Elevators and escalators

The original specification was for brass copper patinated to a bronze finish however this was both very costly and a heavy material. The PVD coloured stainless steel provided a similar rich hue and could be sharply folded, using the V-grooving process, to create the look of solid metal without the weight.

See more on the Fenman House, King’s Cross project

Whilst developing the original concept of having bronze for the lift core material it was found that it cracked when bent or folded. PVD stainless steel was introduced as a material that can successfully be worked and shaped whilst retaining the desired rich, bronze hue.

Along with the renovation of 166 Geary Street, also known as the 1907 Grace Building, the elevators were an important and highly visible element that needed to be upgraded. The aim of the improvements was to modernise but keep a timeless, classic feel in keeping with the history of the building.

The walls of the cab are created from a woven wire mesh in bronze with a distinct squared-off “boss” at each junction. The mesh elevator panels are slightly transparent, having a 9.2% open area, and allow exciting glimpses through to the workings of the elevator shaft as well as creating an airy feel to the cab interior.

See more on Architectural mesh

The cab interior has side panels in PVD coloured stainless steel in Nickel Hairline with narrow vertical bars in Brass Mirror PVD that provide a decorative element to the rear of the cab and an edging to the side panels. Overhead horizontal frieze sections and kickplates are in Chocolate PVD Vibration. The handrail is in PVD stainless steel in Chrome Brush.

The Ploenchit Tower is headquarters for the Krungsri group and with 39 storeys the elevator is an essential element. It also creates a focus for the core of the building with a streamlined, minimalist approach to the elevator cab, exterior and lobby design.

The elevator door skins and surround are in Nickel Brush PVD coloured stainless steel providing a very subtle counterpoint to the wall panelling in ecru reeded cladding.

The designers have created a calm and uplifting environment within the elevator and lobby with a soft palette of colours. The introduction of brass, chrome and chocolate accents (a deep bronze) might seem surprising however work charmingly together even where they intersect. The Chrome PVD handrail intersects with the Brass PVD strips and the Brass intersects with the Chocolate kickplate and frieze sections yet still convey a sense of unity as they harmonise within the overall design scheme.

The durability – and “cleanability” of materials specified was an essential consideration in this London store with its high traffic of customers passing through the escalator hall for 11 hours every day.

The architects specified additional microns of PVD coating of the stainless steel to create a higher level of durability. The fact that the PVD can be wiped clean of fingerprints with a damp cloth was also key to its being deemed ideal for this location and application.

See more on the Knightsbridge store project

One way of creating a distinctive look to an elevator shaft exterior is to layer different finishes. Here a patinated brass shaft cladding has been overlaid with copper architectural mesh broken into irregular panels with a chunky V-grooved frame again in irregular dimensions and profiles. The result is a retro-industrial appearance and creates quite an exciting approach to the lift.

See more on Architectural mesh

The star of the show in this stair and elevator lobby is the intricate laser-cut balustrading for the staircase. However the gleaming bronze PVD elevator cladding creates an elegant foil to the sophisticated tracery of the staircase design. The designer was inspired to not try to make a match but to allow the two strong elements to stand separately, each with their own statement, within the space.

Infinitus is a herbal health company so the elevator design needed to be calm as well as inspiring and promote feelings of wellness.

The warm tones of Bronze and Champagne PVD stainless steel have a cocooning effect and with all PVD surfaces able to be cleaned with the wipe of a damp cloth are also a highly practical choice.

Hongqi are a break-away luxury car brand and the elevator interior certainly reflects the sleek looks of a luxury saloon. The combination of the Chocolate and Nickel are understated yet create a striking cab interior. The V-grooving detail at the rear of the cab has allowed the lines of the horizontal handrail inset and vertical panels to be continued in a subtle way.

Instead of a light, bright and gleaming corporate-style elevator lobby Johnson Naylor have created a rich, moody atmosphere with dark bronze and wenge timber. The use of the very dark, grained wenge as lobby panelling is seamlessly echoed through the deep bronze of the elevator door skins, overhead panelling and architrave.

PVD coloured stainless steel architectural mesh

Stainless steel Architectural Mesh is a strong and relatively lightweight product specified for interior and exterior applications. Brass and copper mesh, for example, can be replicated through the PVD process with a resulting product that will not tarnish or age.

See a range of mesh designs and applications and PVD colour ways

PVD coloured stainless steel

PVD coloured stainless steel is a sustainable alternative to anodising and electro-coating both of which involve chemical baths. The PVD process uses heat and gas and produces no chemical waste products.

See more on PVD, the range of colours

Textured stainless steel

Textured stainless steel brings another dimension to specifying PVD coloured stainless steel. The range of embossed, surfaces provide tactile qualities as well as reflecting light in subtle ways which add to the creative possibilities when designing with this material.