Metal Architecture: Specifying Metal Buildings

Metal buildings are being built and designed in a modern and different manner. Long gone are the pre-engineered metal buildings off-the-shelf. That brings enthusiasm to developing these unique projects and setting them up. Metal facades face new obstacles when no two projects are the same. The original sketches can be identical to the previous one, but there are still several differences in the specifications' careful reasons.

However, this material's most significant strength also makes it a struggle for architects to specify a building envelope—the number of various finishes, designs, and attachment methods can appear infinite. In this guide, we will break down the choices to help you determine which metal cladding product is the right matches for your next project.

Metal Cladding Systems

Metal is widely used for non-structural, rain-screen cladding schemes, where protection from elements and striking exterior finish is a priority. Thanks to its foldable, malleable design, metal panels may be connected and added to a building in a wide range of ways. Each device provides various advantages in terms of construction complexity and cosmetic finishing. Four of the most commonly adopted programs are as follows:

Metal Cladding Systems

Standing Seam

One of the most recognized schemes, standing seam cladding, is distinguished by robust folding connections between sheets. Its secret fixing specifics make for streamlined architectural exteriors, making it a common option across typologies. Standing seam structures can be used with many different metal forms, including aluminium, galvanized or stainless steel, titanium, zinc, and Cor-ten steel.

Snaplock

 A simplified alternative to standing seam, snaplock shows a similar ribbed profile but does not require the installation of advanced closure equipment. Snaplock panels are designed to snap together, providing a low fuse installation.

Metal Cladding Systems

Interlocking

The interlocking mechanism has a cleaner look with dramatic, express joints. Interlocking metal cladding panels may differ in width and may be detailed to run horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally.

Flatlock and shingle

Flatlock panels lock together to create a flush, lightweight, thin facade. The system can also be mounted in reverse, producing deeper express lines dubbed Reversed Flatlock. The stained metal façade can be constructed using panels folded into interconnecting tile forms to create a striking difference in the flatlock system.

Cassette

The open-joined cassette system can be used for large panels up to 13 feet in length, suitable for large cladding environments. The cassettes are bent and attached with invisible clips, generally on an aluminium frame, resulting in a modern, smooth look.

Custom

Suppose none of the above solutions is appropriate for your particular project. In that case, a specialized system can be designed by a professional designer, an existing system can be changed, or something entirely new can be built. The project budget would need to be weighed as customization will significantly escalate costs.

Materials

Metal cladding encompasses various materials, each with its strengths and disadvantages. Your material preference would be determined by multiple project-specific considerations, including the ideal aesthetic, climatic conditions, the selected structural system, the availability of adjacent materials, and the construction budget. Among the most popular alternatives for metal cladding are the following:

Stainless steel

Steel covered with a thin film of chromium oxide is generally referred to as stainless steel. Chromium helps prevent rust from oxidizing so that the material is oxidizing resistant. Stainless steel is also known for its smooth, polished finish.

ZInc Cladding 

ZInc alloyed with titanium is getting popular across the globe for building envelope applications.

ZInc titanium alloy is a natural material and comes in different finishes . Its elegant and soft appearance coupled with its malleability and adaptivity makes it an ideal choice for building applications . 

Galvanized steel

Galvanized steel is covered with a thin film of zinc, which helps resist rusting, equivalent to stainless steel's chromium layer. Clear crystals in the coating give galvanized steel a mottled aesthetic characteristic known as spangle.

Weathering steel also referred to as COR-TEN steel is designed to form a protective coating over time with a constant rust-like look. This coating serves as a corrosion shield, which removes the need for painting. Its earthy, modern aesthetic is striking, but the metal cladding must be carefully detailed to ensure that it maintains a smooth patina over time.