DESIGN DRAWINGS

The development of preliminary design drawings for the architectural elements are key at this stage in helping integrate each element into the wholesale design—and to facilitate the next stage.

Use our three products’ specifications to help you in the design or contact us directly for more product information.

ESTIMATE/PROPOSAL

Once we have the Stage 2 preliminary design drawings, as well as information about budget, delivery timelines and other requirements, we can prepare a detailed estimate/proposal that clearly outlines the various responsibilities of each of our project members.

SHOP AND ENGINEERING DRAWINGS

During Stage 4, we merge your Stage 2 preliminary drawings with the information culled at Stage 3 to develop the shop and engineering drawings we’ll need for production. This stage allows us to optimize the design by including any fasteners and structural elements, as well as the type and placement of joints. Everything is considered at this stage – even how the product will be shipped and handled at the jobsite and the size of the jobsite’s elevator.

Depending on the project, we’ll also create CNC drawings. All our drawings show plans, sections, details, joint treatment, reinforcing, fastening devices, etc. Although framing details and structural support is the client’s responsibility, we’ll work closely with the structural engineers as needed.

REVIEW

To ensure best practices we only work from client-approved drawings, which is why we set up a client review at this stage. Because we value your input, we’ll always work to incorporate any final design changes before production begins.

PROTOTYPE

We pride ourselves on crafting architectural elements that perfectly realize a designer’s vision. To that end, we construct exacting prototypes of each element. This stage is an opportunity for you to confirm the finish, texture and colour, and for our team to check tolerances and identify any possible pinch points in production.

PRODUCTION

Before production begins, we recommend that field measurements be taken again in case what has been built slightly differs from the original approved drawings. Remember to consider allowable tolerances. 

Because our staff are both artists and technicians with decades of experience, we understand how to properly make moulds, install fasteners and structural supports, and create defect-free surfaces while maintaining tolerances. Our product formula delivers the correct amount of fibres and layers to balance weight, strength and durability.

Our professional manufacturing process ensures quality products.

We encourage and welcome client visits to our facilities during production as part of the final QC inspection, and to verify compliance to the specifications.

FINAL QC INSPECTION

We stand behind every product that goes through our production door, which is why nothing leaves our premises that hasn’t been inspected by our Quality Control Inspector.

Each architectural element is first meticulously inspected for tolerances and any defects. Then it’s rigorously compared to the client-approved prototype. This thorough two-step inspection ensures that each product is of the highest quality before shipping.

DELIVERY

Shipping architectural elements to a jobsite can be complicated. Regardless of who organizes the delivery, we’ll always identify the best approaches to take to avoid excessive stress and prevent damage. In some cases, we’ll even design temporary supports and custom shipping containers. Everything is carefully packed to ensure that what is received at the jobsite is as good as what left our production door.

If there is obvious damage observed during receiving, we request that the affected architectural element be returned to us. Otherwise, we’ll arrange for on-site repairs.

INSTALLATION

To complete the final stage – we recommend the following best practices before and during installation…

• Store in well-supported and environmentally controlled conditions. Use temporary supports on long lengths. Never stack or lean.
• Install as outlined on the architectural drawings and/or approved shop drawings.
• Use the proper amount and type of fasteners.
• Install components true and plum, using shims where needed.
• Handle the architectural elements with suitable devices; use clean gloves to minimize dirt transfer.
• In some cases, we’ll include colour-matched patching material for repair of small damages or on control joints.
• Unfinished GFRG components (i.e., prior to painting) often exhibit slight imperfections that will be hidden by textured or matte finishes. For gloss finishes, some additional filling, sanding and priming may be required in the field. To minimize any tape joint read-through, seal all surfaces properly prior to finishing.
• Use the correct cleaning techniques, depending on the type of material used, and in accordance with the paint manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, use a mild, nonabrasive detergent, clean water and soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly afterwards with clean water. For integrally coloured GFRC, use a light-duty concrete cleaner.