An Architect's Guide To: Metal Cladding
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from KLS.
Architizer is excited to share that the A+Product Awards is now accepting submissions! Make sure your products are noticed by the leading designers in the AEC industry by submitting your entry today.
Metal cladding has played a vital role in architectural designs for many years. Architects have utilized materials ranging from the punched tin by Louis Sullivan to the stunning titanium layers crafted by Frank Gehry. Metal cladding is favored for its flexibility in design and finish, making it suitable for various applications, both modern and conventional.
Yet, the wide array of finishes, profiles, and attachment methods can be daunting for architects tasked with selecting the right cladding for a building. This guide aims to simplify the decision-making process by outlining various metal cladding options available for your upcoming project.
Metal Cladding Systems
Metal is frequently utilized as non-structural, rain-screen cladding systems, focusing on both protection against environmental elements and a visually appealing outer finish. Due to metal's adaptable nature, panels can be interlinked and affixed to structures in multiple ways, each offering distinct advantages regarding construction difficulty and visual appeal. Here are some commonly used systems:
Standing seam: This widely recognized system features strong folded connections between panels, allowing for concealed fixings that result in elegant architectural exteriors. Standing seam cladding can be employed with various metals, including aluminum, weathering (Cor-ten) steel, galvanized or stainless steel, titanium, and zinc.
Snaplock: An easier alternative to the standing seam system, snaplock features a ribbed profile similar to standing seam but can be effortlessly snapped together without specialized closing equipment, facilitating an uncomplicated installation process.
Interlocking: This system results in a sleek appearance with pronounced, expressive joints. Interlocking panels can be crafted in various widths and can be installed either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Flatlock and shingle: Flatlock panels create a smooth, flexible, and slim facade by locking together. This system can also be installed backwards to create deeper express lines, known as 'Reversed Flatlock.' A variation on the flatlock concept allows shingled panels to be folded into interconnecting tile shapes.
Cassette: Ideal for expansive cladding areas, open-jointed cassette systems allow for the use of large panels, extending up to 13 feet long. These cassettes can be bent and secured with concealed clips, typically fastened to an aluminum framework, resulting in a contemporary, flat appearance.
Custom: If your project requires a non-standard solution, a specialized manufacturer can develop a unique system tailored to your needs, whether by modifying an existing system or creating an entirely new one. Keep in mind that customization may significantly impact the overall budget.
Materials
Metal cladding can be made from a multitude of materials, each offering its own distinct advantages and drawbacks. The choice of materials will be influenced by specific project factors such as the desired aesthetics, local climate, selected structural system, surrounding materials, and overall budget. Commonly chosen materials for metal cladding include:
Stainless steel: This material, coated with a thin layer of chromium oxide, is renowned for its rust-resistant properties. Stainless steel is often chosen for its elegant, polished finish.
Galvanized steel: Coated in zinc, this steel type prevents rusting much like stainless steel. Its unique spangled finish gives galvanized steel a characteristic mottled look.
Weathering steel: Known as COR-TEN steel, this type forms a protective patina over time, offering a consistent rust-like aesthetic. This protective layer helps prevent corrosion, eliminating the need for paint. However, correct detailing is crucial to maintain a uniform appearance over time.
Aluminum: Naturally resistant to corrosion, aluminum is a popular choice for modern designs. With an advantageous strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum systems typically use lighter attachment systems than heavier panels like steel. However, special care is needed to protect it from scratching and denting.
Titanium: Renowned for its lightweight and robust properties, architects favor titanium for its reflective finish. Over time, it develops a protective oxide layer that enhances corrosion resistance, although regular maintenance is essential to prevent staining.
Zinc: This metal boasts remarkable resistance to corrosion and harmful UV rays. In addition, it features self-healing capabilities that allow the surface to recover from scratches over time.
Copper: A lightweight yet durable option, copper is a fully recyclable cladding material. Its appearance changes over time due to oxidation, developing a distinctive green hue.
Brass: Balancing the cool tones of zinc with the warmth of copper, brass is known for its malleability, making it perfect for decorative applications. As it oxidizes, brass ages to a beautiful golden-brown patina.
Performance
Metal cladding is favored for its durability and resilience. When the appropriate materials are combined with thoughtful design, a metal building envelope can extend the lifespan of structures significantly. There are several performance considerations that architects should keep in mind to leverage metal's strengths:
Durability: While most metals exhibit notable durability, some are more prone to scratches or dents. It's vital to evaluate the geographic context and intended lifespan of the structure when selecting a material and discuss durability requirements with manufacturers.
