Architecture
The Big Cover-Up: 10 Uses for Laser-Cut Screens at Home
For decoration, privacy, shade, shelter and ventilation, these intricate screens are a cut above the rest
Aesthetically, laser-cut architectural screens can be used to provide a decorative wow-factor to the exterior of a home. But functionally, they can also provide privacy, shade, light, shelter and ventilation. Screens have certainly come along way since the days of simple trellises, and now laser-cut screens are available in a range of materials with customised patterns to suit the style of most homes. Here are 10 reasons to put up a laser-cut screen on your house.
Architecturally, laser-cut screens can be applied to indoor or outdoor spaces, and can be used to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior of a home. The ornamental element is visible from both sides of the screen, plus light shines through either way that you look at the screen – you could say, they cut both ways.
WHY INCORPORATE A SCREEN AT HOME?
1. To shield a home for privacy
Combatting the issue of privacy in inner-city suburbs, this laser-cut screen blocks out neighbours’ views into the upstairs master bedroom. The tree motif is inspired by the shadow created by a tree removed from the site, and it screens 70 per cent of the view into and out of the bedroom. This allows unobstructed light to stream in from above.
1. To shield a home for privacy
Combatting the issue of privacy in inner-city suburbs, this laser-cut screen blocks out neighbours’ views into the upstairs master bedroom. The tree motif is inspired by the shadow created by a tree removed from the site, and it screens 70 per cent of the view into and out of the bedroom. This allows unobstructed light to stream in from above.
The reverse of the screen is painted white to be less visually obtrusive, while the tree motif blends beautifully with the views of the local environment.
Solving the problems with inner-city terraces
Solving the problems with inner-city terraces
2. To veil windows for sun protection
This renovated 1980s duplex has decorative screens veiling the windows at the front and rear of the house, providing both sun protection and privacy. The geometric pattern used on the screen is complementary to the lines and volumes of the house.
This renovated 1980s duplex has decorative screens veiling the windows at the front and rear of the house, providing both sun protection and privacy. The geometric pattern used on the screen is complementary to the lines and volumes of the house.
3. To provide shelter outdoors
A laser-cut screen can function as an outdoor awning, serving to reduce the effects of sun and rain on the exterior of a home or balcony. The greater the depth of the screen, the more protection it will provide. Plus, check out the great shadow it makes on the wall behind.
The shady business of staying cool
A laser-cut screen can function as an outdoor awning, serving to reduce the effects of sun and rain on the exterior of a home or balcony. The greater the depth of the screen, the more protection it will provide. Plus, check out the great shadow it makes on the wall behind.
The shady business of staying cool
4. To add visual interest to a facade
Around the upstairs level of this house, the laser-cut metal screen mediates between inside and outside and adds visual interest to both. Its pattern is inspired by the floral motif of the original carpet and fireplace tiles of this renovated Arts and Crafts home. “The screen provides visual richness, shade and protection to openings while offering opportunities for passive surveillance of the street,” the owners say.
Around the upstairs level of this house, the laser-cut metal screen mediates between inside and outside and adds visual interest to both. Its pattern is inspired by the floral motif of the original carpet and fireplace tiles of this renovated Arts and Crafts home. “The screen provides visual richness, shade and protection to openings while offering opportunities for passive surveillance of the street,” the owners say.
5. To create decorative shutters
Filigreed laser-cut metal screens are used as shutters across the expansive windows of this French home. They create dappled sunlight inside as well as providing privacy from passers-by.
Filigreed laser-cut metal screens are used as shutters across the expansive windows of this French home. They create dappled sunlight inside as well as providing privacy from passers-by.
6. To shelter an outdoor kitchen
A laser-cut screen forms the roof and wall of this outdoor kitchen, blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor space. The screen also provides ventilation for cooking, and some shade and protection for those inside.
20 amazing outdoor kitchens
A laser-cut screen forms the roof and wall of this outdoor kitchen, blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor space. The screen also provides ventilation for cooking, and some shade and protection for those inside.
20 amazing outdoor kitchens
7. To integrate a home with its landscaping
A copper screen with a free-flowing pattern beautifully complements the lush green landscaping that surrounds this home. The result is an organic and harmonious look that brings the house and its environment together as one.
A copper screen with a free-flowing pattern beautifully complements the lush green landscaping that surrounds this home. The result is an organic and harmonious look that brings the house and its environment together as one.
8. To conceal the space under a house
The space under the stairs or under the structure of a house is not always that appealing to see. A laser-cut screen is a decorative way to conceal the space, while still allowing it to be used for storage. Plus, this one is back-lit for a dazzling effect at night.
The space under the stairs or under the structure of a house is not always that appealing to see. A laser-cut screen is a decorative way to conceal the space, while still allowing it to be used for storage. Plus, this one is back-lit for a dazzling effect at night.
9. To ventilate inside a house
Laser-cut screens can be placed across expansive windows to allow for adequate ventilation inside a house. They also boost the privacy factor from the street …
Laser-cut screens can be placed across expansive windows to allow for adequate ventilation inside a house. They also boost the privacy factor from the street …
… and from the inside? The screens that enclose the narrow balcony around the exterior of this house cast a decorative pattern across the floor.
Must-know chair: The Egg
Must-know chair: The Egg
10. To enclose an outdoor passage
Shield your family and friends from bad weather when they’re coming in and out of your home by incorporating a laser-cut screen around the outside. The swirling, sinuous pattern on this screen is carried throughout the home, to allow residents to feel like they are alone despite having close neighbours on both sides.
TELL US
Do you have laser-cut screens incorporated in the architecture of your home? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
Beat the Heat at Home With an Architectural Sunscreen
The Seduction of Outdoor Sculptures, Screens and Installations
The Great Divide: Structures, Screens and Panels to Split Large Spaces
Shield your family and friends from bad weather when they’re coming in and out of your home by incorporating a laser-cut screen around the outside. The swirling, sinuous pattern on this screen is carried throughout the home, to allow residents to feel like they are alone despite having close neighbours on both sides.
TELL US
Do you have laser-cut screens incorporated in the architecture of your home? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
Beat the Heat at Home With an Architectural Sunscreen
The Seduction of Outdoor Sculptures, Screens and Installations
The Great Divide: Structures, Screens and Panels to Split Large Spaces
A laser-cut screen is sheet of metal or wood that has been precision cut with a laser to create a pattern. They can be made from stainless, weathering, mild or galvanised steel, powder-coated aluminium, MDF, reconstituted hardwood or marine plywood, among other materials. Patterns can range from geometric to abstract to botanical, and everything in between.