Metal is an all-encompassing material. Its uses are abundant, including as foundations, roofs, studs, wall panels and buildings. But after structural components are completed, the interior of a building must be addressed. Interior architectural metals add beauty and grace to spaces and can appear in every building type, from restaurants to religious institutions to private residences.
One of metal’s attributes is its ability to take on other appearances. For example, an Ohio museum features a chair rail that looks like leather but actually is copper. It was installed in the early 1800s and still is functional today. In addition, today’s coatings enable metal to resemble wood, stucco and other materials.
Credit: Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association
Almost any type of project can employ interior metals. For example, Dallas’ Love Field airport renovated its baggage-claim area to include an undulating metal ceiling. The architect chose a metal ceiling system primarily for aesthetics, but also for its low maintenance and durability. (See page 42 of metalmag’s May issue for more information.)
The Glen Ellyn, Ill.-based Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association says expanded metal enhances acoustics, provides sound proofing and is Class-1 fire rated. Various decorative patterns of expanded metals are available, including sleek and contemporary looks for ceiling tiles in boardrooms, museums, restaurants, airports and retail stores, to more dramatic aesthetics in entryways, stadiums and convention centers.
Health restrictions prohibit restaurants from using millwork inside, so many are turning to metal as a stylish alternative. The Takeya Japanese Steakhouse in Ormond Beach, Fla., used metal to transform a former Mexican-themed restaurant to a contemporary Japanese steakhouse. Metal’s aesthetics not only appeal to the restaurant’s owner and patrons, but its fire resistance and ability to withstand grease made it an ideal choice, especially for the hot cooking areas. (Read more about the steakhouse on page 60 of metalmag’s January issue.)
Other everyday uses of interior architectural metals include handrails, oven hoods, trash cans, sinks, foot rails, wall panels and column covers. Check out the “Interiors” section of metalmag for more detailed articles about interior metal applications.
RESOURCES
- Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association, Glen Ellyn, Ill., www.emma-assoc.org