GRAFT Architects Use Silver Mirror Dibond For Hurricane Katrina Exhibit In Berlin

Distinct Ambiguity Exhibition, Berlin, GRAFT Architects, ThyssenKrupp Plastics, Reproplan Berlin oHG, Kathrein Tischlerei Innenausbau GmbH, Mirror Dibond 3A Composites USA
The Distinct Ambiguity exhibition in Berlin’s “Haus am Waldsee” made its rounds at the AIT ArchitekturSalons in Munich, Cologne and Rotterdam. The exhibit, designed by GRAFT architects, featured a three-dimensional mirrored Dibond installation.

Distinct Ambiguity Exhibition, Berlin, GRAFT Architects, ThyssenKrupp Plastics, Reproplan Berlin oHG, Kathrein Tischlerei Innenausbau GmbH, Mirror Dibond 3A Composites USADibond mirror was specified by the architects, “Although it’s very thin, this material has astonishing structural strength,” said architect Wolfram Putz. “What’s more, the reverse, which in this case is mill-finished with a clear coat, displays a high-grade aesthetic.” The supplier of the silver mirror finish specified by GRAFT was ThyssenKrupp Plastics.

The exhibit installation was completed by two Berlin-based installers, Reproplan Berlin oHG and Kathrein Tischlerei & Innenausbau GmbH; with Reproplan being responsible for the printing of the material. The direct printing of the panels was done within very precise specifications by the architects who’s work according to ThyssenKrupp Plastics, “[Showed] a district of New Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the artwork refers directly to a reconstruction project of GRAFT architects in the cradle of jazz. The architects further explain the exhibit’s purpose was to raise awareness and attract sponsors for their reconstruction project.

Distinct Ambiguity Exhibition, Berlin, GRAFT Architects, ThyssenKrupp Plastics, Reproplan Berlin oHG, Kathrein Tischlerei Innenausbau GmbH, Mirror Dibond 3A Composites USAComputer drawings, supplied by GRAFT, were given to Kathrein Tischlerei & Innenausbau GmbH to specify the distinct cutting parameters of the material. Interestingly, Kathrein converted the drawings into “cutting commands” which allowed the material to be automatically cut, via CNS milling machine, into 40 distinct shapes.

The team at Kathrein, interviewed by ThyssenKrupp, explained their biggest challenge of the project was assembly. According to Managing Director Thomas Kathrein, “Our job was the technical implementations. The supporting structure was to be as inconspicuous, transparent and “unattached” as possible.”

Andreas Horn of ThyssenKrupp Plastics in Berlin stated, “The mirror installation is an object lesson in Dibond’s versatility and what it can be used for…We’re delighted that GRAFT architect are presenting an artwork made of precisely this material in such a prestigious exhibition.”

For more information about this incredible project visit ThyssenKrupp Plastics, responsible for all photography and information, and GRAFT architects.