Fusing industrial technology with the domestic aesthetic is a hard challenge, but Architect, Zelman McLaren of Z1 Designs has mastered it by transferring stainless steel industrial wire rope into an attractive household feature for front doors.
McLaren has combined both his profession of architecture with the industrial world of wire rope manufacture to invent a stunning range of braided door pulls that blur the lines between wall mounted art and the functional door pull.
The invention came about from a 'technology transfer' thanks to an 'Orbital Braider' invention developed by McLaren's father, Raymond McLaren of Andromeda Engineering.
The 'Orbital Braider' braids stainless steel wire into a rope which then acts as a stocking to lift and pull large electricity powerlines into place.
ASSDA member, Midway Metals in Newcastle supplied the 304 stainless steel for the bollards for the manufacture of the door pulls.
William Cotterill, Director of Australian Door Furniture said the design distinctly stands out as a product that will compliment any home or commercial premises.
"Its clean yet bold lines lend subtle curves that work on straight linear doors to the more rounded tropical style, lending a nautical feel to coastal properties," Mr Cotterill said.
The door pull series ranges from Z1 to Z8 and are supplied in both a polished and satin finish complete with stainless steel bollards.
Designs can be personalised with the addition of corporate logos / business names to the tops of the stainless steel bollard connectors.
The design will soon be available as a range of turn handles and will appeal to style conscious homeowners and our most renowned architects.
This article featured in Australian Stainless magazine - Issue 27, February 2004.
Photos by Zelman McLaren, Z1 Designs