A ground-breaking design project completed by a Barnsley-based laser cutting and engraving firm is now in the running for a top industry award.
The Cutting Technologies team were asked last year to produce large laser engraved oak panels to form eye catching feature walls for Manchester University’s new £24 million Alan Gilbert Learning Commons. Now the walls have been shortlisted in the inaugural Surface Design Awards in the Public Building Interior Surface category.
Working with architects Sheppard Robson and University’s graphic designer Steve McCabe, Cutting Technologies engraved the walls with inspirational quotes from Manchester alumni, Manchester Nobel Prize winners, and iconic figures associated with the University and the city. The quotes reflect some of the University’s historic achievements, such as Rutherford’s work on splitting the atom and building the world’s first modern computer.
The project’s success hinged on finding a company with the capabilities to engrave the large pieces the design demanded. After researching companies across the world, Sheppard Robson eventually found Cutting Technologies and their world-class laser equipment.
Cutting Technologies engraved the oak panels before joinery firm RW Joinery installed them in the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons. The panels now form inspiring, striking feature walls in the café, computer suite and staircase.
Jane Robinson, Co-founder and Director at Cutting Technologies, said: “Having our work shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a superb start to 2013. The project was a pleasure to work on and is a great example of a traditional material meeting highly advanced techniques to produce something innovative and unique.”
“Whilst traditional and elegant in appearance, the project really breaks boundaries in surface design. Using advanced laser engraving on oak to create a surface at this size and scale is truly ground breaking.”
The winners of the awards will be announced on 7 February 2013 at a ceremony at the Surface Design Show in London’s Business Design Centre.
Cutting Technologies was founded in 2003 and employs 30 people at its factory on Zenith Park industrial estate at Barugh Green. Last year, the firm played a key part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations by cutting parts for the jubilee beacons and supported a designer involved in the Paralympics closing ceremony.
For more information telephone 01226 283322 or visit www.cut-tec.co.uk
Cutting Technologies from Geoff Fox on Vimeo.
