One of the most challenging things with commercial architecture is the task to get the right balance between aesthetics and safety. Do that and you’ll have a successful property that makes a great impression. Make a mistake though and people may question your choices or be put in harm’s way.

A crucial thing to think about is areas in the building where there is a fall hazard. This includes stairs, balconies, terraces, and mezzanines. Even a fall from a small height can lead to serious injury or worse. So, you need the right systems to ensure falls are less likely. Handrails and windscreens are absolutely vital.

The balance

In the past handrails and windscreens were purely functional. Their designs were quite utilitarian. However, that isn’t usually acceptable today, especially in contemporary commercial buildings. People want to see attractive features that also keep them safe.

It is especially important to be careful choosing windscreens for balconies and terraces. They are massive contributors to the overall look of the property. So, an impressive, visually appealing design is vital. It must complement the facade, cladding, and other features.

Options

The lucky thing here is there are lots of fantastic options to choose from for commercial architecture. This can include different infill options, top caps, mountings, fastenings, and finishes. They can be visually striking while also ensuring they can withstand any loads placed on them, including wind.

Minimalist designs are especially popular for various applications. Laminated glass infills with metal base shoes are a really good option. They are impressive visually, even with the minimal design. Additionally, they don’t block light, making interiors brighter and enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.

However, there is no obligation to get a minimalist design. There are plenty of alternatives, including interesting geometric shapes and even curving handrails. If you choose glass infills, they can feature colours or logos and graphics.

Features

Another great thing about handrails and windscreens is you can choose various different features now. If you go for glass infills, clamps can be a really useful option. They help to ensure proper alignment and also make it easier to replace individual sections if necessary.

Integrating lighting into handrails and windscreens is a good idea too. It can enhance the aesthetics whilst also providing illumination to improve safety.

Choosing the perfect systems for commercial architecture

Whether it is an office building, a hotel, a shopping centre, a library, or even a mixed use property, you need to choose the right features. Your handrails and windscreens should be visually appealing and functional. Think carefully about the users; what do you need to do to ensure they are safe? Plus, focus on the conditions, including the temperature and weather.

If you need some help with important features like these, you can rely on Coffey Architects. We look at commercial architecture as a whole, ensuring the various elements work together effectively. Your property will be visually striking and functional, ensuring it impresses all visitors. So, contact us to start designing.