A perforated metal facade is a versatile option for creating standout building exteriors. Available in a whole range of patterns from classic round and square schemes to the most elaborate make-your-own creations, a well-designed perforated metal facade instantly transforms the most uninspiring, bland building or structural shape into a much more fascinating form.
The architectural equivalent of building gift wrapping, perforated metal facade systems do much more than make a building look good. While outward appearances do benefit from perforated metal facade systems, you can also customise the facade to deliver benefits inside – creating a building that’s great to look at, and great to be in.
Arrow Metal explores the advantages of perforated metal facade systems, design options and installation information in detail in this guide with a few inspirational projects included to feed your facade creativity.
What are the benefits of perforated metal facade systems?
Perforated metal facade systems offer considerable advantages for modern architecture projects. Through clever and considered pattern design, you can:
Passively control building comfort: Using the size of perforations, you can control building ventilation, natural light and shading, and reduce solar heat and glare, maximising energy performance and occupant environment.
Improve acoustic performance: Perforated metal is a great solution to noise issues. When used together with acoustic materials, the sound flows through the metal into the material, reflecting, absorbing or scattering unwanted sounds, depending on the specification. It is used this way in interiors and also often in exterior perforated metal facade systems too, to block out and reduce unwanted outdoor noise. Find out more about perforated metal for acoustics.
Create a light facade solution: A perforated metal facade doesn’t mean dark or restricted views. Select the right size and shape of holes and you will find that light shines through, creating a sheer veil of privacy that maintains the outlook at the same time. The folded perforated metal facade panels that Arrow Metal manufactured for Infinity Apartments in Canterbury is a great example of the sheer effect you can achieve. It is all about choosing the best pattern that will achieve your performance requirements.
Design options for a perforated metal facade
When it comes to designs for perforated metal facade systems, almost anything goes. Arrow Metal can perforate metal with any design, allowing you complete creative freedom for your facade panels.
Arrow Metal has the manufacturing capability to create facade panels that are perforated with your company logo, branding slogan or any words, pictures or illustrations you want to feature. Regardless of the complexity, your designs can be achieved through CAD drawing and Arrow Metal’s advanced punching technology for an exact match, including its unique details.
Take a look at this facade project for The Wayside Chapel, which involved replicating their motto in perforated metal.
Arrow Metal can create facade patterns that feature one shape, two shapes or many varieties, even on the same panel. The only thing you will need to consider is whether your desired pattern will give you the performance results that you need. That is where our expert team can really help.
We will make sure that your design idea not only achieves your aesthetic objectives but performs as it needs to and fits in with your budget and timescales, too. We will suggest any tweaks to your pattern design to make it cost-effective and achievable for all your project goals.
Facade colour choices and finishes
Want to make a bigger impact? Then go bold with colour for your facade. A vibrant coloured perforated metal facade is a bright idea especially if you do not have a big budget. A strong standout colour applied to a basic standard pattern panel is a low-cost way to add visual interest and durability. Different finishes are available depending on the base metal you are perforating for your facade.
Talk to the Arrow Metal team to find out more about your options or read this blog on perforated metal finishes.
Installation and support for perforated metal facade systems
Perforated metal facade panels from Arrow Metal are made for easy installation on-site. Each perforated panel is marked during production – which cannot be seen when installed – with the order and positioning indicated for every panel. This makes installation by your team seamless and quick. This is particularly useful for very intricate designs and panels that make up a composite image, logo or words.
Download Perforated metal balustrade guide: Design tips and considerations for further design and installation information about perforated metal facades.
Explore Arrow Metal’s range of standard and made-to-order perforated metal patterns in this perforated metal brochure.
