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Designing large scale planters in multiple sections
Bespoke manufacture in Metal is the ideal choice for large-scale planters, by designing the planters in sections.
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Overview
Production constraints and logistics demand that planters over a certain size will need to be split into more manageable units. Rather than abutting multiple smaller planters, fabricating a large planter in sections for on-site assembly is a much neater and usually more cost-effective solution. The finished planter looks like it truly ‘belongs in the space’, enhanced by the fact that planting can be continuous and unrestricted across the whole surface area.
Sheet metal is ideally suited to this design approach in a number of ways:
- It allows us to deliver complex, site-specific geometry, to fine tolerances.
- It is simple to assemble in situ.
- The result is aesthetically pleasing, with very neat regularly spaced joint lines.
- It is cost-effective in accommodating additional functional requirements [such as irrigation systems, lighting systems, drainage, tree anchors etc.]
- It is cost-effective at large scale.
Modern sheet metal fabrication technologies are infinitely flexible, and manufacturing tolerances are extremely precise [less than 1.0mm]. Scale economies are driven by the physical size of each fabricated element [i.e. bigger is better / cheaper], which is exactly what is needed for large scale, multi-section planters. And Metal is also free of the mould development costs that disadvantage composite materials – such as Glass-Reinforced Plastic or Fibreglass [GRP], Glass-Reinforced Cement [GRC], or Fibre-Reinforced Cement [FRC].
Specification
IOTA will automatically quote for large-scale planters as sectioned units, and specifiers need not get bogged down in details of section size or construction, which will be detailed in IOTA’s drawings for approval.
Section size
Any planter with a face longer than 3000mm will need to be sectioned, as that is the longest length of commonly-available stock metal sheets. And it is often cost-beneficial to section any planters over L 2400mm, for two reasons:
- L 2400mm is the industry standard stock metal sheet length, and these sheets are a lot cheaper than 'unusual lengths' like L 3000mm.
- L 2400mm is also the transport industry standard dimension to calculate Loading Metres, for most cost-effective shipping/delivery.
The optimal size of each section will depend on the overall size of the planter, and any site or installation constraints. For example, if IOTA is also commissioned to install, then we would conduct a site survey during the Design phase to ensure that the section size chosen will work on site.
Design consideration is also given to what 'looks pretty'. For example, on a roof terrace, the section length might be chosen to marry up with the repeat of balustrading behind the planter.
In general, the overall length of the planter is divided into equal sections of no longer than L 2400mm, ensuring that joints do not fall on or near a corner. Additional bracing is used to ensure that sections are individually stable and rigid for transport.
Assembly on site
Sectioned planters will be delivered carefully labelled up for easy identification and with all the required bolt fixings. With all metals except Corten Steel, we recommend as ‘belt and braces’ that a line of silicone or other sealant is run along the inside of the joints to make them completely watertight.
Planting
As mentioned above, the absence of a physical division between the sections allows for a continuous planting scheme. This is not only visually attractive, but has benefits to the soft landscaping design. Specifically, with no physical barrier between sections, roots are less constrained and can grow and develop, laterally, as far as they please. Maintenance can also be a lot easier, as a single irrigation system can often be run through the whole planted area.
In summary, a sectioned planter scheme in metal offers many advantages. And once all of the on-costs [like planting, maintenance and irrigation] are properly factored in, then it can provide excellent long-term value, as well as delivering ‘the wow factor’.
Examples
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Example Projects
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