Architecturally Exposed Steelwork. In-house engineered precise architectural steelwork is systemized, factory fabricated and finished, delivered and then mechanically fastened on site with nominal welding. Comprised of high grade (or stainless) steel profiles, we specialize in hollow sections (round, square, rectangular and elliptical), but also adopt wide flanges, channels, T’s, angles and plates as necessary. Novum also fabricates welded box beams and unique custom fabricated sections featuring sharp corners are increasingly popular.

Applications are unlimited. Architectural visual quality, engineered integrity and precise tolerances are our primary criteria. Finishes to meet environmental and client specification include duplex (galvanized and painted), primed and painted and powder coated.

Beam to Beam. A system specifically developed to make elegant mechanical beam connections. Fasteners are typically hidden or can be architecturally exposed. The system typically features hollow profiles as continuous primary beams with secondary infill members. The product ships compactly and field assembly requires no welding. Due to its design, and excellent tolerances, direct cladding is easily accomplished.

This affordable, yet elegant system is frequently used in facades and canopies which are planar in nature and available in an assortment of finishes.

Glass to Glass. The GG-System is comprised of structural glass panels and orthogonal fins connected by discreet fasteners and elegant plates to integrate the glass structurally and as an enclosure. Minimally sized parts are typically stainless steel. Applications can be vertical, inclined or overhead and are typically planar statically determinate forms as glass cannot be warped. Glass fins are designed for some redundancy in case of damage or overload and may be double or triple laminated. Novum glass fins can be produced up to 12m (40’) lengths before splicing. The system typically uses our PSG-System and glazing panels can be monolithic, laminated or insulating.

Kugel Knoten (spherical node). The KK-System was invented and developed in the 1940’s by the late Dr. Max Mengeringhausen and is universally recognized by industry and academia as the pioneering spacetruss system. Spherical solid nodes are drilled and tapped at varied angles to create any desired geometric form and round pipes with conical ends bolt axially between nodes to form spatial grids. Typical uses are very stiff double layer structures with amazing strength to weight ratios with spans up to 150m (500’).

Tube diameters and grid sizes vary according to strength, cladding and cost requirements. Optimal use of these materials provides impressive economy. The system is available in stainless steel or hot dip galvanized high grade steel. Finish options include powder and liquid paints, brushed or polished.

Block Knoten (block node). A versatile spaceframe system using machined solid nodes and precise welded beams from hollow sections. Profiles are normally rectangular but can be round. High strength corrosion resistant fasteners are hidden and require prestressing into the node using special Novum wrenches. Beam ends are comprised of plates or blocks which are inserted into the tube and can be either recessed or protruded for welding. The beams allow direct attachment of varied cladding systems.

BK tubes are used in single layer and double layer spaceframe applications and are the preferred choice where geometries are close to orthogonal to keep nodes compact. Typical applications are cones, domes and vaults. Single layer applications use the BK node and for double layer grids the HK node (half spherical) integrates BK tubes with KK tubes creating bending stiff chord members on stiff spatial grids.

Free Form. Novum has pioneered the development of mechanically fastened tubular spatial grids capable of creating virtually any freeform surface geometry. The system is comprised of cylindrical split nodes and tubular beams with cast end adaptors. The tapered adaptors allow compact node sizes and stepping enables significant vertical angle changes. The split node provides for economy by its lightness and flexibility for other trades such as lighting and maintenance attachments.

Parts are often unique and Novum’s in-house developed software ties geometry, structural analysis, component sizing and CNC/robot assisted production. The design through fabrication process is highly automated for economy and accuracy.

Grid sizes vary, so beams come in a variety of standard depths depending on form, span and member length. Double curvature is inherently desired and develops strength.