Many steel fabricators are now finding that their workshops and machining equipment aren’t only taken up with jobs for heavy industry, they’re also increasingly being asked to produce stylish and detailed items for interior design projects and architectural applications.

For example, more and more architects and designers are using punched or perforated sheet metal as decorative features (for example wall art, building facades and screens) as well as using metal and steel for functional purposes such as balustrade panels and ceilings.

Also, technological advances in computer controlled machining equipment have made it possible for steel fabricators to produce highly accurate and complicated products in a variety of different materials, thicknesses and finishes. Importantly, these machines have enabled even short production runs or one-off designs to be done very cost-effectively which is an important plus for the architectural and design industry.

Here are just some of the different ways that sheet metal is being used as a high-end, high quality feature in interior design and architectural applications:

• Screens
• Fencing and infill panels
• Cladding
• Shop fitting and signage
• Stainless steel bench tops and splashbacks for kitchens and bathrooms
• Room dividers
• Sunscreens and privacy screens
• Wall art
• Landscaping features
• Designer staircases
• Columns
• Feature panels

A further reason for the growing popularity of steel and metal in architecture and interior design is that they combine functionality with beauty. The materials are hard-wearing, long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free which make them ideal for both interior and exterior environments.

Items that have been punched (such as a metal screen) can also be further processed by some steel fabricators using specialised tooling equipment which opens up a whole new world of design and practical possibilities. For example, sheet metal that has been perforated can be powder-coated in various colours, plated or anodised plus the edges or borders can be ‘folded’ into the panel.

Better still, if you are looking to create a unique design, you should contact a steel fabricator who has the appropriate equipment to produce an item that can meet your individual specifications – either from drawings or from your own digital file.

Anyone looking for an experienced and capable steel fabricator in Perth to handle their architectural or interior design metalwork requirements should look no further than WA Steel, a locally owned and operated business with almost 30 years’ of industry experience. Visit their website to see their full range of services including laser cutting, CNC punching, bending and welding or call them on 08 9377 3778 for professional, expert advice on anything to do with architectural metalwork including materials, thicknesses and finishes for both residential and commercial applications.

But soaring temperatures aren’t the only consideration. Escalating energy costs and a growing focus on sustainability are also forcing architects to constantly seek inventive new ways of controlling climate conditions inside buildings.

Enter punched metal sunscreens. Perforated screens are increasingly being specified by architects and developers as an optimal means of filtering sunlight into buildings, reducing glare and most importantly, mitigating the heat. And they look good too. A quick drive through a newly developed commercial area or modern housing development will reveal just how widespread the use of punched or perforated metal sunscreens has become.

Let’s look at five reasons why they’ve become a favourite amongst the building and architectural fraternity:

Temperature reduction

The perforations in the metal are designed to allow a comfortable level of natural sunlight into a building whilst at the same time deflecting heat and reducing glare.

Functionality

These sunscreens are not only virtually maintenance-free, but they offer additional advantages in terms of their structural strength (an important consideration in areas where climactic conditions can be challenging) and providing an important control against noise and wind. They can also be designed to enhance privacy without blocking the view – which is particularly important in the new era of higher-density and high-rise living.

Cost-effective

Perforated sunscreens are a cost-effective choice not only because the metal has superior longevity over other building materials and requires very little ongoing maintenance and cleaning, but installation of these screens also ultimately leads to reduced energy costs.

Sustainable

Architects also love punched metal sunscreens because they’re an excellent way of achieving their sustainable design objectives. By naturally reducing temperatures, they reduce the need for energy-guzzling airconditioners.

Flexibility

Punched metal screens can be custom designed to suit any application which makes them a versatile and flexible option across a range of architectural styles. The choice of perforation pattern and the size of the holes also allows for flexibility in controlling how much light comes into the building. Among the many variations of metal sunscreen on offer to architects and builders are canopy shades, fixed sunscreens (either custom designed or off-the-shelf), building envelopes and operable sunscreens.

Aesthetically pleasing

Punched metal sunshades or sunscreens can be manufactured in an endless range of patterns, shapes, sizes and profiles which gives architects huge scope for creativity and design. They add a modern look to any type of building, be it a school, office, commercial building, home or apartment block and can be fully customised to complement any architectural style.

With such a compelling list of advantages, it’s no wonder that punched metal screens have become a favourite amongst architects and building designers. If you’d like to learn more about how these innovative products can enhance the efficiency and aesthetics of your building, you should visit the website of specialist fabricator, WA Steel at www.wasteel.com.au.

Sunscreens are just one product in WA Steel’s extensive range of perforated products for sheet metal punching. Their state-of-the-art CNC turret punch produces highly accurate components and their extensive tooling library enables them to produce a limitless range of complicated shapes in a variety of materials and thicknesses and they’re on hand to answer any query on 08 9377 3778.

Architectural metalwork has become a key talking point in today’s construction world and is fast becoming a ‘must-have’ feature across all types of building projects, large and small.

But what’s behind the growing popularity of architectural metalwork?

For starters, architectural metalwork makes a bold statement.   The features are often eye-catching and attractive and they pique people’s interest – and that’s enough to start a conversation about the vast potential of just what can be done using fabricated steel and metal.   It may be a striking feature such as a stainless steel staircase in a shopping mall, a vintage rusted steel planter box seen outside a restaurant, a unique laser cut metal screen spotted in a magazine article or a perforated privacy screen for sale at the local landscaping centre – architectural metalwork now comes in such a huge variety of shapes, sizes, materials and applications that there’s always something new to see and talk about.

Architectural metalwork has also become much more of a mainstream commodity.  Because it can be incorporated just as effectively in a large scale commercial project as it can be in a small-scale residential project, it has become far more accessible and is being far more widely recognised by a growing number of people.

Technology is another significant factor that has contributed to the growth of architectural metalwork.   From sophisticated computer aided design and 3D modelling to precision-equipment like CNC routers, laser cutters and turret punches, the advances made terms of equipment and technology for both design and fabrication have opened up a new world of possibility for architectural metalwork.

The steel fabrication industry itself has evolved significantly with many companies broadening their capabilities and becoming much more innovative and flexible in terms of their product offering.  A quality metal fabrication company will be able to design, supply and install a huge variety of  architectural metalwork design solutions from balustrades to walkways, gates to bollards, louvres to fences, sculptures to water features, screens to cladding, benches to awnings – the list is endless.  It’s also far more affordable these days.

But architectural metalwork isn’t only about aesthetics and decorative installations.  It’s also about products where functionality, durability and performance are paramount – and it has an important role to play in many different environments where these qualities are non-negotiable.  These could include installations like metal staircases and platforms in a factory, a stainless steel kitchen in a hospital or prison, handrails and balustrading in a school and so on.

When it comes to architectural metalwork, there should be no compromise on the quality of design and workmanship or on the structural integrity of the product and therefore choosing a steel fabrication company to do the job is an important decision.

If you want a specialist in quality steel fabrication in Perth, you should contact West Australian Steel Sales on 08 9377 3778.  Locally owned and operated, WA Steel has advanced production facilities which ensure that it has the capacity and precision to undertake a wide range of fabricated components and projects, including architectural metalwork.  WA Steel offers a total manufacturing solution from initial concept through to finished product. Contact us now,  the friendly experts at WA Steel, for specialist steel fabrication in Perth with 30 years’ industry experience.