The Architectural Uses & Benefits of Ornamental Sheet Metal
An Overview of Sheet Metal for Architectural Purposes
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As architects carefully draw up their visions of new buildings and restoration projects, intentional details can make significant visual impacts in terms of overall aesthetic appeal. You can invoke a timeless, intriguing look with decorative sheet metal. Ornamental sheet metal can be employed in many different ways to achieve an original touch, add creativity, evoke elegance, or restore historical prestige. Further, it can provide functional purpose with respect to sound absorption, reflection, drainage, practical use, and historical reverence. Architectural sheet metal can accomplish utility goals and achieve artistic flair simultaneously.
Different types of sheet metal can achieve varying visual effects while additionally providing enhanced advantages. In performing restoration, or historical projects that require matching traditional materials, you can preserve the original sheet metal to retain authenticity. Yet, in accomplishing modern architecture, there is increased freedom of choice, as follows:
- Aluminum:
Aluminum sheet metal presents many style choices, as there is an extensive variety of surface finishes and hues available. As aluminum is flexible and mouldable, designs can be crafted with precision. It can be used for exterior and interior projects alike, from wall panels to sconces.
- Brass:
Brass is composed of copper and zinc, offering a telltale bright and shiny gold-like appearance. This popular choice is strong, durable, and lightweight. Since it involves copper in its composition, it is similarly malleable and can be used for a wide range of decorative purposes, such as stamping. Use it for small decorative fixtures and trims for its exquisite appearance.
- Bronze:
Bronze consists of copper, tin, and other metals and has a distinctive metallic brown appearance. Bronze is stronger than copper, and it also resists corrosion better. Use it to add remarkable touches to small panels.
- Copper:
Popular for its initial metallic reddish-brown beauty, copper provides an unmatched elegance for any building. It lasts hundreds of years in some cases and eventually oxidizes to a solid bright green. It&#;s incredibly strong, weatherproof, and corrosion-resistant. Additionally, it is a soft and malleable metal, such that it can take on nearly any design you wish. You can use copper for large showcases, such as wall panels, roof tiles, doors, gates, and window frames. However, this stunning metal is ideal for delicate finials, fixtures, trims, and other decorative items.
- Galvanized steel
is made by wrapping steel or iron in a protective zinc exterior. Thus, galvanized steel gives off a luminous, metallic surface that reflects and plays with the light.
- Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel is a more contemporary sought-after material, reflecting a classic, modern and clean aesthetic. Since it is an alloy of chromium, nickel, iron, and other metals, it is very strong. Choose stainless steel for high-quality exterior decoration, such as window grills and door panels.
- Zinc:
Zinc has magnificent artistic appeal as it provides a luminous, bluish-white surface. Incorporate this reliable, durable material for roof coverings and wall claddings.
Aesthetic decisions regarding the design of various buildings also include the processes the metal goes through before being cut or stamped. These operations transform different metals in various ways:
The Beauty of Stamped, Decorative and Ornamental Sheet Metal
Architectural sheet metal can be designed and employed in a variety of ways &#; intriguing details, eloquent and beautiful accents, full and breathtaking panels, or in intricate and delicate fixtures. There are four main advantages of choosing decorative sheet metal to embellish an interior space or exterior surface:
- Eye-Catching:
Ornamental sheet metal inspires astonishing visuals which vary depending on the preferred type of metal, placement, design, and style. Historical and contemporary employment have notably included sheet metal roof tiles, domes, steeples, cupolas, roof finials, statues, leaders and leader heads, urns, balustrades, and trims.
- Durable:
Sheet metal is well-known for its ability to resist many different types of weather conditions and elements. It is treated with anti-corrosion and UV-resistant chemicals, making it perfect for outdoor projects.
- Versatile:
There are many different types of sheet metal you can incorporate into building styles. Traditionally, sheet metal copper and sheet metal brass decorated areas such as roofs to trims. Contemporary materials include stainless steel, aluminum and zinc. The choice of material will play the main role in how precise the shapes and cuts will be. It will additionally alter the colour and finish of the project.
Decorative sheet metal is not only aesthetically pleasing but it also provides incredible functionality. So, it can be incorporated into the architectural design with intention, as follows:
- Reflection:
Stainless steel, galvanized steel, and zinc are naturally reflective, making them ideal for canopies, handrails, doorknobs, fences, and gates.
- Practical Use:
Architectural sheet metal is excellent for practical uses such as lighting fixtures, door knockers or knobs, stairs, chairs, and benches.
