5 Innovative Designs That Demonstrate The Versatility Of Wovenpanel®

You’ve perused the interior design boards on the web, and have flipped through scores of design magazines, but are still short on inspiration. There’s certainly no lack of great ideas, but you’re missing that one unique element to tie it all together.

At Archant, we talk with thousands of New Zealand designers and homeowners about this precise issue. The main question is, how can I make my interior design unique?

If you’re looking to go beyond a generic design, and create something that stands apart, you need to think outside of the box. One such solution is our incredibly unique and beautiful architectural wire mesh. We call it Wovenpanel™, and it’s making big waves in residential and commercial design around the world.

At first glance, it may appear to be nothing more than a decorative surface. Yet, in the examples below, you’ll see the innovative ways it’s being used for form and function.

And while many of these designs have gone on to be nominated for prestigious awards, we believe it’s versatile enough to be used in projects of any scale. With an open mind and a desire to push the boundaries of your design, Wovenpanel™ may be the perfect product to help create the look you seek.

Here are five fantastic ideas to inspire and inform you about what’s possible.

1) Ornate and Decadent Walls of Architectural Mesh

Designers charged with preparing plans for commercial spaces have found Wovenpanel™ to be just the right choice to add sophisticated appeal to a large area. Our sheets of wire mesh come in an oversized panel, making it an ideal solution to infuse a space with visual interest.

We’ve seen this used in stunning fashion in hotel lobbies, department stores, commercial spaces, and restaurants to name just a few.

One such example that has delighted many guests is found in a high-rise office building in Texas. Frost Tower features Clement Wovenpanel™ on the lobby walls to bring a luxurious appearance.

By combining brass and stainless steel, the contrast of silver and gold tones adds a shimmering quality to the space. This commercial building shows just how flexible architectural wire mesh is.

Whether you’re interested in adding just a small section of texture, or a bigger application like Frost Tower, there’s no shortage of potential here.

2) Create Unique Light Fixtures with Wovenpanel™

In the new Archant showroom in Havelock North, we have several cutting-edge displays of how to use Wovenpanel™. Some of the more unique items are the light fixtures which were handcrafted with the pliable characteristic of wire mesh.

Using an open weave pattern, the light spills through quite readily, making for a functional addition to a home or commercial space. It’s small details like this that aid in bringing great design to life.

Interior Designer Dorothy Draper famously noted, "I always put in one controversial item. It makes people talk."

Wovenpanel™ has that kind of conversational quality to it. It’s also an example of how just a small application of wire mesh can make a big impact.

3) Wire Mesh Separates a Space Without Closing it Off

Open floor plans are trendy for good reason. They introduce a feeling of openness and allow a visitor to flow from one room to the next. It can create a bit of an issue though for areas that would benefit from a more distinct space. It’s here again that Wovenpanel™ becomes an innovative solution.

There’s no need to put up solid walls which can close off a space altogether. By using wire mesh as a space divider, you can create separation while still retaining the benefits of the open layout.

Wovenpanel™ options with a wider mesh pattern are amazing ways to maximise the natural light, letting it pass through each area. Of course, if you prefer a more private type of design, you can opt for a tightly woven pattern.

Styles with finer mesh patterns are more opaque and have a heavier quality to them. The Ashley option, for example, has a thin rounded weave and full fill, allowing for zero visibility through the panel.

We’ve seen this idea brought to life in dozens of kitchens, living spaces, and other exciting ways like stairwells, and office buildings. There’s essentially no limit to what can be achieved with architectural mesh.

It’s this creative potential that makes Wovenpanel™ a favourite for the designers we work with here in New Zealand.

4) Elevate the Look of Existing Cabinetry

Without the use of texture and contrast, even a well-designed space can feel a bit flat. Used in cabinetry, Wovenpanel™ can enhance the overall character of a kitchen or pantry area.

In a recent kitchen project by Katie Scott of Sticks+Stones Design, the warmth of the wire mesh takes the space to the next level. It adds a sense of depth, weight, and tone, breathing new life into the cabinetry. This stellar design was not only well received by the homeowners but was also named a finalist in the 2022 TIDA Awards!

Images by Katie Scott of Sticks+Stones Design

Wire mesh can be used throughout a space, not just in kitchens. In this inviting mountain retreat, Wovenpanel™ was incorporated into the fireplace surround and entertainment centre. The rustic look from the copper accents unifies the refined style of the entire home. With the sparkling quality of the mesh, it offers a striking contrast against the dark tones of timber.

5) Add Decadent Appeal with Shimmering Texture of Woven Wire Mesh

We’ve hinted at it a few times in this article, but felt it was important to go into depth about the shimmering texture of Wovenpanel™. Architectural mesh is crafted from a variety of metals such as plain steel, aluminium, stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, and nickel. These all interact differently when reflected with light, allowing designers to leverage texture cleverly.

The Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi features a shining example of this. Using the Brixton style of Wovenpanel™ in antique brass, wire mesh was applied to the back display wall, doors, and perfume stand counters.

The wires are crimped in such a way as to reflect light from all angles, adding a spark of visual interest. Coupled with the illumination from the display cases, the transparent mesh creates a rich environment to highlight the products within.

How to Use Wovenpanel™ for Your Interior Design

At Archant, we’re constantly exploring new ways to offer a world-class design surface. Wovenpanel™ is an innovative product created with the highest quality woven mesh. The above designs are just the starting point for how you can incorporate it into your project.

Depending on the pattern type, wire spacing, finish, crimp styles, and opacity, it can be combined and modified to create the unique finish you’ve been seeking. Perhaps most importantly is the imaginative thought that goes into preparing your design.