GKD aims to spread its woven magic.

(From Gulf Construction)

Leading technical weaving mill GKD (Gebr Kufferath, Duren) of Germany is looking to increase its regional market penetration and the awareness of the decorative and functional attributes of metallic fabrics in architecture and design

Towards this end, the company set up its representative office GKD Middle East in Dubai in May last year. "With this office, we are now truly represented after years of presence in the Arab countries. Proximity to the customer has always been the company's motto," says GKD managing director Dr Stephan Kufferath. "We believe that there will also be sustained growth in the architectural sector in Arab countries." GKD offers wire mesh known as CreativeWeave that can be used as cladding for buildings, ceilings, walls or columns, as a floor covering, and as partition walls or sunscreens. The mesh is available in a wide range of types specifically developed for various applications in architecture and design

The company has already accomplished a number of prestigious projects in the UAE including the 'Jewel Boxes' of the suspended ceiling at the Dubai Convention Centre, and the semi-transparent ceiling made of GKD's Lago metallic mesh at a sales office on The Palm, Jumeirah which gives it an exclusive, spacious atmosphere, says a spokesman for GKD. "Suspended ceilings made of stainless steel mesh give the room an extra dimension. The material catches the light and colours and reflects them back into the room." "Filigree Mandarin mesh made of bronze adorns the walls in the Equestrian Club of the royal family in Abu Dhabi while the woven metallic carpeting Tatami - named after the Japanese straw matting that inspired it - lends a subtle design note to a health club in Abu Dhabi," he adds. In addition, the facade of the International Hotel at Dubai International Airport is veiled with a shimmering metallic curtain made of Sambesi mesh, while the staircase cladding of the grandstand at the Nad Al Sheba camel race-track was created using the mesh-type Tigris

Elaborating on CreativeView, the spokesman for GKD says: "The textile-like structure of GKD's architectural wire mesh - which is supple, flexible, reflective, transparent or opaque - provides endless design scope for planners. Furthermore, the material is fire-resistant, maintenance-free, practically unlimited in its service life, insensitive to impact and easy to clean. "Even the salty sea air, the sandstorms or the glaring heat of the Arabian Gulf can do nothing to impair the eternal beauty of the metallic fabric. Wire mesh also offers special qualities when it comes to acoustic insulation, reduction of draughts and construction of ...