Work Samples: Expanded Polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene, the result of Jon's extensive research and implementation, is one material that has revolutionized the work of Cronin Designs.

The Many Faces of Expanded Polystyrene

Lightweight, expanded polystyrene is capable of numerous applications in all shapes and forms. These forms can be attached to a suspended ceiling grid or adhered to textured or smooth surfaces such as metals, sheet rock, wood or glass.

Expanded polystyrene also comes in a wide and varied number of finishes. It can possess the look of cast stone or hard shell glass, of textured stone with a latex painted finish or even terracotta.

This versatile material's numerous applications can provide extremely attractive, inexpensive and easily implemented design features.

Proven track record of implementation

Jon has spent a number of years experimenting with the material, using different finishes and different applications to fulfill the needs of clients he has worked with.

One of its most attractive features is the beam and bracket system, designed and developed by Jon, which makes application flexible and quick on the job site.

Expanded polystyrene accents require no extra structural carpentry to support the system, resulting in minimal prepatory work and allows the designs to be used in a variety applications where other materials would require extensive additional expense and time.

Sample projects utilizing Expanded Polystyrene

• One very successful application was the beam and bracket system that was very effective and simple to install in a Western Sizzlin restaurant in Derby, KS.
• Another application was making office systems wall panels from the expanded polystyrene material, lightweight yet durable and much less expensive.

Developing expanded polystyrene's place within interior design: initial case study

During the initial period of research and experimentation, Jon worked with the Kansas Correctional Industries and several state colleges, designing and creating lightweight, attractive, comfortable and durable furniture.

Working with AMC Theatres and an architectural firm in Kansas City to create a decorative lobby bench that would have no seams and be resistant to cigarette burns, Jon worked with a chemist in St. Louis to develop a finish that would make the polystyrene material right for the job. The bench was used in one of the AMC Theatres in the area for 6 months and passed the test.

Clients in construction, in the hotel and motel industry, and commercial furniture businesses are among those who may be particularly interested in the possibilities for this material on a large scale. Designers and architects in areas like Hawaii (which faces the challenges of a slumped Asian market) have expressed significant interest because of the need for decorative materials at an affordable price.