Country Spotlight: Architectural Metal Mesh in The Musée d’Orsay

Millions of people are drawn to Paris for the architecture and culture shown in a variety of attractions such as the Musée d’Orsay. Here, architectural metal mesh can be found in many places to serve the functional purpose of guarding important exhibits. The following picture was taken above an exhibit of sculptures on the second floor. It is meant to prevent visitors from falling but also to give them a structure on which to lean while viewing the exhibit.

This mesh is very similar to an architectural metal mesh pattern we carry: Type 304 weavemesh that is 2x2 mesh x.104 inches in diameter.

Ferrier recently completed an installation of this pattern for railing infill panels at Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. More specifically the Zeta 1 pattern was used with 304 stainless steel material.

The installation of this architectural metal mesh involves four main steps:

1. A stainless steel flat bar sub-frame was constructed.
2. The panel of the Zeta 1 mesh was laid on top of the sub-frame and then welded to it.
3. Another identical sub-frame was then laid on top of the mesh and welded in place, creating a sandwich with the mesh in between the two flat bar sub-frames.  
4. This mesh sandwich sub-frame assembly is then welded to the top and bottom rails (made from a stainless steel flat bar and the stainless steel uprights).

This style of railing construction provides strength and the identical appearance on both sides of the railing. The Zeta 1 pattern is very strong due to its triple wire construction and because the long wires are crimped which locks them into place.

Manufacturing mesh is a six-step process that involves the use of a crimping machine. Read about this process on Ferrier Wire’s blog.

For images of the railing infill panels at Nathan Phillips Square, click here.

View a specification sheet of the Zeta 1 pattern here.