Functionality and aesthetics are two attributes that are as characteristic of good architecture as they are of metallic fabrics.

For 10 years, Gebr Kufferath Duren (GKD) has been setting standards worldwide with innovative applications for stainless steel and wire mesh in the field of architecture and design, says GKD director Stephan Kufferath.
GKD has now introduced another outstanding product innovation – the Crystal Weave. In cooperation with Swarovski of Austria, and Nagel Hammers Studios of Germany, GKD succeeded in working glittering crystals into its shimmering stainless steel wire mesh which can be used in a range of applications, including decorative ceilings and partitions.
The stainless steel wire mesh with integrated cut crystals – similar to the natural phenomenon from which it takes its name ‘Northern Light’ – changes constantly through an endless spectrum from red and orange, to blue and violet tones and glittering sparkles.
Crystal Weave adds yet another extraordinarily versatile and creative dimension to the application potential of woven metallic architectural and design fabric, says Kufferath.
The maiden presentation of the ‘Northern Lights’ in the Middle East was made at the recent Big 5 Show in Dubai.
For more than a hundred years, Vienna-based Swarovski has been the world’s leading producer of cut crystals for the fashion, jewellery and lighting industries.
The product concept of Crystal Weave is that of its textile counterpart: the aesthetic appeal of the quality cloth is enhanced when adorned with glittering crystal sequins. Stainless steel wire mesh is already attractive in its interplay with light as it reflects or diffuses light depending on the position and the angle of view of the observer.
“Even more fascinating and complex are the effects which can be created with Crystal Weave, wherein crystals cut in various styles are woven into the stainless steel wire mesh to form a second dimension of light diffraction and diffusion,” he explains.
The result of the pilot project of ‘Northern Light’ surpasses all expectations, and holds an endless potential in architecture and design, says Kufferath.
Describing the effect of the innovative weave, Kufferath adds: “When Crystal Weave is used for partition screens, wall claddings or ceiling elements in combination with accentuated lighting, the effect on a room is one of constant change. Ceilings or walls are transformed from one moment to the other into something completely new.”
GKD and Nagel Hammers worked in unison through developing the basic concept and design, to the technical construction and the realisation, and finally the installation of the pilot project.
“The wire mesh specialists at GKD accomplished the idea in a very short time. In the meantime, a range of mesh types with standardised weave patterns, structures and crystal cuts have been developed on this basis and put on the market,” says Kufferath.
The range of potential applications for Crystal Weave in architecture and design is endless, he says. “Hotels and restaurants can attain a high degree of exclusivity when the material is used for multimedial ‘theme ceilings’, for wall claddings or as partition screens. Company logos made of crystal can sparkle brightly in office buildings. And the material has immense potential in shop design, especially with accentuated lighting, as a truly brilliant backdrop for the presentation of wares.”
GKD also sees great prospects for Crystal Weave in the luxury wellness and fitness sector. The product offers exhibition organisers and event agencies new possibilities for their presentations. And the lamp and lighting industry now has the attractive option of combining metallic mesh and a range of crystal forms and cuts to create novel sources of light.
Crystal Weave, says Kufferarath, is the latest product of a business policy that has been successful for over a decade and has made GKD the market leader in the field of woven metallic architecture and design fabrics: a consistent orientation to innovation:
GKD group that has a turnover of $58.93 billion (2002), has 134 production looms and a manufacturing area of 30,000 sq m.