We were approached by architects HLW International to develop a pair of privacy screens for Deutsche Bank's Zig Zag Building in central London. The concept for the design was based on the simulation of an exploded platinum sphere, with shards suspended in mid-air.
Exploded Sphere Privacy Screens
HLW International and TMJ Interiors for Deutsche Bank, London
Specialist 3D animation software was employed to generate hundreds of randomly shaped fragments. A number of these pieces were then selected, organised and located in the final layout using a custom algorithm created in parametric software plug-in Grasshopper, with bespoke scripted elements.
↖Several physical prototypes were manufactured in advance of finalising the design, in order to determine the optimum materiality, size, finish and assembly methods required.
Each fragment was CNC machined in aluminium by our specialist partners at SuNPe. This manufacturing method afforded the possibility to achieve a high level of individuality between parts.
We are also able to design a tapped plug detail, which assisted with quick assembly and ensured a clean connection to the suspension cable. Once machined, the aluminium parts were lacquered and polished to resemble platinum.
The two stainless steel frames were welded in-house and completed with hand-cut slots and cable-access holes before being mirror polished. A bespoke T-bar connection was designed and fabricated for the finished screens. These hidden fixings allowed for clean and efficient installation on-site.
←The faceted pieces capture fragments of views across central London as they gently rotate about their vertical axis.
