Platform on architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
For the outdoor space at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, the architect sought a solution that combines functionality with a pleasant environment. The Artdeck® grating from Dejo that was selected had to be not only safe and water-permeable, but also enhance the ambiance of the space where students gather during breaks and lunchtime.
The outdoor space called for an open structure that allows air and water to pass through, while remaining comfortable to walk on. This often creates challenges, especially in a public setting. Open steel gratings are functional, but they don’t always feel comfortable to users. That was also a factor at Fontys
Eindhoven University of Applied Sciences.
The solution was found in Dejo Artdeck® gratings: steel gratings filled with EPDM rubber granules. For this project, a DPA 30-3 / 10-2 grating made of galvanized steel with a RAL 8022 coating and filled with black granules was selected. This is noteworthy, as the system was specifically designed to accommodate color combinations and patterns.
“We were actually surprised that black was chosen,” says Johannes Berger, commercial director of Dejo. “Architects often choose red, blue, or yellow, or combinations of colors. But when we saw the first samples, it turned out that this choice actually worked very well within the overall design.”
According to Berger, the way the light falls creates a unique visual effect. “There’s almost a kind of Escher effect to it,” he says. “Depending on the angle of the light, the way the surface is perceived changes. That also shows how important architecture is in these kinds of applications.”
Dejo has been working with the concept of rubber-filled grates for about twenty years now. In the early days, the introduction was a struggle. This was not only due to the higher cost, but also because clients and architects had questions about the material’s durability. “The initial reactions were very practical,” says Berger. “Will the rubber actually stay in place? Won’t it crack? At the time, we hadn’t fully answered those kinds of questions ourselves either.”
According to him, there are now applications that have been in use for more than ten to twenty years without any major problems. The rubber infill is supplied by a specialized partner that focuses on the correct composition of the granules and the use of ozone-resistant rubber types. Over the years, the system has been perfected—not only technically but also aesthetically. Architects gained more opportunities to work with color, patterns, and blends, while at the same time the product’s performance improved.
In addition to the visual aspect, ease of use also played an important role at Fontys. The granules provide extra traction and help dampen noise and vibrations. Furthermore, the surface feels safer to users than a completely open grating structure.
“With outdoor spaces like this, you have to look beyond just construction techniques,” says Berger. “People also walk here in heels or stop to chat or have lunch. You don’t want a grating that feels uncomfortable.” Thanks to the coarse texture of the granules, the system remains permeable to water, which reduces the risk of slippery conditions. According to Dejo, it is precisely this combination of technical performance, comfort, and design flexibility that makes the product appealing to architects who want to give public outdoor spaces a stronger sense of identity.