Fire resistance: Generally, metal is fire resistant; however, architects should verify the fire resistance ratings of cladding materials with manufacturers, particularly regarding how it interacts with other components of the building envelope. The Grenfell Tower incident highlights the importance of specifying secure building materials for high-rise projects and emphasizes the necessity of clear communication among all parties involved.
Thermal insulation: While metal cladding is effective, it often contributes minimally to wall insulation. It may be essential to attach a sheathing board to enhance weather and thermal resistance. For projects requiring a specific U-value, consulting with a cladding manufacturer is recommended to identify suitable systems.
Acoustic insulation: Metal cladding tends to offer limited sound insulation, and suppliers often evaluate whole-wall ratings based on the specifications of the insulating infill-wall products.
Environmental factors: For larger projects, assessing the environmental impact of materials throughout their lifecycle is essential. A life cycle assessment provides valuable insights during the decision-making process regarding the most appropriate cladding system for your client's needs.
Wind Action: Cladding systems must withstand and effectively transfer wind loads to the main structure. Following guidelines from the ASCE 7-10 Manual can help architects understand wind actions during the design process.
As the leading brass clad steel supplier globally, we cater to your specific needs and offer expertly guided product selection from our highly specialized team.
Expansion & Contraction: Different metals behave differently with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which can lead to building damage if unsuitable materials are selected. Always consult with manufacturers to determine which metal cladding is appropriate given the climate of your project’s location.
Finishes
Equally as vital as material choice, the finish of metal cladding systems can substantially affect aesthetics and performance. Manufacturers provide a virtually unlimited selection of finishes for facade panels, ensuring that you find the best match for your project. Common finishes include:
Sand blasted: This finish provides a matte and smooth appearance, devoid of texture. Sandblasted steel must be protected with suitable paint or coating to prevent rusting.
Brushed: With a unidirectional satin finish, brushed metal achieves a subtle grain that varies with the intensity of the abrasive action used during production.
Mirrored: The most reflective finish, these highly polished surfaces create striking visuals but require rigorous maintenance to maintain their luster.
Engine turned: This finish incorporates a geometric pattern into the metal, offering a swirled look with various reflective qualities.
Powder coated: This finish adds a protective layer while yielding a uniform matte appearance, available in a myriad of colors.
Patterned: Unique patterns and intricate color variations can be designed, as showcased in PURE + FREEFORM’s Chameleon Collection. Consult suppliers for more unique finishing options.
Case Studies
With countless metal types and cladding systems available, precedent studies play a critical role during the design and specification phases of a project. Reviewing innovative material applications, outstanding performance characteristics, and distinctive aesthetic effects can inspire your search for the perfect metal cladding solution:
Pushing the Envelope: 7 Bold Buildings Clad in Metal
This collection showcases seven remarkable projects featuring metallic facades and building skins, including both customized and standardized metal sheets, inspiring various striking facade designs. Explore the complete compilation here.
Silver Lining: 7 Lustrous Buildings Clad in Stainless Steel
From Frank Gehry's sweeping forms to the Art Deco style's influence, stainless steel has become ubiquitous. Through exceptional execution and contemporary application, these selected projects exude a timeless elegance. Check out the full collection here.
Metal in Motion: What If Building Skins Resembled Human Skin?
Envisioning buildings with facades that mimic the dynamics of human skin, architect Doris Kim Sung invites designers to explore the potential of thermobimetal, an experimental alloy capable of thermal movement and expansion. Read the full story here.
Architectural Details: COBE Transforms The Silo With a Complete Metal Makeover
COBE, a Danish design firm, took an old grain storage facility in Copenhagen and completely overhauled it using galvanized-steel facades that showcase the innovative reimagining of a historic space. Discover the full project details here.
Architectural Details: 3 Cladding Concepts by OFIS Arhitekti
OFIS Arhitekti delivers extraordinary architectural projects, including daring concepts set high in the Slovenian Alps. Their mastery of metal application shines through their ambitious designs. Check out the full story here.
Search for Metal Cladding Manufacturers
Architizer is excited to share that the A+Product Awards is now accepting submissions! Make sure your products are noticed by the leading designers in the AEC industry by submitting your entry today.
Brass alloy is created by mixing zinc and copper together, creating an eye-catching, radiant aesthetic well suited to statement-making applications.
Not quite as warm as copper, but not as cold as traditional grey zinc, brass consistently brings charm, class, and a sophisticated edge to both interior and exterior cladding applications.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit titanium sheet.