Incorporating the likes of first-of-its-kind robotic welding technology, and advanced 3D CAD software, Design Production doesn’t just raise the bar when it comes to structural steel fabrication and architectural metalwork, it sets it. General manager Justin Groves tells Verve more.
How does Design Production’s structural steel enhance New Zealand residences’ longevity?
Steel is a great value-for-money material, and given the right corrosion protection, will outlive generations. Its stability and strength can really hold a home together no matter what the conditions. Stability can have a powerful influence on the materials connected to it. Less movement equals fewer long-term problems, and this can have many benefits on water tightness, for example. Usually, these steel structures are hidden from view, and taken for granted, but they play a vital role.
Tell us about Design Production’s unique metalwork when it comes to interiors?
We’re unique in the way we work with everything from carbon steels like mild steel and corten, to stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminium. Without adding any coatings, these raw materials can be sanitised, polished, buffed, and acid aged to completely change the look, finish, and feel, to either complement the interior or stand out as a feature. There is nothing more honest and as raw as the material fulfilling its purpose in its natural state. And not only this, but adding strength where needed without adding bulk.
How does Design Production’s use of structural steel seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces in New Zealand homes?
With all the natural beauty around us, a steel structure can open up bigger window and door spans to capture uninterrupted views. Working with your engineer, we can even custom-make heavy welded beams not available ex merchant to push the boundaries on sliding/stacking door spans to truly open up big distances not normally achievable without adding big bulkheads over door openings. This gives architects more freedom in design.
How does Design Production’s expertise in structural steel contribute to homes when it comes to withstanding New Zealand’s varied weather?
Durability is key for us. Our industry partners work backwards from your home location, to design a protective coating system in conjunction with the architect to achieve long lasting results. Steel expands and contracts with heat like many materials but with a thermal coefficient of 5.9 it’s very stable. This is important in environments where temperature fluctuation can play havoc on some materials.
When it comes to artworks and sculptures, how does Design Production’s team collaborate to bring a client’s visions to life?
We have a team of highly experience CAD designers on staff. Working from a basic design we build what will become the finished item in a variety of 3D modelling software. We think of it as taking the design to hyperspace level where everything can be considered in the virtual world before the first piece of material is processed. We need to combine architecture, and engineering into a unified model that also considers buildability, coatings, and transportability. Access to the site and crane capacity is also factored in. We have an end-to-end service to cover this. When the final day comes for the finish product to be lifted into place there is no room or time for error, and this is where all the hours of CAD work and careful consideration pay off.
In what ways does Design Production’s utilisation of structural steel add versatility and flexibility to New Zealand residential designs?
We like to think of steel fabrication as like the boundaries of the universe. There are no ends to the complexity and versatility that can be achieved. Spans and cantilevers not easily achieved with concrete and timber are where structural steel comes into play. Imagine what can be achieved when these constraints are removed, and you can have all sorts of possibilities. We feel lucky to work with clients and their architects that utilise the strength of structural steel to achieve some very impressive outcomes. We are very proud of the work we have done on these projects.
