The world of composites is changing every day. People are beginning to realize the various advantages involved with using fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP), and people are finding new and unique architectural uses for it beyond industrial applications.
Pool Platform
Fibergrate Composite Structures' Micro-Mesh® molded grating and grating pedestals were used to cover this wading pool at a private residence in Miami. The best part about this application is that it is removable and reusable! The home owner loved throwing backyard parties; however, there was a pool taking up much of the space in the backyard. Fibergrate was able to come up with a solution to this dilemma, and the results were great. Guest can stand, walk, and even dance on this pool platform, and the owner of the residence can remove the platform to use the pool afterwards!
Custom Handrail
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FRP railings are no longer just for industrial applications! Custom railings can be made in a variety of shapes and colors. In the application above, the railings were designed to resemble the famous Hawaiian sugar cane and pineapple. Applications, such as this one, on the beach are a perfect fit for FRP railings because of the corrosion resistant properties. The FRP railings will last a long time due to its ability to withstand corrosive environments such as the ocean air. In addition, you will not have to pay for the maintenance involved with painting the railings because FRP railings are maintenance free. No need to paint to cover up the rust!
Sun Screens
Fiberglass grating can be used as a sunscreen to block the harsh sun such as in applications like this building in Maui. FRP grating offers a visually pleasing material that requires little maintenance.
Trellis
Dynaform® structural shapes are a great material to use in a architectural trellis application as seen above. The light weight of the material makes installation very easy. The unique design creates a shaded area, and the material can withstand exposure to the elements - sun, rain, ice, snow, etc... The longer service life ensures that this investment will stand the test of time.
Church Steeple
FRP was used to create a church steeple in Williamsburg, VA in order to hide cell phone antennas while keeping with the colonial appearance. Fibergrate's Fiberplate® and Dynaform® Structural Shapes were chosen due to the quality and versatility of the product and the fact that the components did not interfere with antenna signals.
As you can see, FRP has come a long way from just being used in traditional industrial applications. Becoming more popular among architects, engineers and designers, Fibergrate's molded and pultruded products are being used in commercial and residential applications creating balconies, fountains and bridges among many other applications.
