#Product Trends
MNK Architects utilized wire mesh to design a dramatic exterior screen that epitomizes form and function
Banker Wire Mesh Create Architectural Installation at El Paso Cat Adoption Center
In the recent renovation of the El Paso Cat Adoption Center, MNK Architects relied heavily on Banker Wire’s SJD-2 wire mesh pattern to create a key exterior architectural installation that was both functional and decorative. Allowing passersby to see the activity of the interior—the interactions between the cats and potential adoptees—SJD-2’s selection was inherently tied to the Center’s vision and mission of better promoting adoptions.
Asian motifs underscore the architecture and design of the Cat Adoption Center—a structure that was built in the early 1990s. Inspired by the building’s original design, MNK Architects’ renovation built on this existing concept, further emphasizing the unique design details that nod to Asia. The exterior wire mesh divider screen is one such installation, created with Banker Wire’s SJD-2—a pattern with a large open area that allows for a visual connection between the interior and exterior.
“We wanted a material that provided safety and security, while allowing visibility to the cats,” says Jennifer Countryman, MNK Architect, and Elisa Martinez, MNK Intern Interior Designer. “Banker Wire’s mesh is elegant, and catches one’s attention in a subdued way—accentuating and elevating the cats on display, and the unique Asian architecture that they sit within.”
SJD-2 is a complex, unexpected woven wire mesh pattern that is stable and strong—ideal for this application, which simultaneously functions as a feature wall and space divider. This pattern also allows natural daylight and airflow to enter the space, while the seemingly infinite wire mesh pattern—visually pleasing in its irregularity—provides physical stability and sturdiness. On the wire mesh screen, the notable ‘Rising Sun’ motif is symbolic of the rising of various cultures recognized in Asia—and also a nod to the varying breeds at the Cat Adoption Center. Signifying the ‘coming together’ of these animals from various regions, the ‘Rising Sun’ design also highlights the unity of El Paso (known as Sun City).
“SJD-2 epitomizes Banker Wire’s customization capabilities—specifically, how our precise weaving process allows the creation of irregular mesh patterns, catering to our customers’ specific design requirements,” says Harrison Horan, Vice President, Banker Wire. “We are inspired by the creative individuals that work with our product, who continue to push the boundaries of what wire mesh can be.”
Overall, the wire mesh provides a subtle yet commanding backdrop, well suited in highlighting the striking ‘Rising Sun’ design.
