High Roller, within the rails

In brassy, sassy Las Vegas, bigger is always better, so the LINQ hotel, entertainment and shopping district created a landmark that has visitors standing in line. The 500-foot High Roller takes customers on a 30-minute ride above a panoramic view of the Las Vegas strip. Each of 28 spherical cabins on what amounts to the world’s largest Ferris Wheel holds 40 guests, who board the High Roller after a sojourn in a 270-degree surround theater, bar and lounge. After the pre-show, visitors file into the cabins from a path lined with illuminated handrails over custom stainless steel woven wire mesh panels developed by Banker Wire, Mukwonago, Wis.

The project fabricator, Southwest Architectural Metals, Henderson, Nev., “teamed directly with the architect to redesign a custom stainless steel railing system that uses Banker Wire’s Versatile Spine frame and R.B. Wagner’s illuminated handrail,” says senior project manager Matt Wright. Banker Wire L-62 metal fabric has a unique lock crimp weave that provides strength and durability, ideal for providing fall protection and withstanding heavy use. The mesh has a contemporary look that matches the wheel’s sleek aesthetic. It’s made with 90 percent recycled content (both pre- and post-consumer), and can give architects Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) credits for recycled content and light pollution reduction (metal mesh filters light for facilities that operate at night).