Park Gate, UK

On the first level of the Northern Elevation, GRP Dura Grating has also been used to form a continuous balcony balustrade to provide visual interest to the building.

Whilst in the original plans, the screening was made from glass, the glass dead load proved to be too high and was generating a substantial shear force and bending moment on the existing concrete edge beam. These loads were greater than the design capacity of the edge beam, so a substantial weight reduction was necessary. The use of lightweight but high strength GRP Dura Grating was far more suited to the existing structure and offered a greater degree of privacy whilst maintaining adequate levels of lighting.

For this project, Dura Composites manufactured a bespoke colour run of smooth (ungritted) black 38mm Standard Mesh Dura Grating in panels of 2480mm x 1220mm. Now available with a Class B fire rating as part of our d² product range, the open mesh construction permits continuous airflow and can be used as a safe and durable alternative to metal, thanks to its excellent non-conductive properties. The panels are easily cut and fabricated to suit conditions on site without the need for hot works permits, or Dura Composites can also deliver to site already cut for even more rapid installation.