- Historical Preservation:
Decorative sheet metal restores, renews, or recreates historical additions to buildings, structures, fixtures or sculptures.
Types of Architectural Projects where Sheet Metal Is a Good Choice
Artisans carefully craft decorative sheet metals into various constructions, shapes, figures, or stamps. In general, sheet metal can be cut in precise patterns to achieve a specific look or construction. You can also use perforated or corrugated sheet metal in different colours and styles to design the effects you want. Although custom sheet metal fabrication is always possible, there are many general projects that sheet metal can be involved in:
- Dividers and Walls:
Metal sheets are installed directly on exterior or interior walls to achieve different looks and styles. It beautifies the space and creates a final custom look based on its colour, finish, and reflective properties. Many dividers or walls also have perforated designs or corrugation to add to the functionality and elevate the space.
- Columns:
Sheet metal can be used to cover columns in intriguing ways. First, you can use them to seamlessly cover a circular, cubical, rectangular, crescent, or hexagonal column. Second, they can be perforated to let light shine through to a beautiful effect.
- Fences and Gates:
Fences and gates are functional assets on many properties. By using perforated sheet metal rather than the typical metal rods, you can achieve elegant curb appeal. When employing sheet metal in fences and gates, sound absorption and privacy are added perks.
- Roofs, Cupolas, Domes, Steeples:
Large undertakings involving sheet metal call attention and admiration to structure. Typical architectural projects include roofs, cupolas, domes, and steeples.
Showcase of Heather & Little's Sheet Metal Project Gallery
Be sure to visit our online sheet metal project gallery to see the diverse projects we have completed for clients over the years. From refurbishing aircrafts to restoring delicate items, Heather & Little Ltd. has earned a sterling reputation for having a Midas touch when it comes to ornamental sheet metal.
For example, Cree more Springs Brewery trusted our team to restore an original brew kettle to its original copper sheen. We repurposed the brew kettle with a custom-designed video monitor for use at the business.
The World Peace Monument in Toronto is a stunning testament to a perfect idea. So, you can imagine how excited we were when we received a commission to restore the metal statue. Our metalworkers first created a spherical brass frame to support the globe. We then created a copper skin to renew the look of this national treasure.
These are just two examples of our custom sheet metal work.
At Heather & Little Ltd, our team specializes in creating decorative sheet metal for a wide range of architectural projects. Our artisans bring your vision to life, with our high-quality sheet metal materials, flawless design execution, and precise cuts and stamps. We will carefully craft and construct sheet metal to exceed your expectations.
Our team can recreate or restore historical architecture, ranging from cathedral domes to government buildings. Skilled and experienced in a wide range of materials, our pros retain the original historical materials, such as brass, bronze, copper, or gold when performing reconstructions. We also maintain the integrity and intention of the initial work.
Further, Heather & Little Ltd is at the forefront of metal fabrication companies for contemporary materials and design. We have extensive knowledge in construction of unique, modern designs from new materials. Aluminum, galvanized steel, tin, or zinc are all exceptional choices for creating strong, lightweight fabrications that hold up to various conditions.
ACE supply professional and honest service.
Interested to know more? Have questions about sheet metal for architectural purposes? Feel free to contact us online or call us toll free at 1.866.674.
Sources:
https://heatherandlittle.com/blog/classic-architectural-styles-with-sheet-metal-fabrication/
https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/what-is-architectural-sheet-metal
https://www.accurateperforating.com/blog/architectural-uses-perforated-metal-panels
https://wfnorman.com/ornamental-sheet-metal-a-brief-history/
https://acontario.ca/files/res/79/HIStory%20+%20HERitage%20Presentation%20Text,%20updated,%20June%.pdf
http://locker.com.au/blog/architecture/how-decorative-sheet-metal-could-improve-your-business-design/
5-Minute Crash Course on Metal Framing
Cold-formed steel (CFS) studs continue to gain popularity in the residential and commercial framing markets. CFS studs are lightweight, impervious to termites, can be cut to precise specifications and never twist or warp. Plus, CFS has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all structural framing materials &#; up to 7 times greater than that of dimensional lumber.
&#;As metal studs become more and more popular throughout various construction applications, learning more about light gauge studs, and where to use them can make your next project a success,&#; says Roger Kint, writer for Drywall Insider.
To ease the learning curve, Klint provides a guide to realize the many benefits of steel framing and understand the basics to be ready for your next project.
What Are Cold-Formed Steel Studs?
