Architectural metal design is an artful way to incorporate metalwork into buildings to create visually striking and functional spaces. From walls to stairs to decorative accents, metal is being used in innovative ways to design modern work environments that inspire and make a statement. Here’s what designers are doing to incorporate custom architectural metal fabrication into their design workflows.
Architectural metal design refers to the creative implementation of metal elements into commercial and corporate spaces. It goes beyond standard metals like steel beams and functional hardware. Architectural metalwork involves thoughtfully designed metal textures, shapes, and forms that enhance aesthetics and help spaces achieve a certain mood or style.
Architects and designers carefully plan where and how to add metal architectural features based on the desired spatial experience. Metals can infuse spaces with a sleek, high-end style or rugged, industrial feel or anything in between. The creative possibilities are endless.
Some of the most popular metals used in architectural metalwork include:
Creating metal work for buildings requires precision design and fabrication. Most architectural metal elements are custom-made specifically for each space by metal fabrication shops. Using advanced technologies like CNC machining and metal printing, fabricators can create complex shapes with intricate details.
The fabrication process usually involves:
This specialized process allows metals to be transformed into flowing organic shapes, precise geometric patterns, and anything in between to meet the creative vision for the space.
Advanced metal fabrication techniques have enabled innovative uses of metalwork in corporate spaces, including:
Sleek Metal Wall Paneling: Large metal wall panels with modern textures and prints add visual impact. Popular in lobbies, conference rooms, and office divider walls.
Decorative Screens: Metal screens with unique perforated patterns and internal LED lighting create stunning focal points while also zoning spaces.
Statement Staircases: Grand metal staircases with sculptural designs, glass side panels, and integrated lighting have become signature centerpieces in offices.
Artistic Furnishings: From boardroom tables to reception desks, metal furnishings with ornate bronze, steel, and aluminum designs make a lasting impression.
Organic Light Fixtures: Custom modern light fixtures made from interwoven metal wires, branches, globes, and other shapes provide warm, artistic lighting.
Metal finishes have an intrinsic quality that enchants and intrigues. The sleek smoothness of a steel panel, the active depth of a textured bronze screen, the refined glow of a brass inlay - metal elicits texture, pattern, and movement in a uniquely alluring way.
As an interior design material, metal also offers versatility few other materials can match. By altering fabrication techniques and finishes, the same metal can read as polished or patinated, delicately ornamental or boldly rustic, brightly modern or classically ornate. This ability of metal to morph in aesthetic yet remain strong in form understands why designers return to it time and again.
In addition to their visual impact, most architectural metals also come with sustainability benefits. As a construction material, metals can have long lifespans, especially for interior use, providing decades of service with proper maintenance.
Metals like steel and aluminum are also very recyclable materials, able to be reprocessed multiple times. Using recycled content metals has a lower embodied energy than virgin materials. Many metal architectural suppliers also practice sustainability measures in their fabrication processes, using renewable energies and environmentally conscious production methods.
The transformative qualities of metal along with its durability and green properties explain why architectural metalwork is here to stay in modern interiors.
Creating complex custom architectural elements in metal is a highly collaborative, intricate process between client, designer, engineer and metal fabrication workshop. Each space and project has its own considerations both aesthetically in terms of visual style as well as functionally per spatial needs and building performance factors.
The design process typically kicks off with concept renderings and rough sketches, providing a creative compass while also assessing budget and other logistics. This leads into more formal technical drawings and 3D models, developing the piece specifications including metal types, finishes, anchoring, dimensions, and assembly.
With the final detailed drawings completed, the metal fabrication expert translates the vision into reality, using their unique expertise to handle specialty steps like forming, joining, coating, and installing the metal elements. They bring an artistic eye along with problem-solving skills to handle any constructability challenges.
The synergistic relationship between designer and fabricator allows for ambitious metal designs to be executed to specification while capturing the creative spirit and vision.
Heather & Little specializes in high-end architectural metal fabrication and expert metal roofing installation. Our skilled artisans have years of experience crafting and restoring durable, visually stunning metal roofs that stand the test of time.
If you're in Ontario and looking for a trusted team to install or restore your metal roof with precision and craftsmanship, contact us today to discuss your project. Let’s bring your vision to life with expert metalwork built to last.
And if you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, we’re here for that too. Tackling tricky challenges is our specialty and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting advice, with the same exacting attention to detail we bring to all our commissions.
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