Attractive And Durable, Cable Railing Goes Public
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Brad Adsit
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By Brad Adsit, Product Development/Engineering Manager, Feeney Inc.
Cable rail in-fill systems are increasingly being specified by architects and contractors. On the surface, the reasons appear obvious. The sleek, streamlined cables are well-suited for both indoor and outdoor settings, and complement a variety of architectural
styles while helping to preserve the view. But the appeal goes much deeper.
In addition to its aesthetic properties, cable railing is rugged enough to stand up to weather and environmental challenges while being easy to install and maintain. This is especially important in public spaces, which are subjected to more than their
average share of wear-and-tear.
Following are several projects that showcase how cable railing lends itself as a recommended go-to railing solution in public venues.
Shoring up the Boardwalk
The Fowler Lake Shoreline Project was undertaken to revitalize the waterfront area in downtown Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. When selecting a railing solution, the designers wanted an option that would not only be unobtrusive and provide a clear view of the
lake and surrounding area, but that would also stand up to the harsh marine environment. The design team selected DesignRail® aluminum railing with stainless steel CableRail infill from Feeney. To showcase the railing and illuminate
the boardwalk and pier, Feeney’s LED underrail lighting was installed under both the top and the bottom rails. The lighting also provided an extra layer of safety, which was important, as many residents stroll the boardwalk in the evenings.
Fowler Lake Pier and Boardwalk – Oconomowoc, Wisconsin | Image: Matt Edgar
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Rocket Garden At Kennedy Space Center - Merritt Island, Florida | Image: Feeney Inc.
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A Stellar History Lesson
At the Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida, project engineers were looking for an unobtrusive railing solution that would last for the long haul. More than 450 linear feet of CableRail infill from Feeney was installed on the ramp and
pathway that leads visitors through the center’s historic Rocket Garden. Designed to mimic an elliptical “slingshot” orbit, the pathway highlights the early years of the U.S. Space Program, winding past rockets from the Mercury,
Gemini, and Apollo space missions. Because the rockets are the stars of the show, it was important that the railing solution offer an unimpeded view of the Rocket Garden and surrounding area – creating the illusion of a larger, more open space.
Mission accomplished.
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Staircase and mezzanine at Myrick Hixson EcoPark – La Crosse, Wisconsin | Image: WholeTrees
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Natural Selection
At the Myrick Hixson EcoPark in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a local design firm was commissioned to revitalize the interpretative center’s atrium. A key part of the project included construction of a round timber staircase leading up to a new mezzanine
area. Because the woodwork throughout the center utilized native tree species, including red and white oak, ironwood and American elm, the designers wanted to make sure that visitors could focus on the beauty of the natural elements in the atrium.
They selected a 3/16” Stainless Steel CableRail Assembly from Feeney for the stairs and mezzanine to create a clean, streamlined aesthetic with organic lines that echoed the atrium’s structural elements.
Versatile, durable and weather-resistant, cable railing is the solution of choice for a growing number of public projects. The cable and fittings are made from marine grade 316 stainless steel, making them highly resistant to corrosion and virtually maintenance
free. In addition, cable railing lends itself to a broad range of architectural styles while providing a clean, unobtrusive railing option that will endure for years to come.
For more information, visit www.feeneyinc.com.
About Feeney
Feeney, Inc. is a manufacturer of stainless steel cable railing systems, aluminum railing systems and a host of inter-related products. To learn more, visit www.feeneyinc.com.