Design grating METROPOLIS: Rain meets Jugendstil
New METROPOLIS gratings reintroduce Nouveau Art to architecture
Who says that drainage channel gratings have to have a strictly plain and conservative appearance? With the introduction of its design gratings „METROPOLIS“, HAURATON adds a new page to its product range by applying high level aesthetics. The new gratings are not only functional but also visually appealing, with sinuous, asymmetrical lines and flowing shapes, inspired by the basic elements of Jugendstil and Art Déco.
METROPOLIS: drainage with emotion and elegance
Planners and architects can now add unique details to special construction projects, whether it be with futuristic architecture or in historic town centers, giving the project an extra touch of character. "The design for METROPOLIS is based on the decorative, entwined lines of a Paris metro station or similarly important turn-of-the-century objects. The rather lush style is also defined by certain geometric elements," emphasizes HAURATON CEO Marcus Reuter. "With METROPOLIS, we not only want to deliver high quality technology to developers and planners, but also offer advanced flexibility regarding artistic expression for their construction projects."
At the end of the 19th century, Jugendstil and Art Déco contributed to an increase of upbeat and ornamental designs for industrial materials like concrete and steel. Therefore it doesn’t come as a surprise that the two movements were the source of inspiration for the new gratings. By focusing on individuality and new shapes, and with the technical cooperation of HAURATON product engineer Klaus Weiler, the Stuttgart-based industrial design firm, Reform Design, created METROPOLIS.
Inspiration from creative French Sales Advisor
The project was initially inspired by HAURATON France Sales Advisor Jean-Christophe Turgné, who had submitted the first drawings. Marcus Reuter: "Our French colleagues have an eye for style and often create ambitious, forward-thinking solutions for special projects. With this skill in mind, the idea for Metropolis was conceived." The challenge during the development phase was to design a grating that would have been easy to manufacture and that would have been able to sustain loads up to 400 kN (class D 400), despite the particular aesthetics of the grating.
Compatible with FASERFIX KS and RECYFIX PRO
In order to make it compatible with the channel systems FASERFIX KS and RECYFIX PRO, it was also necessary for the grating to have the correct width and to be versatile, adapting itself to the unique SIDE-LOCK system. HAURATON went further and made it also possible for a locking handle to be integrated to fix the gratings. "There were no limitations as far as the design is concerned. For reasons of functionality and technical safety, the bearing bars under the grating had to be invisible from the top," Marcus Reuter explains. All of these requirements were fulfilled with this exclusive and fashionable product.
Sold either individually for FASERFIX KS or as a combi-article for RECYFIX PRO, the gratings will be available in the nominal widths of 100 and 200 mm.
More information about METROPOLIS:
Please find more product information on the product pages of FASERFIX KS and RECYFIX PRO