In recent years, architects and engineers have shown increasing interest in using architectural gabion cladding systems for buildings.
Architectural gabion cladding units are made from our welded wire mesh system which is configured to provide a 300mm thick non-structural skin of regular cells that can be filled with quarried stone to create a regulated appearance with a natural aesthetic. Other inert and non-degradable materials can also be used.
Courses of gabion cladding units can be manufactured to any multiple of 75mm to suit the architectural requirements. Typically the maximum course lift is 675mm high to allow the cells to be filled by hand. For handling, the maximum width of a gabion is 2025mm which will be divided into three equal cells. Gabion cladding units have helical connectors supplied for exposed vertical joints between gabions and lacing wire for horizontal joints. Alternatively, the units can be connected by hog rings. The mesh wire diameter for cladding units is specified as either 4.0mm or 5.0mm.
Gabion architectural cladding units are secured back to a suitable substrate with resin anchored threaded rods and clamp bars or clamp plates. Where no suitable support wall is available to tie back to, gabion cladding can be constructed around steel support posts designed to take lateral loading. Where required, Enviromesh’s technical team can assist in the development of details to span openings or create cavities. Gabion cladding can be designed to the height of approximately 3.5m without the need for additional vertical support.
DESIGN OVERVIEW
These types of architectural structures must be designed to withstand all external forces that are present, such as:
- Wind loading –Â Please refer to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005: + A1:2010
- Horizontal forces – Such as pedestrian barrier loadings (please note that gabions must not be considered for vehicular impact loadings).
- Vertical loadings
- Earth pressure forces – Where the structure up to a certain height is acting as a retaining structure. Please refer to BS 8002:2015.
- Design of any support columns – Where required.
- Design of foundations – For support columns where required.
- Lintel design – For door or window openings.
- Foundation requirements – Normally a concrete foundation is recommended as gabions are flexible in nature, therefore any localised settlement will be transformed throughout the structure.
RELATED DESIGN GUIDE
Volume 2: Cladding and Freestanding Walls
Expanding upon the applications from traditional mass gravity walls, this publication details the various alternative uses for gabions such as rain screen; cladding to buildings, decorative cladding to sheet piling and RC walls, freestanding walls and architectural structures.
PRODUCTS
RELATED CASE STUDIES
In recent years, architects and engineers have shown increasing interest in using architectural gabion cladding systems for buildings.
Architectural gabion cladding units are made from our welded wire mesh system which is configured to provide a 300mm thick non-structural skin of regular cells that can be filled with quarried stone to create a regulated appearance with a natural aesthetic. Other inert and non-degradable materials can also be used.
Courses of gabion cladding units can be manufactured to any multiple of 75mm to suit the architectural requirements. Typically the maximum course lift is 675mm high to allow the cells to be filled by hand. For handling, the maximum width of a gabion is 2025mm which will be divided into three equal cells. Gabion cladding units have helical connectors supplied for exposed vertical joints between gabions and lacing wire for horizontal joints. Alternatively, the units can be connected by hog rings. The mesh wire diameter for cladding units is specified as either 4.0mm or 5.0mm.
Gabion architectural cladding units are secured back to a suitable substrate with resin anchored threaded rods and clamp bars or clamp plates. Where no suitable support wall is available to tie back to, gabion cladding can be constructed around steel support posts designed to take lateral loading. Where required, Enviromesh’s technical team can assist in the development of details to span openings or create cavities. Gabion cladding can be designed to the height of approximately 3.5m without the need for additional vertical support.
DESIGN OVERVIEW
These types of architectural structures must be designed to withstand all external forces that are present, such as:
- Wind loading –Â Please refer to BS EN 1991-1-4:2005: + A1:2010
- Horizontal forces – Such as pedestrian barrier loadings (please note that gabions must not be considered for vehicular impact loadings).
- Vertical loadings
- Earth pressure forces – Where the structure up to a certain height is acting as a retaining structure. Please refer to BS 8002:2015.
- Design of any support columns – Where required.
- Design of foundations – For support columns where required.
- Lintel design – For door or window openings.
- Foundation requirements – Normally a concrete foundation is recommended as gabions are flexible in nature, therefore any localised settlement will be transformed throughout the structure.
RELATED DESIGN GUIDE
Volume 2: Cladding and Freestanding Walls
Expanding upon the applications from traditional mass gravity walls, this publication details the various alternative uses for gabions such as rain screen; cladding to buildings, decorative cladding to sheet piling and RC walls, freestanding walls and architectural structures.
