Construction wrap is a life like image digitally printed on a fabric or PVC material and then wrapped onto a scaffolding sub-frame. Also known as a trompe l’oeil (which means ‘deceive the eye’ in French) building wraps.
This is a design technique that uses photo images to create an optical illusion. Replicating the building facade or a relevant design the construction wrap disguises itself into the townscape and hides the ugly scaffolding or construction site. Getting the design right is very important otherwise the effect is totally lost. It not just about taking a photo or design and printing it big! Colour, Scale and perspective plays a critical part on making the construction wrap a truly effective trompe l’oeil building wrap.
Construction wrap is not just about printing big
But it’s not just about good artwork or print work either. The hardest part of the job is getting the sub-frame prepared for the building wraps. Once again it’s not possible to throw up a scaffolding structure and hang a banner off it. Firstly the scaffolding must be professionally designed with the construction wrap in mind. There must be no projecting poles on the face and that it can support the large wind loads.
Sub Frame is need for the building wrap
The sub frame then needs to be installed using only smooth couplings. This is so the fabric or mesh can be wrapped around the scaffold poles hiding all the fixing points. Once the building wrap is hung off the top line it’s tensioned up using bungles. This takes the folds and wrinkles out of the wrap and will allow the wrap to expand and contract.
This scaffold wrap was produced by Project Print Management for the Fulham Palace whist the building is under restoration.
For more information on building wraps or a trompe l’oeil building wraps please look at our blog or contact us.
