{"id":8185,"date":"2019-05-15T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-15T12:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/architizer.wpengine.com\/behind-the-design-metal-cladding\/"},"modified":"2022-06-06T09:24:48","modified_gmt":"2022-06-06T13:24:48","slug":"behind-the-design-metal-cladding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.arc.ht\/blog\/practice\/details\/behind-the-design-metal-cladding\/","title":{"rendered":"\u200bHow Metal Cladding Works, From Connection Details to Material Choices"},"content":{"rendered":"

The A+Product Awards<\/a> is open for entries, with a Late Entry Deadline of July 22nd<\/strong>. Get started on your submission<\/a> today!<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If the fa\u00e7ade is a building\u2019s skin, then exterior cladding could be considered both the makeup and sunscreen of architecture. It\u2019s aesthetically pleasing, yes, but also functional. It can enhance the structure\u2019s overall appeal while protecting it from environmental conditions at the same time.<\/p>\n

Metal, in particular, is arguably the most favored material for cladding contemporary architecture. It looks futuristic, molds to any desirable design and can serve as a barrier against harsh conditions. Renowned architecture firms like Gehry Partners<\/a>, Steven Holl Architects<\/a> and SOM <\/a>use copper, aluminum and stainless steel to embolden their architecture \u2014 and not just purely out of cosmetic concern or artistic taste. Architects are harnessing the versatility of metal cladding to serve a multitude of purposes. Thanks to the malleability of metal combined with the ease of creating design standouts via digital fabrication, the material is showing up more and more on major building projects.<\/p>\n

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PAL\u00c4ON Research and Experience Center in Sch\u00f6ningen Spears<\/a> by Holzer Kobler Architekturen<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

Who\u2019s innovating in metal cladding?<\/h2>\n

What exactly is so attractive about this material? And who in the world spends all their time trying to advance it?<\/p>\n

One company that specializes in metallic skins is Alucobond<\/a>, a 40-year-old U.S.-based manufacturer that creates cutting-edge metal cladding for architectural projects around the world. Organizations like Alucobond develop ACMs (aluminum composite material) to fit the fa\u00e7ades of a wide array of structural forms, helping them become shining examples of contemporary design. ACMs give way to flat, formable, ageless and simple-to-process products that are perfect for a building\u2019s outer shell. Plus, they just look cool. Metal-clad architecture combines practicality with a futuristic aesthetic that make it a go-to material for countless forward-thinking firms.<\/p>\n

When it comes to material finishes, metal-clad architecture is incredibly versatile. While the technique usually brings to mind shiny copper, steel or aluminum fa\u00e7ades, brands like Alucobond, with its wide range of aluminum finishes<\/a>, can evoke other materials altogether. Some structures can appear prismatic, while others are textured to look like wood.<\/p>\n

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Winter Cabin on Mount Kanin<\/a> by OFIS arhitekti<\/a>; photo by Janez Martincic<\/i><\/p>\n

Set on a snowy mountaintop in the Julian Alps, the prefab cantilevered cabin by Slovenian firm OFIS arhitekti features a wooden shell clad in Alucobond ACM. The exterior panels include a protective topcoat that battles against ultraviolet rays, wind and snow degradation. Learn more about Winter Cabin\u2019s construction here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

How is metal cladding made?<\/h2>\n

Perhaps even more impressive than the finished product is the way in which metal cladding is born. Brands like Alucobond have developed optimal manufacturing processes for multiple types of metal cladding, offering three different ways of installing it.<\/p>\n