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Why Mesh Balustrades Are Trending in Commercial Design

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Published. 18.08.2026
Author. Asentis
Location. Australia
Mesh balustrades are making their mark across commercial interiors, offering a contemporary alternative to traditional systems while bringing texture, detail and visual interest to architectural staircases.

We’re seeing growing use of mesh across commercial projects, with designers drawn to its clean lines, visual lightness and ability to create definition without overwhelming a space. Versatile by nature, mesh can be subtle and refined or bold and sculptural, while its open construction maintains visual connection through stair voids and surrounding spaces.

It also works effortlessly across a range of material palettes, pairing with timber, steel, concrete and bold colour finishes to either complement or define the staircase.

Behind the aesthetic is a carefully coordinated steelwork system, with custom-fabricated frames, supports, mesh panels and fixings engineered to suit each stair’s geometry. Careful alignment, connections and detailing during installation ensure a consistent, refined finish.

The result is a balustrade that balances technical performance with considered design — helping explain why mesh is becoming an increasingly popular choice for contemporary commercial stairs.

Our Mesh Balustrades: 5 Projects We Love

Explore some of our favourite completed projects and see how mesh balustrades are being used across commercial interiors around Australia.
Westpac, Adelaide

The perforated metal mesh balustrades at Westpac Adelaide bring transparency and visual lightness to the interconnected staircases. Set against a refined palette of solid timber, bronze, steel and deep burgundy, the mesh provides a contemporary contrast while maintaining clear views through the stair void. The burgundy finish adds a bold layer of colour, demonstrating how mesh can become an integrated architectural feature rather than simply a functional balustrade.

ESR AUS& NZ Headquarters

The interconnecting staircase at ESR’s headquarters uses perforated mesh to create a strong architectural feature within the workplace. Finished in a rich, earthy burgundy, the mesh adds texture and depth while maintaining visual openness between levels. The carefully selected colour complements the broader material palette and reflects the project’s consideration of Indigenous connections to Country, showing how mesh can contribute to both the aesthetic and cultural expression of a space.

Harry the Hirer, Sydney

Perforated mesh forms a defining element of the industrial aesthetic at Harry the Hirer’s Sydney workplace. Finished in the brand’s signature blue, the mesh balustrades and lift shaft enclosure create a bold visual statement while retaining the open, utilitarian character of the space. Detailed design development and prototyping were undertaken to refine the mesh fixing methodology, ensuring the finished detailing achieved both the desired aesthetic and constructability.

JLL, Sydney

JLL’s Sydney workplace features a striking white mesh spiral staircase connecting three levels through the open-plan office. The perforated balustrade enhances the stair’s lightweight, airy quality, allowing light and sightlines to move freely through the space. Its crisp white finish emphasises the sculptural geometry of the stair, creating a statement feature that encourages movement and spontaneous interaction across the workplace.

Darlinghurst Workplace

At the Darlinghurst Workplace, charcoal perforated mesh reinforces the project’s industrial character, pairing with raw concrete and masonry textures. The open balustrade allows natural light from the skylight to filter through the stair, creating a sense of openness while maintaining definition around the circulation space. As the stair rises, the material palette transitions toward warmer timber elements, creating a considered contrast between the building’s industrial heritage and its contemporary workplace environment.

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