Decorative tube profiles for metal architecture and infrastructure
Clients and projects using our shaped tube
Bespoke tubing solutions for manufacturing, product design and prototypes
At Timeless we strongly believe that you’ll never tire of good design – if something is designed well, it stands the test of time. That’s why architects choose Timeless Tube for new build, renovation, restoration and infrastructure projects.
Our tube profiles are enduringly elegant. They offer aesthetic, ergonomic and structural advantages over conventional round tubing, providing the construction industry with greater possibilities when it comes to choosing metal architecture.
Creative customisation - some case studies
We have been tasked with custom-making parts and prototypes for a varied list of clients spanning several industries; we are continually surprised by these novel applications for shaped metal tubing.
Here are some of the projects we have been part of:
Iconic structures, individual properties and communal buildings
Timeless Tube fabricated the oval tubing used on London’s iconic Millennium Bridge, as well as the handrail that runs across the top of the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Sky Walk. We custom-make staircases for family homes, commercial properties and public buildings such as schools and hospitals.
We provide balustrading for balconies and terraces of all specifications. Talk to us about your project, whatever its size. Our engineers will work with you to help actualise your vision.
Shaped tubing doesn’t just look better…
Shaped tubing boasts ergonomic and safety advantages over standard round tubing, such as being both easier and more comfortable to grip. Our D-shaped tube, used predominantly as handrail, has been carefully tested for its ergonomic viability.
Our methodical ‘tube deflection testing’ demonstrates that shaped stainless steel tubes formed from standard round tubes are less likely to buckle than their round counterparts. The shaped tubing benefits from increased strength performance (between 20% – 54% depending on the shape).
We have even found that our radius square tube, with its softened corners, offers greater strength compared to standard box section tubing.
Stainless steel for superior structural support, durability and cost-effectiveness
Most of our architectural tubing is fabricated from stainless steel 304L (1.4301) and stainless steel 316L (1.4404) due to its incredible strength, ductility and versatility. The fact that it is corrosion-resistant makes it hygienic and easy to maintain. Stainless steel (inox steel) is also an extremely sustainable material (100% of stainless steel is recyclable).
At Timeless we’re committed to sustainability, and to a move towards a more circular economy which will see us keeping resources in use as long as possible. Most architects recognise that in the long-term, stainless steel is more cost-effective than mild steel because it is so durable and it requires little, if any, maintenance. By contrast, mild steel handrails, balustrades and infrastructure will eventually need replacing or repainting, and often at a considerable expense. Timeless only use stainless steel because of its impressive Life Cycle Costing.
Our stainless steel tubing comes in various finishes, including a brushed satin finish, which is great at hiding fingerprints and blemishes, and a luxurious polished mirror finish.
We can even powder coat stainless steel to create a wood-effect.
Antique-style through to colourful and contemporary
If you are doing restorative work in historic buildings, or you’re seeking an antique look, we can fabricate our tubing from copper, brass or bronze.
If you want a highly durable metal but with the traditional warmth of bronze, you could choose 90/10 cupronickel (which is also less expensive than bronze), or use bronze-coloured PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) titanium ion plating on stainless steel.
PVD is available in a wide range of colours for a more contemporary look. It is scratch and corrosion resistant.
Reliable quality and service
We have been fabricating shaped metal tubing for over 30 years, and now supply metal architecture for some of the UK’s biggest construction companies. Contractors trust that we that we always fabricate high-quality tubing, and do so in a safe, efficient and timely way.
We are renowned for our ability to fabricate tubes of all sizes, which means that we can closely work to your designs.
We only use premium-grade metals to ensure that the quality of our tubes is optimal, and we undergo rigorous testing and checks.
Tubing solutions for infrastructure
Timeless are also frequently tasked with shaping tubing for various infrastructure applications for public spaces. Examples include the protective barriers used at the base of 33 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), the queue management system at the London Eye, door handles, emergency exit handles, shop railings and air vents.
We have also supplied tubing for several airports, making the guard rails used to protect walls from trolley damage, and tubing to prevent luggage from falling off conveyor belts.
All these applications require tubing to be both ergonomically viable and in many cases, aesthetically pleasing.
Architecture-related tubing applications
- Staircase
- Balustrades
- Railings
- Balconies
- Handrails
- Kick rails
- Tube cladding for building exteriors
Decorative design - examples of our work
Architects and artists alike often turn to Timeless when the aesthetics of the tubing is critical to the project.
Timeless helped to meet an architect’s brief to create a ‘contemporary, stunning feature staircase’ in a client’s private residence in Surrey to accentuate the ‘contours and curves’ of the landing area and stairs; we fabricated oval twisted spindles and stainless steel D-shaped handrails, ready for installation.
In London’s 5 star Lanesborough Club & Spa — one of London’s most exclusive health clubs — we made flat-sided oval brass tubing for ceiling trim; the tubing had an antiqued patination treatment to ensure it was sympathetic to the room’s classic decor.
We have also provided twisted tube for art commissions — from a maritime-themed public sculpture near Bournemouth beach to an art installation in the shop front of the prestigious Selfridges department store in London.
We regularly work alongside other metal architects and tier 2 suppliers. Recently we fabricated stainless steel oval tubing for a parapet at the iconic Marple Aqueduct in Greater Manchester; the architect needed an elegant yet visually understated design with ‘contemporary detailing’ to enhance this scheduled ancient monument. Our horizontal stainless steel railing was woven around vertical black steel posts to reflect the weaving industry that was once so important in that area.
Timeless offer an impressive range of finishes, as well as services such as welding and bending; you can save time and money by letting us manage these processes for you.
Joiners for connecting Oval shaped tubing
We currently offer a system of joiners for oval and twisted oval tubing, which enable you to produce handrail and balustrades with uncompromising, seamless joins. If you have a large project that requires joiners for other tube profiles then speak to us to find out more.
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