By Sara Chan | Oct 12, 2009
GEKO - Wall Art With A Purpose
|
|
| The GEKO hangs above the floor, and hides unsightly wiring. With customisable built-in speakers, you can also install TV brackets for your flat screen TV. |
Who would have thought that the common house lizard could inspire wall art panels? The GEKO wall art panel – which combines art, style and technology – is derived from the word ‘gecko’ and reflects the sticky trait of the lizard.
The panel, which hangs off the wall, allows shelving units to be attached to it. This made-in-Malaysia product is so sturdy, you can even place your entire home entertainment system on it.
Launched less than a month ago, the artistic wall panel allows the user to define its functionality. You can install TV brackets on it for your flat screen TV or fix a speaker system in it for an “invisible” audio system.
“Wall art has always been standalone items, but here we incorporate art into modern lifestyle” says Stephen Tay, co-designer of the wall panel. Tay took over two years to develop the GEKO wall panel with his wife Catherine.
“The idea of it is to allow the user to define how they want it to be used” explains Tay. “It can be installed near the entrance of the home so that people can store their keys, mail and right before they leave, they can check themselves in the installed mirror” he adds.
The wall panel can also be turned into a dressing table with a custom made cabinet placed at the bottom and a mirrored panel on top. It can also be used as a headboard with a sound system installed in it and cabinets extending out for storage.
|
|
| “We wanted to find a way to stop clutter in the home as well,” says Tay. |
Incorporating the latest in technology
The GEKO wall panel uses a mounting system by Fischer-Dübels, a German company specialising in fixtures, the wall panels hang above the floor and hides unsightly wiring. This presents an easy cleaning solution to those frustrated with cleaning beneath and behind, but also tidies up the constant messy wiring behind their TV consoles and the dust that collects there.
A standard sized panel measures approximately three feet across. However, there is the option to combine multiple panels for a larger one.
The panel with a hidden audio system uses NXT flat speakers. Imported from the United Kingdom, the technology for hidden audio systems has already hit our shores.
“Some of the newer shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur have already incorporated this system to make their décor flawless” says Tay. A light switch beside the panel controls the LED strip lighting at the bottom and top of the panels. Also, the AV cabinet comes with an international integrated power receptacle.
“We wanted to find a way to stop clutter in the home as well,” says Tay. The GEKO is styled after modern contemporary designs, giving it a European flair. The panels are made using a number of materials such as microfibre fabric, wood veneers, mirrors and tempered glass.
Art & inspiration
|
|
| The MONDRIAN is a brightly coloured wall panel was inspired by Dutch cubism painter Piet Mondrian. |
Tay also speaks about the inspiration behind some of the panel designs on exhibit at the showroom in Plaza Damas. Some of the panels showcase Cubism, an avant-garde art form that incorporates the use of colours and geometric designs to form abstract art. Think Pablo Picasso.
“The KLEE panel is inspired by the Swiss cubism painter Paul Klee. The panel was actually inspired by a tiny piece of one of his paintings,” he says with a chuckle. The MONDRIAN, a brightly coloured wall panel was inspired by Dutch cubism painter Piet Mondrian, who was partial to the use of black, white and the three primary colours of red, yellow and blue.
Installing the GEKO is a quick and mess-free job. “Everything can be completed in less than three hours, and when we’re done, all you need to do is sweep the floor for a little dust,” says Tay.
The fabric-type GEKO panels cost the least while the ones made of tempered glass with a high gloss finish costs more. The recommended retail price for two standard panels starts from RM5,780.
With an affordable price tag and unique designs, the GEKO is truly a Malaysian breakthrough in interior design.
 |
Katyna Sdn Bhd |
 |
03-62035488 |
 |
P-1-3 Plaza Damas, 60 Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. |
 |
www.katyna.com |
|
Read other article
|