In today’s modern world, architectural practices are increasingly focused on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. As we learn more about the needs of our environments, architectural design is continually adapting to meet climate needs as well as the needs of the users.
Adaptive reuse, material choice, and flexibility are all ways that sustainability can be achieved with railing solutions.
Sustainability through Adaptive Reuse
Retrofitting and redesigning existing buildings for a new purpose is a sustainable approach to architecture as a result of the cost savings that can result in adapting rather than building new. Because older buildings may not meet current code requirements, it’s necessary to source materials and products that meet the needs of a modern space.
Even if buildings don't completely change from their original function, as older buildings are renovated and upgraded, VIVA Railings offer the opportunity to add modern design options in an updated space.
Sustainability through Materials
Using sustainable materials is a key way that architectural design can be eco-friendly while still meeting the needs of the design. Materials like stainless steel and aluminum along with wood are considered sustainable building materials because of their durability, longevity, and ability to be recycled at the end of their life.
VIVA Railings offers a choice of stainless steel, steel, and aluminum handrails and railing systems as well as the option to include a wood handrail. By choosing these materials, architectural design can further eco-friendly and sustainable goals while achieving the desired design result both aesthetically and functionally.
Sustainability through Flexibility
Modular systems come with inherent flexibility, and VIVA Railings fit into the modular railing category. Our pre-engineered systems can act as guards on elevated walking surfaces as well as provide safety and code-compliance on stairs and ramps with the addition of a handrail. We also offer a free standing system to meet code requirements on wide stairways as well as complete handrail designs anywhere they’re needed.
Explore Sustainable Practices with VIVA Railings Solutions
Our railing systems offer many opportunities to integrate sustainable practices into your railing solutions.
Modular Design
Modular designs allow for fast and easy installation as all of the parts are manufactured off-site and then assembled and installed on-site. The modular design of VIVA Railings means that they can be configured in any way to meet the needs of the space and runs can be as long or as short as needed. Our modular systems can also be integrated together to create a complete system that meets the needs of the space.
Flexible Systems
VIVA Railings can be configured in nearly any way you can imagine. We can create curved or angled configurations as well as straight runs, dogleg turns, and switchbacks. We also design and fabricate the FSRTM Free Standing Rail System that can be installed nearly anywhere you need a handrail, whether as an intermediate handrail on a stairway or ramp or in an area where a wall mounted solution isn’t feasible.
Flexible systems are also able to be used for a variety of applications including in indoor and outdoor spaces. They can also be used in retail spaces, commercial buildings, universities and K-12 schools, stadiums, auditoriums, and more. This inherent flexibility allows for a large amount of creativity.
Customization and Material Options
Our railing systems are available in stainless steel, steel, and aluminum as well as glass. We also offer the choice of wood handrails to add a touch of warmth and a sense of nature. Beyond choice of materials, our systems can be highly customized to include powder coated panels and railings, colored, tinted, or frosted glass, and a wide range of infill options. The ability to customize the railing system can allow it to meet the needs of the design without adding undue pressure on the manufacturing process.
Energy Efficiency
VIVA produces the iRailTM Illuminated Railing System that uses LED lights in an energy efficient way to facilitate better visibility and safety. Choosing energy efficient lighting solutions can increase the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the project while benefiting the end user.
VIVA Railings Will Help Meet Your Architectural Design Goals
Our highly customizable systems are designed to meet your architectural design goals as seamlessly and effortlessly as possible. From the ability to choose the infill and handrail materials to the ability to install curved, angled, or straight configurations, your needs and an effort for sustainability are at the forefront of the choices we make and the systems we offer.
Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to see how our systems can act as a sustainable architectural design element for your project.