AICHI METAL
Technical Case Studies
The compatibility of stone and metal is probably due to the fact that, of course, metals exist as ores in nature. However, metals that undergo artificial processing processes and are transformed into industrial metals are far more durable. This is a human achievement. When the refined material becomes a staircase, the metal plays several roles, from frame to design. However, metal alone still gives a rugged impression. Painting is an effective means of decoration, but if it becomes a kind of decoration, the cost jumps. The impression value can therefore be changed dramatically by adding stone or wood to the set. This change in expression is really interesting. In this project, artificial marble was used as the treads, and the metal frame supports the fragility of the stone material and at the same time accentuates the design.
Linear form
The distinctive feature of this project is its linear form. The fact that the whole structure is made up of lines rather than surfaces has the effect of diluting the sense of weight and oppression. The space, which is slightly too narrow to accommodate a staircase, is boldly utilised. The construction of the components looks simple but requires a certain level of strength in the joints and other parts, so a detailed quality check is also essential here. This type of construction looks simple but also requires a lot of attention to installation. Because construction work is carried out in parallel, the time available for stair installation is short and always fraught with tension. However, if the components themselves are heavy and space is limited, the biggest fear is accidents, as they are installed manually and steadily. The work arrangements are also based on our knowledge of stairs and construction, and we are always looking for the optimum solution that will minimise problems.
Safety and reliability
Consequently, the primary requirement for stairs and house components is design, but an even more important prerequisite for everything is safety. The sense of fear that people feel, especially on stairs, is extraordinary if they do not feel a sense of absolute trust. Sometimes this is because they are high up, and sometimes it is if they think they are going to fall. The fact that AICHI METALS is responsible for everything from component processing to installation is also a sign of our commitment to thoroughly pursue safety there. Of course, this is no easy task. In fact, it is fair to say that there is only tension. Even so, making metal components for construction is only possible if people feel that they can rely on them. We will continue to face up to this obvious yet most difficult task.