CFS, also called light-gauge steel or metal stud framing, is typically referred to as light-framed construction. The vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive framing members. The framing members are typically spaced at 16 or 24 inches on center, the spacing variations depending upon the loads and coverings.
A variety of CFS thicknesses are available to meet a wide range of structural and non-structural applications (range from 0. inches to about 1/8 inch). Standard CFS products are defined in AISI S201, North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing &#; Product Data, Edition.
CFS is increasingly being used as the primary structural system for buildings 10-plus stories. It is also gaining use in the framing of single-family homes. A variety of CFS framing products are available from various manufacturers.
Steel Framed-Home Built to Last Over 100 Years
A modern home being built outside of Toronto, featuring CFS framing, provides an example of how today&#;s innovative contractors are using improved practices to construct homes that will last a century and beyond.
Located in Mississauga, Ontario, the residence on Doulton Drive will have &#;a completely noncombustible rigid steel frame and solid concrete floors,&#; says the website for homebuilder, Chatsworth Fine Homes, Oakville, Ontario.
&#;The architect designed this home to have a life expectancy of more than 100 years,&#; says Fil Capuano, president of Chatsworth Fine Homes. &#;Resilient products like the steel framing system were carefully chosen to meet that life span.&#;
The home features a hybrid system that combines structural steel and CFS wall framing. The interior partitions will make use of CFS framing and wallboard.
&#;It&#;s in-fill framing using all wind-bearing metal studs,&#; says Chris Sliskovic, president of Life Drywall Systems, Ltd., an Oakville, Ontario residential and commercial contractor that has the framing, drywall and finishing contract for the project.
&#;Those walls and reveals, no matter the finish, will always be straight,&#; Sliskovic says. &#;Steel doesn&#;t warp. It doesn&#;t twist. The homeowner won&#;t ever get nail pops. And for sound, it&#;s just a no-brainer &#; the walls will be finished next to perfection.&#;
How are Steel Studs Made?
CFS is made from structural quality sheet steel formed into C-sections and other shapes usually by roll-forming the steel through a series of dies. No heat is required to form the shapes (unlike hot-rolled steel), hence the name cold-formed steel.
Video Credit: MRI Steel Framing
The Benefits of Steel Framing Over Wood
&#;Many skilled carpenters will agree that metal studs are often much easier to work with than wood studs,&#; says Klint. &#;A wood stud wall is cumbersome and heavy.&#;
Little Cutting, Reduced Waste
CFS framing is similar to wood. But, it is manufactured to precise lengths, so very little cutting and sizing occurs at the job site.
&#;Steel studs, tracks, and channels can be ordered in specific quantities with exact measurements from steel roll formers, creating less waste.&#; says Clint. &#;Once they arrive at a job site, most steel studs for wall framing fit together, so they&#;re easily stackable.&#;
Durability
Steel is dimensionally stable and does not expand or contract with changes in moisture content. Steel will not warp, split, crack or creep when exposed to the elements.
&#;Unlike wood, light gauge steel is damp proof and won&#;t rot,&#; says Clint. &#;Steel doesn&#;t easily hold mold or harbor insects &#; it won&#;t warp from water damage or burn up&#;
Sustainable
Every piece of CFS framing contains recycled content and meets the highest sustainability requirements of all major green building standards and rating programs.
CFS Meets All Sustainability Requirements
Cold-formed steel (CFS) meets the highest sustainability requirements set in all major green building standards and rating programs, including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) from the U.S. Green Building Council, the National Green Building Standard (ICC-700) for residential buildings, ASHRAE Standard 189.1 for commercial construction and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).
The American Iron and Steel Institute reports:
Steel framing contains a minimum of 25% recycled steel and is continually and completely &#;remade without any loss of quality&#;
Most other construction products can only be down-cycled into lower-quality products
Steel framing minimizes construction site waste
Who Manufactures Steel Studs?
If you are new to steel framing, or are looking for information on new products or providers, BuildSteel has created a directory to simplify the process.
The BuildSteel Product and Provider Directory is your one-stop shop to find all things CFS related. The directory allows users to search by category, service type, location or certification type.
Free Project Assistance
Need support for a new or existing project in the U.S. and Canada? Use BuildSteel&#;s free project assistance for CFS framing:
- Convert
from wood framing, masonry or concrete to steel
- National network
of contractors, suppliers and manufacturers
- Industry experts
with decades of knowledge on CFS
- Central source
for consultation on code-compliant design
Simply fill out our project assistance form. We will provide you with an expert based on the needs of your project.
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