Staircases and railings have undergone many innovations and evolutions over time, but for many years, railings designs were confined to materials like wood and wrought iron. Decorative elements could be carved into wood railings, and wrought iron could be heated, bent, and twisted into decorative shapes.
Although these techniques created countless stunning and unique railings, designs were limited by lack of materials.
Fortunately, today’s innovations in digital design and fabrication have revolutionized railing customization. Modern materials like metal and glass can be customized to the needs of the various spaces, and for designs that could benefit from a hint of tradition, railings can include wood handrails and top rails.
Current technology has also made it possible to integrate lighting and design laser cut perforated panels to further customize the railing system.
VIVA Railings offer Metal Systems, Glass Systems, and Lighted Rail Systems to allow for nearly unlimited customizations and design flexibility. Let’s take a closer look at each system.
Metal Systems
VIVA’s Metal Systems offer options of full metal perforated panels and woven mesh, cable railings, multiline railings, picket panel, or cablenet infill. High quality stainless steel, aluminum, or steel options allow you to customize the railing system to the needs of your space. Here are a few examples:
Arlington ISD Webb Elementary
Product:FOLD™ Metal Panel Railing System.
The FOLD™ Metal Panel Railing System at Arlington ISD Webb Elementary features full-size metal panels with laser cut perforations. VIVA offers a wide range of pre-configured patterns, but you can also fully customize the pattern of our metal panel systems with a custom design, image, or logo.
Brooklyn Heights Public Library
Product: STRUC™ Metal Panel Railing System
Sometimes, keeping things simple can make them even more stunning. The consistent CNC laser cut circles of the STRUC™ Metal Panel Railing System are continued on the stair risers to create a cohesive design that pulls the staircase together.
Austin Community College
Product: BLADE® Wire Mesh Railing System
The wire mesh infill of the BLADE® Wire Mesh Railing System creates a dynamic interwoven fabric infill with an eye-catching texture. This system is crafted to make the infill panels look as if they’re suspended in air which brings another modern element to the design.
Glass Systems
Glass Systems offer unparalleled modern elegance. The glass infill creates safety and security without obstructing the view. It also allows sunlight to filter into the space and reach areas it otherwise wouldn’t. Glass Systems also offer a range of customization options, including PVB or SGP laminated glass as well as colored, patterned, and frosted glass.
Here are some examples:
The Terraces at Solana
Product: BLADE® Glass Railing System
The Terraces at Solana used the BLADE® Glass Railing System to create a stunning ramp and stairway that allows the smaller space to seem much larger. By using glass to maintain a line of sight from one side of the space to the other, the area doesn’t seem cramped as it could if the infill was solid rather than transparent.
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Product: ECO ELLIPSE™ Glass Railing System
Our products can handle both indoor and outdoor applications, and the Home2 Suites by Hilton took advantage of this when they chose to add the ECO ELLIPSE™ Glass Railing System as their pool enclosure. This system allows guests to view the surrounding landscaping as they enjoy a dip in the pool.
Lighted Rail Systems
Our Lighted Rail Systems feature LED lighting as a sustainable alternative to conventional lighting. It’s high service life, lighting intensity, and low power consumption make it an ideal choice for outdoor or indoor railings that can benefit from added visibility. Customization options include warm or bright white lights with a clear or diffused lens.
Andretti at The Colony
Product: iRAIL™ Linear
The extensive walkways at the Grandscapes Boardwalk at The Colony integrate the iRAIL™ Linear system to light the rails that create the barrier between the walk and the water. The iRAILTM System uses an ADA compliant roll-formed slotted rail to house the LED assembly. What makes this system standout is our ability to provide full-length coverage no matter how long the run is.
VIVA Railings Headquarters
Product: iRAIL™ Pods
At our own VIVA Railings Headquarters, we integrated the iRAIL™ Pods into the STRUCTM Metal Panel Railing system. Not only does the lighting add visibility and safety, but it also highlights the unique laser cut panels. Another option for LED lighted rails is our iRAILTM Capsule Illuminated Railings with LED lights mounted on the posts rather than the rail.
Take Advantage of Innovations in Digital Design to Enhance Your Space
Innovations in digital design have led to products that people of the past could only dream of. But in today’s day and age, you have access to a range of products that fulfill your safety needs and requirements while allowing you to customize the style, materials, colors, and more.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to learn more about how we’re using modern innovation to continually improve our railing systems and offerings.