Architectural finishes transform a building’s interiors into a visual spectacle. They make a lobby or reception area so welcoming and functional at the same time. You may have come across these features before but never really known how they work or what makes them tick. Not to worry, this guide will explain what they exactly are and why a building’s interiors need them.
The Definition
Architectural finishes cover a variety of materials, styles, and applications to complete the look of a particular piece of furniture or section of the building. They’re what makes walls, pillars, windows, and ceilings distinct according to the building’s theme or aesthetic. They transform the dull and practical into elegant and classy, such as anti-graffiti film for walls and commercial window tint.
Examples of these finishes include:
- Metal
- Resin
- Glass
- Brick
- Stone
- Wood
The Reasons
Since they blend the visual with the functional, here are reasons why your building needs architectural finishes:
- Privacy: Office spaces or lobbies with areas sectioned off by windows can be covered with commercial window tint to improve privacy. Another architectural finish option would be frosted glass aside from the conventional shades of light, medium, and dark tints. This aesthetic adds an element of seclusion without additional cost to create a barrier from new material. The frosted area is formed by sandblasting or acid etching, resulting in a translucent or near-opaque section directly on the glass.
- Aesthetics: Architectural finishes elevate interior design. Instead of leaving bare concrete as is, they can be layered with tiles or other materials that smoothen the rough look. Frosted glass windows give an element of mystery, functionality, and class. Marble, granite, ceramic, natural stone, or carpeted floors can contribute to the overall theme and make it look complete.
- Preservation: Since these finishes cover bare elements such as concrete floors or cement foundations, they effectively preserve and extend a building’s life. Instead of the bare components suffering from wear and tear, the architectural finishes bear the brunt of the load. They also protect from visual damage. The glass’s anti-graffiti film installations protect the surface from marks and paint through a special coating that can be peeled off like a sticker to reveal the pristine glass underneath.
- Energy Efficiency: Architectural finishes such as marble and ceramics can cut a third of your electrical expenses since they are highly reflective surfaces. This means areas that use these materials can redirect artificial light or natural light throughout, reducing the need for additional lamps or ceiling bulbs. Suppose a particular window space is a mirrored wall instead of the traditional square-shaped window sections. In that case, employees only need to turn on the light switches from 4 PM onwards since they’ll be getting more sunlight in the earlier hours of the day.
- Marketing: These materials are your visual calling card whenever you promote your building to potential employees or renters. When rendered onto a brochure or promoted via photos on social media, they give your audience a feel for the experience if they were in the location. You can also base your finishes according to your company or brand colours. If your logo contains yellow, blue, and red elements, leave a space on a section of each wall per floor for your logo. No matter where guests visit, they’ll know exactly where they are.
The Conclusion
While architectural finishes are made from particular materials, there’s no need to worry about maintenance. Simply choose the appropriate cleaning materials from your provider and clean as you would any other piece of furniture to keep your interior design looking unique as ever.
For more information on anti-graffiti film and commercial window tint, check out Premier Tint today! We’re the leader in window film applications for corporate interiors and spaces with extensive experience in wall graphics, frosted windows, Braille signs, and much more. Book an appointment now!