Cambridge Architectural Mesh needed an attractive, functional and economical packaging system to deliver samples of its woven stainless steel mesh to architects and designers. The scale of each weave and sizes of the different samples varied dramatically, making a one-size-fits-all approach out of the question.

Inspired by Japanese packaging, we focused attention on the mesh’s beauty and inherent properties. The plain white exterior of the box is contrasted with a flood of Cambridge red on the interior. A bed of red tissue paper presents the mesh samples in a giftlike fashion while preventing damage during shipment. The flexible mesh samples, large and small, are rolled and bound, sushi-like, with red paper wrappers. The rigid mesh samples are cradled in a red and white windowed box, which hides and protects the sharp edges of each sample. Several different sample sizes can be accommodated with the insertion of corrugated spacers.

The result is an extremely economical sample delivery system that succeeds in emphasizing the beauty and properties of the mesh. The hand-packed aspect of each box reflects the handcrafted nature of architectural mesh and turns the opening of each sample box into a memorable experience.