The History of Decorative Woven Wire Mesh (Architectural Mesh)

 For years, architects have experimented with various methods and ideas to enhance their architectural design process and turn their vision into a reality. However, one of the biggest obstacles they face is identifying design materials that best suit their needs.

Implementing an adequate design material can help truly capture the aesthetic you were thinking of. In contrast, failure to implement an appropriate design will not only hinder your ability to capture your vision but affect the lifespan of the project as well.

This is why architects must explore the capabilities of various design materials, such as woven wire mesh. To that end, how exactly did material like decorative woven wire mesh enter the world of architectural design?

W. S. Tyler has been a prominent supplier of woven wire mesh for over 140 years and is here to help you better understand everything you need to know about decorative woven wire mesh.

How Did Decorative Woven Wire Mesh Get Its Start?

Wire mesh has been used for over a hundred years. Everything from panning for gold during the "Gold Rush" to Rock Quarries. From filtering out small particles to cladding parking garages.

Over time, architects began experimenting with wire mesh as a design material and found it could benefit their architectural design process by creating a dynamic, modern look. Additionally, it was discovered that wire mesh could facilitate natural ventilation, sun protection, fall protection, and a long-lasting design.

That said, before they started cladding garages, architectural mesh was first used in elevator cabs, fireplace screens, flower trellis, and Miners lanterns.

How Did W.S. Tyler Become Involved With Architectural Mesh?

W.S. Tyler began manufacturing and supplying woven wire mesh solutions in 1872. To leverage the unique aesthetic of wire mesh to combat architectural design issues, we started collaborating with world-renowned architects to explore the capabilities of wire mesh panels in both interior and exterior applications.

One of our earliest applications was an art exhibit in the middle of a Rock Quarry. It was only fitting that woven wire mesh typically used in the quarry industry was part of an art exhibit consisting of framed mesh panels painted to match the color of the rocks, gravel, and earth surrounding it.

How Has Architectural Mesh Usage Evolved?

Limited only to your imagination, architectural wire mesh can be used in almost any application. We have the ability to supply the mesh in cut-to-size pieces, large rolls, or a fully engineered systems that spans 10' wide by 100' tall if needed.

We have a variety of mesh patterns and openings to meet all your aesthetic and functional needs. From a very fine delicate mesh used for interior wall coverings to a more robust wire mesh for exterior facades.

Now, a few limitations we had in the early stages of wire mesh were the size of the panels and engineering capabilities. We were only able to do smaller cut to size pieces that fit into handrails and elevator doors.

What Direction Is Architectural Mesh Headed?

Because wire mesh is a sustainable product, it's one of those materials that will be used for years to come. The design industry may change, but one thing you can count on is that Architectural Wire mesh can be incorporated into any application.