Pendock’s versatile Radius column casings combine performance with aesthetics.

Circular MET-CL column casing used on a terrace area at UCL East London.

Decorative column casings are now a widely used and highly versatile method of concealing interior and exterior structural elements, as well as building services, that serve to improve a project’s aesthetics and, in many cases, also provide protection.

Introducing Pendock Radius
The Pendock Radius range comprises six individual column casing types, which are manufactured in a choice of standard shapes and materials, as well as bespoke options produced to match specific project dimensions.

While the ‘Radius’ name implies circular casings, other shapes are available within the range, which include square, rectangular and elliptical options, as well as bespoke forms. Both the circular MDF-CL and the square PLY-SQ casings are manufactured using preformed MDF and plywood respectively. While they can be left plain for on-site finishing, they are usually specified with a durable and decorative high pressure laminate (HPL) finish and are for interior applications only.

Circular metal Radius column casings articulate the car park at Stevenage Railway Station, Hertfordshire.

Also for interior use only is the circular GRG-CL range, which is manufactured from glass reinforced gypsum (GRG) and produced from moulds in standard or bespoke sizes and shapes, which are usually left plain for on-site decoration.

Square MET-SQ column casings can be used externally and internally.

Materials and finishes
The metal range, which includes the circular MET-CL and square MET-SQ column casings, can be used in both exterior and interior applications, and can be specified in aluminium and stainless steel. Also suitable for interior and exterior projects are GRP-CL casings, which are produced from moulded glass reinforced plastic.

Radius metal column casings can be specified with a PPC finish, although brushed, polished, textured, patterned, and perforated options are also available, and can be manufactured in bespoke sizes and shapes for individual projects. Bespoke options also feature in the GRP range, which can be specified in standard circular shapes and bespoke dimensions or forms.

Radius GRP column casings in white at St Bart’s Hospital in London.

The inherent characteristics of weather resistance and durability, for both metal and GRP options, makes them an ideal choice for external projects, where structural steelwork or concrete columns need to be concealed. GRP is also a good choice for indoor swimming pools and larger aquatic centres as they are unaffected by water and high humidity levels, or chlorine’s corrosive properties.

Elliptical metal Radius column casings were specified for the Spires Health Centre in the West Midlands.

Durability and versatility
Buildings with high footfall, such as conference venues, shopping centres, schools and colleges, airports and hospitals, usually require the greatest level of durability. This is best provided by prefinished products using durable high-pressure laminate (HPL), alongside stainless steel or aluminium with polyester powder-coated finishes.

The versatility of Radius column casings allows the use of their external surfaces to locate electrical sockets, lighting, signage, security cameras and television screens among other items, which can help specifiers provide additional benefits for shops, schools, and other buildings, where space is often at a premium.

Radius rectangular plywood column casings at Wood Street Library in Walthamstow, London.

It’s also worth noting that with very few exceptions, all column casings will need to incorporate adjustable recessed head and skirting collars as part of the specification. These provide a level of dimensional flexibility at both design and installation stages, allowing any variation in the floor to ceiling height to be accommodated. This is particularly helpful in multiple column installations where the casing heights can be kept the same and any gaps, top or bottom, are filled by the sliding collars.

Contact Details
For more information, please visit the Pendock website.