First produced in 1915, stainless steel contains a minimum of 10,5 % of chromium and 8 % nickel, making its resistance to corrosion phenomenal. This noble metal is now being recognized for its environmental properties too. It is 100 % recyclable. Objets made are for the long term and last many lifetimes. Roughly 60 % of stainless steel used today is of recycled material, making it a cost affective prospect. Stainless steel almost never become waste at the end of their use and the estimated end of life recycling ratio is up to 90 %.
Design proposal for gates with spiritual theme of peace conquering war. |
From the outset there is a total commitment of dialogue between ourselves and the clients, architect or contractor. In certain cases, there is a budget to work within, but invariably the majority of commissions are negotiated through compromise or agreement with the design.
Each commission is designed with either a specific client request or a complete free rein. Designs are always discussed with the client to explain the overall form and certain details, plus structural integrity and approximate construction time.
Certainly the customer may opt for a piece in mild steel because of lower initial cost in materials, and work time, but life expectancy, even with added cost of rust prevention by galvanizing and paint, is still far less than stainless steel.
If the work is in stainless steel, once it is cleaned, passivated and polished, either by mechanical or electro-polishing processes, it has no need for further maintenance, with the added bonus of its reflective quality of echoing its surrounding colors.
To form many of the shapes within each work requires heating to a bright yellow and forging with the use of hand hammers and power hammers, stainless steel requiring a longer heat time and far greater force to work than mild steel.
Other processes include cold bending of long curves, cutting and welding and finishing by grinding, sanding and polishing. On completion all work is delivered and installed, either by us or by a contractor overseen on site by us.
Payments are usually made as a deposit, mid or interim payments and final balance after installation. On occasion, depending on the size of work, either a deposit and final payment are made or one payment on completion. Design fees are charged for projects taking longer than three weeks.
Design proposal for outdoor theatre sculptural lighting supports in inox. |