When we talk to contractors or architects about why curves are incorporated into designs, they often say because curves add visual interest. There are large-scale, inspiring examples of this in museums, theaters and universities around the globe. For those not taking their curves to the level of renowned architects like Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid, a curve still has meaning. They break up a linear form, dictate flow, show direction, enhance aesthetics and create functionality.
I’m sure most of you have heard the phrase “the devil is in the details,” meaning you need to pay attention to the minute details or there will be problems. A phrase that is not as well-known is “God is in the details.” This version takes on a positive connotation, stating that reward is waiting for you if you pay attention to every little thing.
Curves that contractors craft are not insignificant afterthoughts. They are well-planned concepts that bring big rewards, especially when you use the right products. Look to the curved walls, columns, arches, S curves, domes, barrel vaults, arches in doorways or windows, and architectural clouds—those are some divine details.
Keep reading to discover a recent install that proves this. We believe that when you pay attention to something as basic as a curved doorway entrance, you are enhancing a built space.
CrownAir Aviation
CrownAir Aviation added a fixed base operator (FBO) office and two hangars to its site at Montgomery Executive Airport. One entrance to the office building features a curved arch created with Flex-C Trac and Flex-C Angle from Flex-Ability Concepts.
JMS Interiors Inc., Santee, Calif., installed 16-gauge 3 5/8-inch Flex-C Trac and 16-gauge Flex-C Angle. They worked with general contractor Dempsey Construction, Carlsbad, Calif. Flex-C Trac and Flex-C Angle were distributed by Foundation Building Materials, San Diego.
Garrett McKillip, an estimator with JMS Interiors, says the products were chosen for ease of use and a quick install. JMS Interiors, a drywall and framing contractor that has served the San Diego area for more than 10 years, has used Flex-C Trac in the past. He says the crew was challenged on this project by maintaining the radius dimension. This was made easier with Flex-C Trac’s and Flex-C Angle’s Hammer-Lock feature. Only available with Flex-Ability Concepts products, the Hammer-Lock tabs are hammered into place to embed them into the web and secure the shape of the products. For added strength, self-tapping screws can be embedded into the side of Flex-C Trac or Flex-C Angle. Labor and material cost savings are among the greatest product benefits compared with traditional methods used to create curves.
The 2-story 16,452-square-foot FBO office building replaces previous facilities that were demolished. The two hangars total 14,000 square feet. The site also features a new parking lot, landscaping and hardscaping, sewer and fire water lines, and bio-filtration areas. The airport remained opened while the phased construction progressed.
Pay Attention
JMS Interiors installed a total of 35 pieces of our product—20 pieces of 16-gauge 3 5/8-inch Flex-C Trac and 15 pieces of 16-gauge Flex-C Angle. That volume of product is tiny compared to the size of the building. But it’s not minute enough that we don’t want to talk about this story. After all, small details can grab attention.