Many people are not aware that metal is used in architecture. Metal is a versatile material, and it has many uses for buildings. Several types of metal materials are used in architecture, so this article will discuss the most popular ones.
Read on to learn more about using metal in your next building project!
What Is Metal Used For In Architecture?
Metal is very commonly used in architecture. As all the best architectural metalwork companies will explain, using metal in architecture is very helpful. It has many uses for architects and can be used to create various architectural styles.
Metal creates an industrial feel that some architects like when designing their buildings; however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use metal if your building is more traditional or Gothic-style. There are still lots of things you could do with it! An increasingly popular choice is to use Belleville Wire Cloth and other similarly fine steel meshes to cover the facade of a building, these can act as a second skin to the front of a building and offer a completely different aesthetic to an already completed building. They might even provide different qualities depending on the building, these can range from better light shielding all the way to protecting the underlayer from precipitation.
On the other hand, using copper instead will give off this soft green glow at night, creating quite a pretty sight. Copper also does not corrode as quickly as many other metals, so even after years pass, people can still see your beautiful copper-clad building.
Sometimes, it’s even essential to use this material in architecture. If you are designing a building using modern materials, if it’s something like an apartment block, using steel beams is the only way to ensure the roof can support itself and is strong enough not to collapse under heavy snow or rain.
Metal also has many other uses that architects find useful when constructing buildings. For instance, using stainless steel mesh fences around your garden will give off this great shiny look which would help people notice how beautiful your house is! This means more potential buyers/renters come knocking on your door sooner than later! It’s also popular for fences around livestock.
How Does It Affect The Building’s Design?
Metal affects the building’s design in several ways. For example, using metal can help architects ensure the structure is durable and strong enough for its purpose. It will also protect buildings from weathering and atmospheric pollution, so it doesn’t need any exterior painting or maintenance work!
Using different types of metals in different building areas, we can create individualized designs with their unique look and feel. This adds interest and can be used as part of an overall branding strategy by companies who want their products to reflect something about themselves through architecture.
Which Types Of Metals Are Most Commonly Used?
Different types of metals are commonly used in architecture. Here they are:
- Stainless steel is known for its strength and durability, making it perfect for use on large buildings such as skyscrapers or bridges where heavy traffic will go back and forth every day.
- Aluminum is good because it’s not only durable but also lightweight, meaning builders can save money by using fewer materials to make a product while maintaining the same structural integrity. It’s also a great metal to use when it comes to using less energy, which makes this type of construction sustainable and eco-friendly.
- Iron is used often because it’s strong and can be easily recycled. It also doesn’t corrode, rust, or rot like other types of metal which means that using this type is perfect for items that will need to last a long time without being replaced.
- Copper is another popular building material with architects today as it’s beautiful and durable and will hold up to the test of time. It’s also an excellent conductor, which means that using it in areas where electrical equipment is needed can mean that expensive materials won’t need to be used to power those items, saving money for businesses using this metal on their building projects.
- Lead is another great metal for using less energy and creating a more sustainable building. It conducts electricity well but is also lightweight so using this type of material doesn’t require using additional resources for support.
When Is It Necessary To Use Metal?
There are situations when it’s necessary to use metal in architecture. It can be used for structural reasons or just decorative, depending on what you want the building to look and accomplish aesthetically, like patio covers.
If steel is necessary, many different types can be implemented into the design. One example would be using thin flat bars instead of thick rods because the thinner ones allow more detail when bending them around curves. This may not seem important, but it’s useful for creating large architectural structures with many details, such as bridges or skyscrapers!
The thin material also has less weight, making heavy loads easier to support without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, using thin strips allows you to bend certain parts one way. At the same time, other sections are in another direction, giving even more detail and changing the overall shape of your structure.
Examples Of Using Metal In Architecture
One example of using metal in architecture is using aluminum as a roof. Aluminum is long-lasting and low-weight, perfect for roofs spanning large areas without support from below or additional materials to hold them up.
Another example of using metal in architecture would be using stainless steel on the interior surfaces of buildings such as hospitals because they do not rust, making them very hygienic. Corrosion-resistant metals are becoming more popular in the construction industry because of their durability and low maintenance costs.
One last example is using steel for a bridge’s railings to increase safety by adding handrails that can help prevent accidents from happening when people lose their footing on the bridge. These rails also protect people from falling and getting hurt by preventing them from crossing a bridge’s edge.
Metal has been used in architecture for a long time and is here to stay. It’s used for stability, durability, and aesthetics. It affects the design of the building in multiple ways, and there are multiple types you can use. Using it for a building is sometimes necessary to have a stronger foundation. Whatever you’re building, it’s always smarter to have metal to support it all!
