Cambridge Architectural Etched Fabric Creates Visual Landmark at Bay Area’s Ohlone College

Cambridge Architectural, a full-service provider of interior and exterior architectural mesh systems, continues to expand its portfolio of projects. In a recent design, the company incorporated etched metal mesh with the addition of a five-story stair tower façade at Ohlone College in Fremont, California.

The college name and a decorative tree design were etched into 1,451 square feet of Cambridge mesh by sandblasting the surrounding raw stainless to create a dull matte finish.

At 42% open area, the mesh weave provides shading but preserves daytime views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area for stair users. At night, a lit burnt orange wall creates a 3D-like effect to illuminate the metal artwork.

According to Cambridge, “The transformative project, opened in early 2020, was designed to modernize and unify the campus.”

Cannon Design architect John Son comments on the project, stating, “The stainless steel fabric and graphic created a visual landmark to aid in campus wayfinding and adds an aesthetically interesting space to promote campus identity and stair usage to navigate building levels.”

The use of stainless steel mesh as a building material aligns with the college’s desire to create a sustainable building, incorporating recycled and salvaged materials.

Other recent Cambridge Architectural etching projects include Thornton Flats in Austin, Texas, and the Martinez Amtrak Station Pedestrian Bridge in Martinez, California.

Visit www.cambridgearchitectural.com for more information.