops throughout Northern California before walking into Airtronics. “They had the room, the right equipment, and the expertise,” says Russ. “Jeff Burke was very willing to work with us.”
Airtronics’ first architectural projects were a Mill Valley residence and a Berkeley recreation center. For the residence, Airtronics laser-cut an abstract Lichenstein-like design into panels used on an interior loft and staircase; they also produced custom grass-patterned panels for the exterior balconies and stairs
For the Berkeley recreation center, the designer chose a graphic leaf pattern for interior stair guardrails and balcony guardrails. The finished product was laser cut cold rolled steel, just sealed, sanded and clear coated to reveal the natural color of the cold rolled steel
“We’ve collaborated a lot over the past six months,” Jeff says. “It’s been an exciting venture, and it’s a partnership we hope to continue for years to come.” Other joint projects include a 27-unit condo complex in Hunter’s Point and a San Francisco restaurant/nightclub.
Inspired by their recent success, Naylor and Chu launched Bok Modern, a line of decorative metal panels. Noteworthy in their simple, efficient design, the panels require no welding or grinding in their production, and use no posts or brackets for their installation. The panels are mounted directly to the base (see illustration).
Are you an architect in need of a sheet metal fabrication partner for your next project?
Airtronics has the right combination of engineering expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to execute custom sheet metal products for architects, interior designers and landscape architects. We fabricate a variety of metals, including aluminum, cold- and hot-rolled steel, galvanized steel and stainless steel; with finishes ranging from wet and powder paint to anodize and zinc plate.
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