When you think of school buildings, the first thing that comes to your mind will not be the use of metal grating. However, these materials in the architectural world play a vital role in creating safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing educational environments. Let’s explore how different types of metal grating can enhance the education sector and why they are indispensable.
Metal grating of different material types
Metal gratings are available in a wide range of metal materials, each with unique properties suited to different applications. Understanding these properties helps us understand their versatility.
Steel grating
Steel grating is the most common material among metal gratings and is known for its strength and durability. It provides support where it is needed most. In educational environments where extreme security is required, steel grating can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as corridors and outdoor walkways.
Aluminum grating
Aluminum grating is a lightweight alternative with no compromise in strength. It is corrosion-resistant and perfect for outdoor use. This grating material is lightweight yet strong, making it ideal for areas exposed to the elements such as stairs and ramps.
Stainless steel grating
Stainless steel grating has a shiny surface and excellent corrosion resistance, adding a touch of elegance. It is an elegant product that combines beauty and functionality. In schools, it is often used in laboratories and kitchens where hygiene and cleanliness are of utmost importance.
What areas of education can metal grating be utilized in?
Metal grating finds its place in all parts of the education sector, contributing to safety, accessibility, and design.
Walkways and stairs
Aluminum grating can provide a non-slip surface, which is vital for walkways and stairs. Especially in rain and snow. Schools often use metal grating on outdoor stairs and ramps to keep students safe.
Ventilation and drainage
Metal grating is slotted to allow air and water to pass through, preventing flooding and ensuring good air circulation.
Security fencing
Metal grating can also be used to create fences that provide security without compromising visibility. It is strong enough to provide protection but open enough to allow for visibility, thus ensuring a safe campus.
Decks and Mezzanines
At universities, this material also enables lab platforms and mezzanines. It is a sturdy platform that supports innovation and provides a safe and secure work surface for students and staff.
Examples created by HY Industries
HY Industries has been at the forefront of providing innovative metal lenticular solutions for educational institutions. Let’s take a look at some examples that highlight their expertise and quality products.
Biological Research Center, UBC
The research center is located in Vancouver, Canada, and studies a wide range of topics. HY Industries’ Swage® rectangular aluminum grating was used in this case study to serve as an awning that protects from direct sunlight without reducing light transmission. As a facade, it provides ventilation as well as safety and protection. This is ideal for a research center with stringent requirements for experimental environments.
Victoria University, Australia
This is a public research university located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. In this case study, the EWG13 safety walkway and parapet are combined to form a safety walkway system on the roof of the university building. In the absence of sufficient access space, it is suspended from the roof perimeter and safely connects the two neighboring buildings.
Hobsonville High School, New Zealand
This is a state coeducational high school that opened in February 2014 in Hobsonville, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. The product utilized on this project was Expanded® Safe Walkway, specification EWG22. The safety walkway is used in two places: as a safety walkway and as a load-bearing platform to house the air conditioning and refrigeration systems. As a load-bearing platform for the outside air-conditioning unit, the safety tunnel is not only strong and safe, but also ventilated and cooled. The safety tunnel is installed along the air-conditioning unit, making it easy for the staff to carry out a series of cleaning, maintenance, and repair measures.
Conclusion
Metal grating plays a vital role in the education sector, providing safety, functionality, and design versatility. From providing safe walkways to ensuring proper ventilation and drainage, metal grating panels are integral in creating an effective educational environment.
By choosing the right material for metal grating based on the location where it will be used, schools can increase safety, improve accessibility, and keep their campuses aesthetically pleasing. Whether it’s the strength of steel, the lightweight versatility of aluminum, the elegance of stainless steel, or the safety of fiberglass, each type of grating has a place in an educational facility.
And you’ll find that HY Industries has built a great example of the role grating materials can play in the education sector.HY has more than a decade of experience in manufacturing grating materials and can bring high-quality products and comprehensive design and installation services to college and university buildings around the world. HY is a first-class building services company, if you need more information, please feel free to contact us.
