VGM Group Headquarters

A beautiful example of the power for architectural mesh to completely transform a space from serving purely utilitarian function to becoming a design focal point, Cascade Architectural recently provided 3,582 sq. ft. of aluminum Fabricoil® for the expansion of VGM Group’s Iowa headquarters.

The focal point of the project is the building’s open, five-story central atrium that features wood paneling inset with vertical lights; sleek, white ceilings, columns, and curved balconies; and an all-glass elevator shaft. As the interior design phase was nearing completion, the project team was searching for a way to tie the theme of the exterior into the design scheme of the interior. To accomplish this, Kate Payne, Managing Architect at INVISION, chose aluminum Fabricoil finished in Antique Copper.

“We needed a way to incorporate the copper paneling on the facade into the interior,” says Payne. “Ultimately we decided to make the elevator shaft the focus of that design challenge.”

Payne and her team chose 5/16” 15-gauge Fabricoil at 15% fullness and paired it with Cascade’s sturdy and reliable Secura Track attachment system, which features nylon wheel bumper carriers. The enormous continuous metal mesh curtain stretches a full five stories tall, ultimately becoming the perfect finishing touch for the VGM Group headquarters – serving as the key design showpiece for the contemporary interior. Cascade's architectural mesh was also installed in a primary staircase – bolted along the risers to serve as fall protection while brightening the space and carrying the unique antique copper tones into the stairwell.