What’s the Best Method for Installing Curved Wall Panels?

January 31, 2024

Curved walls have become a feature of modern design but while they add a sense of fluidity and sophistication, they also present unique challenges when it comes to panel installation in commercial fit outs. Traditional methods, like the Z-clip system, often fall short when confronted with the complexities of adhering panels to curved walls. This is where innovative solutions like Fastmount’s panel mounting solutions come into play, revolutionising the way we approach panel mounting on curved surfaces.

 

The limitations of traditional methods when installing panels on curved walls

Z-clips are one of the most widely used methods for attaching panels to surfaces in commercial fit outs. It’s easy to see why they’re popular, being strong, durable, and inherently fire-resistant. But while ease of installation is often one of their advantages, when it comes to curved walls, they have drawbacks.

 

Inflexibility

Z-clips function as a two-part system where individual clips mount to the panel while a continuous rail mounts to the wall. The rigidity of this system needs special consideration when being used on a curved wall. While the rails can flex naturally to follow curves, the clips themselves become more difficult to use as the radius gets tighter. The 1.5 to 2 inch clips often need to be cut shorter, sometimes down to 0.5 inches, and potentially shims to properly engage the clips on the curved surface. This obviously adds to the labor intensity and cost of projects.

 

Limited adjustability

Adjustability is crucial when attaching panels to curved surfaces in commercial fit outs. The smallest misalignment magnifies installation imperfections on a curved wall, especially when there are variations in the substrate. Z-clips have slight horizontal adjustability, and the use of various-sized shims to try to align panels. However, achieving perfect alignment remains challenging and the process is again labor-intensive.  

 

Labor-intensive modifications

The modification process for curved installations significantly impacts project timelines and resources which is not ideal on commercial projects. Beyond just cutting clips, installers must manage increased material waste and implement quality control measures. The precision required demands specialized skills, often necessitating additional training or experienced personnel. This expertise extends to coordinating panel placement, and ensuring consistent curvature.

 

Alignment difficulties

The visual impact of curved walls demands exceptional precision in panel placement. Negative details between panels become particularly critical, as even minor misalignments create inconsistent gaps that draw unwanted attention. The challenge intensifies at panel intersections, where maintaining uniform negative detail requires careful consideration of both the horizontal curve and vertical alignment. Regard for other architectural elements like lighting then adds further layers of complexity.

 

A game-changer for curved wall panel installations

While Fastmount offers various clip options for different settings, their Stratlock range stands out as the best method for installing curved wall panels in commercial fit outs. This specialized system overcome many limitations of traditional clip systems. It also comes in fire-rated versions to meet stringent fire safety requirements where needed.

 

Innovative rail system

The Stratlock Rail System features a unique extrusion design that streamlines the construction process and can be attached both horizontally and vertically. But it provides specific advantages for curved wall applications. The system’s custom-built aluminum extrusion profile creates a precise framework that can be adjusted to follow wall curvature, ensuring a stable foundation for panel mounting.

 

3/8” adjustability

Unlike Z-clips, Fastmount clips offer 3/8” adjustability after panel installation. This feature is particularly valuable for curved walls, allowing for precise fine-tuning and ensuring perfect alignment even on the most challenging contoured surfaces. Installers can make micro-adjustments to account for subtle variations in wall curvature, resulting in a seamless, professional finish

 

Versatile substrate compatibility

The Stratlock range is designed to work seamlessly with various substrates commonly found in commercial settings, including drywall. For curved wall applications, this versatility is crucial. The system can be fixed through drywall into timber studs, providing strong support for panels while conforming to the wall’s curvature. This adaptability ensures a secure installation on curved walls, regardless of the underlying substrate.

 

CNC machine compatibility

For projects requiring precision, especially on curved walls, Fastmount clips are fully compatible with CNC machining. By using CNC technology, installers can precisely map out clip locations offsite that follow the wall’s contours, ensuring consistent panel spacing and alignment along the curve when installing.

 

Heavy-duty performance

Fastmount’s Stratlock range is engineered to handle substantial panel weights, making it ideal for commercial applications where heavier materials are often used. This feature is particularly beneficial for curved walls, as it provides the necessary strength to support heavy panels securely along contoured surfaces without compromising the integrity of the installation.

 

Simplicity meets precision in the installation of panels on curved walls in commercial fit outs

The Stratlock Rail system by Fastmount revolutionizes panel installation on curved walls through a streamlined process that prioritizes precision and efficiency. Begin with the installation of the vertical rail system directly on to the curved wall. The system’s female clips are then attached to the rail, ensuring consistent spacing and alignment even across challenging curved surfaces. This foundation creates a strong framework for the subsequent panel mounting.

What truly sets Fastmount apart is the unparalleled fine-tuning capabilities during the final stages of installation. Once panels are mounted, installers can leverage the system’s 3/8” adjustability feature to achieve precise alignments, ensuring each panel sits perfectly along the curve. This level of control, combined with the ability to make micro-adjustments without special tools, allows contractors to achieve a flawless finish that meets the exacting standards of commercial fit outs. The result is a professional installation that perfectly balances aesthetic appeal with structural integrity.

 

Ease of installation also opens up design possibilities

Fastmount’s panel mounting solutions also unlock design possibilities in commercial interiors. From achieving perfectly smooth, uninterrupted curved wall surfaces to accommodating diverse panel materials like lightweight composites and heavy stone, the system allows designers to push creative boundaries. Its precision in creating controlled shadow lines and negative details, combined with practical maintenance features that allow individual panel access, makes it an invaluable tool for realizing sophisticated architectural visions without compromising functionality.

 

Commercial fit outs of panel mounts to curved walls

Curved wall solutions are required across multiple commercial industries and it’s ideal to look for mounting systems that are efficient and not labor-intensive.

 

Mounting panels on curved walls for the marine industry

The Spirit 111 Yacht project showcases how Fastmount’s Low Profile and Standard ranges effectively handle curved wall installations in marine environments, where precision and reliability are crucial. Rhoades Young Design came up with a radical curved interior. Adrian Gooderham, Yard Manager at Sprit Yachts, recalls the owner not wanting to see any fixings. He says, “It took us a long time to find something until we tried the Fastmount Metal Range, which worked perfectly. We now use Fastmount as the standard fittings on all Spirit yachts.”

Similarly, the Mondango 3 Alloy Yachts project required a solution for attaching and detaching interior components quickly while maintaining a flawless aesthetic. This was achieved through Fastmount’s Standard Range, with PC-F1A, PC-M1B, and PC-M2H clips integrated throughout the vessel’s interior and exterior surfaces.

 

Mounting panels on curved walls in retail spaces

In the retail sector, the Gucci store installations at airports in the Netherlands and Italy highlight Fastmount’s capabilities with heavy panels. The SL-FC and SL-M18 clips from the Stratlock range were specifically chosen for mounting substantial marble panels, demonstrating the range’s superior load-bearing capacity and precise alignment capabilities. This installation showcases how the Fastmount system can handle both the weight requirements and the need for perfect alignment in high-end commercial applications.

Gucci Schipol

 

Conclusion

As commercial interior design continues to push boundaries with bold, curved architectural elements, the need for reliable, precise panel mounting solutions becomes ever more critical. Fastmount stands out as a superior alternative to traditional clips, offering a combination of flexibility, precision, and ease of use that is unmatched in the industry.

 

Learn more about Fastmount’s panel mounting solutions.

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