How Bespoke Architectural Profiles Are Made
Bespoke architectural profiles are developed from suitable project drawings, dimensions and interface information. Taylormade reviews the required geometry, coordinates relevant joints, returns and terminations, and issues drawings for approval where applicable. Once the required information is approved, profiles are CNC-cut from lightweight EPS, factory base-coated and prepared for the agreed finish, supply and installation scope.
What makes a profile bespoke?
A bespoke profile is developed for project requirements that are not met by a standard catalogue option. It may have a different section, length, radius, return, corner arrangement or relationship with adjoining details. Some projects use fully bespoke profiles; others adapt a standard profile or combine standard and bespoke elements.
Bespoke manufacture is subject to technical feasibility. The proposed geometry must be practical to cut, coat, handle, transport and install. The Bespoke Profile page shows examples of the types of non-standard details Taylormade can assess.
What information is needed?
Useful starting information includes general arrangement drawings, elevations, section details, relevant dimensions, wall build-up information, finish requirements and the intended profile locations. A dimensioned sketch may be sufficient for an initial discussion, but manufacture depends on complete and approved information appropriate to the detail.
Customer or project-team dimensions normally form the basis of manufacture unless Taylormade has specifically agreed and accepted responsibility for a defined survey. Changes to project drawings after approval must be identified so affected profiles and details can be reviewed before manufacture.
From drawing to finished profile
Project information is reviewed
The starting information can include general arrangement drawings, elevations, sections, dimensions, wall build-up details and the required finish. The information must be sufficient to define the Taylormade profile scope and relevant interfaces.
The profile detail is coordinated
The required section, length, joints, returns, corners and terminations are developed against the available project information. Geometry, handling, transport and installation feasibility are considered before the proposal is finalised.
Drawings and finishes are approved
Where approval drawings or setting-out information are required, the relevant revision is issued for review. Manufacture proceeds from the latest approved information after the required order, payment and finish details are complete.
The profiles are manufactured
The approved geometry is CNC-cut from lightweight EPS at Taylormade’s Aberdare facility, then factory base-coated and prepared for the decorative finish agreed for the project.
Supply and installation are coordinated
Profiles can be supplied for installation by others or installed by Taylormade where agreed. Delivery, storage, access, substrate readiness and the project-specific fixing detail must be coordinated before site work starts.
Who is responsible for the design?
Taylormade coordinates matters within the agreed architectural profile package, such as profile geometry, locations, joints, returns, interfaces and relevant fixing information. This does not automatically transfer responsibility for the overall architecture, structure, primary weatherproofing, Building Regulations compliance or surrounding wall and facade systems.
Those wider responsibilities remain with the appropriate architect, structural engineer, system provider or other responsible project party unless Taylormade expressly accepts a defined responsibility in writing. The EPS profile itself is non-loadbearing and is not a structural fixing substrate.
Approval, samples and later changes
Where drawings are issued for approval, the normal progression is from FOR APPROVAL to APPROVED FOR MANUFACTURE. Manufacture follows the latest approved revision. A sample section may also be considered for a one-off profile or finish where it would help the project team review the proposed result.
Changes after approval can affect drawings, committed materials, work already manufactured, cost and programme. Revised information should therefore be identified promptly and reviewed before affected manufacture continues.
Common questions
Must every bespoke enquiry start with a CAD drawing?
No. A dimensioned sketch, drawing extract or section detail may be enough to start a technical discussion. Complete and approved information suitable for manufacture will still be required before production begins.
Can a standard profile be altered?
Yes, where technically feasible. Standard catalogue profiles can provide a starting point for a changed section or dimension, while other details may need to be developed as fully bespoke profiles.
Does Taylormade provide a site survey?
A survey may be available where specifically agreed and quoted. Any Taylormade survey is limited to the defined profile scope and is not automatically a structural, architectural or complete measured-building survey.
What should be confirmed before installation?
The approved profile and setting-out information, supporting substrate, fixing method, joints, adjoining interfaces, access, storage, finish and relevant manufacturer conditions should all be confirmed for the project before work starts.
To begin a project-specific review, send the available drawings and requirements through the contact page.