Architectural Metal Works components are valuable for their strength and durability, but they also offer a high degree of design flexibility. Custom metal fabrication allows designers to incorporate visual elements into the buildings they construct.
From cladding to walls, interior metal wall panels have become popular in a range of applications for their sleek, modern textures and prints.
Weathering Steel
In addition to structural steel beams and functional hardware, architectural metal includes a variety of unique textures and designs that enhance aesthetics and transform built environments. Whether in the form of decorative wall accents, stair railings or cladding, custom metalwork is increasingly being incorporated into commercial and corporate spaces to make a statement and create an impact. Architects and designers are using their expertise in architectural design, building materials science, and metal fabrication to develop free-form metal designs that add visual interest and character to buildings.
Weathering steel is a versatile material that can be used in structural and non-structural applications for both building exteriors and interiors. In addition to its durable and protective qualities, it has a natural beauty that ages gracefully to produce a dynamic patina. Weathering steel is often used in bridges to provide durability and long-term performance, and its use in buildings is increasing worldwide due to its environmental sustainability and life-cycle efficiency.
A review of the technical literature shows that many current standards for the use of weathering steel in bridges and buildings are outdated, lacking detailed specifications that are specific to the unique chemical characteristics of the material. However, emerging research trends are promising for the future of the material. These include the development of optimized alloys for more aggressive environments and developing advanced AI-based predictive models that can support maintenance decision-making.
Creating complex, custom architectural metal elements requires collaboration between the designer, fabricator and architect. The process considers the spatial needs and performance factors of each individual space. Metal architectural pieces can infuse spaces with a sleek, high-end style or rugged, industrial feel, and the creative possibilities are limitless. Moreover, metals are extremely sustainable materials, able to be recycled multiple times and having a lower embodied energy than most other building products.
Corten Steel
The natural rust color of corten steel lends itself to creating eye-catching building facades and exterior structures that connect with the surrounding environment in a harmonious way. Whether adorning modern office spaces or serving as the canvas for sculptural forms, these pieces blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative approaches to metalworking. As a result, architects and designers can translate their creative vision into unique and durable architectural elements.
Corten’s rusted patina also fits well with design trends that emphasize natural beauty and eco-sustainability. Its tones, which range from rusty red to brown, recall the colors of industrial landscapes and natural structures and create a dialogue between modern design and nature’s raw beauty.
These nuances also make corten a popular material for outdoor spaces, such as patios and garden sculptures. Homeowners are increasingly investing in their outdoor spaces, which has led to an increase in the number of projects featuring this durable material. Additionally, corten’s ability to stand up to the elements means that it is an ideal choice for creating cladding and other outdoor features that require a sturdy but visually appealing surface.
A full cladding of corten steel has been used to transform the façade of the Wyckoff Exchange building in Brooklyn. The rust tone of the new panels helps to unify the old and the new parts of the structure and serves as a testament to urban history.
The beauty of architectural metal works is that it can provide a distinct aesthetic for any space and is an attractive option for those who are looking to add a more rustic, rugged look to their space. This is especially true for corten steel, which offers a dynamic aesthetic while providing durability and green properties. These unique properties align with sustainable construction practices and are often a desirable choice for projects seeking green certifications.
Recycled Steel
A major trend in modern metal work is the use of recycled steel. This material is a versatile building component that can be used for both decorative and structural purposes. Steel can be recycled multiple times without losing its strength and quality, which is a great benefit for companies looking to make green statements with their buildings. In addition to saving resources and reducing energy consumption, using recycled steel helps companies meet sustainability goals set by their customers or regulatory bodies.
Unlike other materials, steel can be melted and reformed into a new material again and again. This allows it to be used in the construction of new buildings without relying on fresh materials. Metal designers use this versatility to create bespoke architectural elements in spaces that add visual and textural interest to the built environment.
These bespoke pieces may take the form of free-form architectural surfaces that rework the shape of a building, or sculptural forms that function as standalone works of art. The resulting forms can reveal the natural color of the source material or be coated in a variety of colors and finishes. In many cases, these custom design elements are created by metal fabrication shops that use specialized machines to manipulate different types of metals and conform them into unique shapes.
Some types of structural metal, such as insulated panels with polystyrene or rock wool cores, are difficult to separate into individual components for future recycling. However, modular detailing and new coating technologies are helping to reduce the amount of non-recyclable parts that end up in landfills during demolition. Metal fabrication shops can also practice sustainability measures by using renewable energy to power their manufacturing processes.
Adaptive Reuse
Metalwork is a major feature in architectural structures, and it can add dramatic visual appeal to any building. Metal work can take the form of decorative elements and functional structures, or it can be used as a stand-alone sculptural component. Advances in fabrication have opened up new possibilities for designers, who can now create free-form shapes in metal that transform the look and feel of a building’s interior and exterior spaces.
One of the most forward-thinking applications of metal is adaptive reuse. This design strategy is particularly popular in the context of preserving architectural history and bringing new life to historic buildings. The first step in adaptive reuse is a thorough assessment of the building’s structural integrity to determine what can be preserved and what may need to be modified or replaced. This analysis should be conducted by a structural engineer and an architect experienced in adaptive reuse projects.
During this process, architects should identify architectural elements that define the building’s historical significance and craft strategies for preserving those features during renovations. This is especially important for preserving complex or ornamental features, which may be more difficult to adapt to a new use. Architects should also consider the impact that a renovation will have on adjacent structures, such as parking or access to public transportation.
Another significant trend in adaptive reuse is prefabricated and modular construction. These approaches minimize the need for labor-intensive on-site construction, reducing cost and speeding up project completion times. They can also provide more flexibility in the use of materials, allowing architects to achieve their aesthetic goals with a range of finishes. Metal fabrication technologies are enabling this shift toward prefabricated and modular design, including specialized coatings that offer more sustainability.
High-End Aesthetics
Architectural metal work has the ability to transform the look and feel of a building at a massive scale. It adds color, texture, and depth. It also adds function and strength. Metal structures can transfer impact load, resist wind shear, channel light, heat and air, deflect rain, and more.
Whether in the form of panels, three-dimensional pieces, piping or other elements, the possibilities are limitless. Modern architects are using metal to create a range of aesthetics, from sleek and high-end to rugged, industrial and everything in between.
These metal features can be found on both the interior and exterior of buildings. On the outside, they can serve as cladding or coverings, allowing designers to control how light hits a structure. They can also be incorporated into the facade to frame windows, provide privacy or create visual interest. In the case of the Southeast Career Technical Academy, the building was clad in perforated metal panels that shielded the building from sun and allowed for the display of the school logo and mascot.
Inside, architectural metal can be used to enliven built spaces, from accent walls to full-scale ceilings. Steel can be fabricated to give a space an industrial look, while stainless steel offers a clean, sleek aesthetic. Galvanized steel can provide a weathered, rustic appearance while copper can develop a dynamic patina over time.
The design process for complex architectural metal pieces can be an iterative and collaborative one between architect, engineer and a metal fabrication workshop. Prototypes and mock-ups allow for hands-on testing of functionality to reveal potential issues that might interfere with the integrity of the structure or detract from its aesthetic. These issues can be resolved through the design process to ensure that a final product is both durable and beautiful.
