Architects and construction professionals around the world have used metal fabrics for many applications, including:
- Acoustics
- Media facades
- Parking facades
- Whole building facades
- Decorative applications, sculpture, and art
- Ceilings
- Partitions
- Wall cladding
- Fall protection including railing infill
- Solar control
- Pergolas and other shading structures
- Security enclosures
- Other specialties, such as furniture elements
Metal fabric manufacturers can help architects, designers, and building managers rethink and reimagine rooftop design using woven metal fabric. This high-quality material is primarily constructed of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Type 316L stainless steel, commonly referred to as marine-grade stainless.
For more than half a century, metal fabric has provided architects with the means to produce a permanent expression of their design concepts in a flexible, durable material, proven for outdoor applications. This visual permanency is gained by the material’s excellent resistance to corrosion. This allows the surface to retain its original appearance indefinitely with very little maintenance. Adding to stainless steel’s design appeal is its excellent performance properties for fire, heat, and impact resistance. Consequently, it is not surprising that stainless steel has been specified with confidence by generations of architects for many indoor and outdoor applications around the world.
While metal fabric checks all the boxes when it comes to performance needs for rooftop materials, it is important to note the esthetic value and design versatility it also brings to the table. Certain manufacturers can provide a wide array of weave patterns, alloys, colour coatings, and surface finishes to dramatically change the appearance. Capabilities, such as custom etching and printing, provide unmatched design flexibility to incorporate branding, wayfinding, and design features within woven metal components.
Safety and privacy
Engineered to withstand prolonged tension, impact, and heavy loads, metal fabric provides reliable fall protection when specified as railing infill, and partitions. In addition, metal fabric partitions can define spaces and establish privacy.
Whether designed as an enclosure or tensioned in the centre of a stairwell, stainless steel metal fabrics offer woven protection and safety for both indoor and outdoor staircases and walkways. With the ability to manufacture spans of up to 7.9 m (26 ft) in width and more than 30 m (100 ft) in length, it is possible to tension the material over several floors. The fabric can therefore offer protection over a large area without any distracting seams or butt joints. Different fabric types meet various requirements for transparency and robustness.
Due to their structure, metal fabrics can be shaped in a straight cable direction and are even capable of cladding radiused or circular building structures. With tailor-made fastening solutions, the panels are optimally integrated into the building structure, creating a high-grade, protective shell.
