|
FRPs can be used to produce structural solutions that minimise the visual intrusion of the installation e.g. cellular trees, imitations of traditional materials. This can be classed as an environmental benefit.
Cellular Trees
Cellular trees have been developed for the world-wide cellular market to disguise transmitter masts. The cellular tree is custom designed and constructed from GRP to imitate a particular tree type, thus reducing the environmental impact of a cellular mast structure on its surroundings to an absolute minimum. This increases the possibility of successful planning applications in environmentally sensitive areas and broadens the scope of potential site locations. For example, the Scots pine model has a wide range of natural environments across Europe and Asia from the Atlantic to the Pacific, enabling the adoption of this model throughout many rural areas. The lightening tree is another example of an innovative camouflaged site solution. The cellular tree has many aesthetic design concepts:
• arrangements of the branches to represent natural organic growth patterns
• variable branch and foliage mounting configurations
• removable and changing branches and foliage
• realistic bark pattern
• staggered antenna mounting heights to conceal the antenna radiating windows
Imitation of traditional materials
FRPs can be moulded to any surface texture or painted to any colour. This has application in the new build market but, more importantly in the rehabilitation of structures, particularly historic buildings it is often deemed an environmental benefit based on aesthetics. Examples include granite effect cladding on Liverpool Roman Catholic Cathedral, wrought iron effect railings on a balcony and brick effect cladding.
|