Metal Fabric Architectural Applications | GKD Metal Fabrics

Architecture is a vast field with great complexity when it comes to design scope, however, an element of practicality must also be respected. With a support system in place a myriad of options present themselves, GKD Metal Fabric material is particularly useful in this area.

Benefits

Metal fabrics can ensure that the stability of a structure is maintained far beyond its initial construction.

• Flexibility: If an architectural project requires an unusually shaped structure, metal fabric can be manufactured to meet virtually any type of custom specification; this makes it an ideal choice in situations that are particularly tricky or unique.
• Strength and Durability: Metal fabric resists damage from water and a variety of other conditions to ensure that it lasts a long time. When you use metal fabric, structural integrity is not compromised.
• Appearance: Architecture is as beautiful as it is practical. Many materials are specified because of their aesthetic properties. Whether for an interior or exterior structure, metal and wire mesh provides a quality building facade that screens out harsh sunlight and acts as a barrier that doesn't obstruct vision because its size varies between 0.5mm and 7mm. At the same time, it offers an aesthetic alternative to some harsher and less appealing options.

Healthy Buildings with Metal Mesh

Architects, designers and facility managers have long sought to improve the health and safety of building occupants. From advances in ventilation to new building codes that address seismic and other extreme conditions. Recently, focus has been placed on the wellness of individual workers. This includes designing commercial buildings that help reduce stress through acoustic management, daylighting and biophilic design principles. These attributes not only boost productivity and job satisfaction, and create a happier workforce; they can also contribute to USGBC LEED v4 points, which places an emphasis on performance-based design and a focus on materials and resources. One of those materials is metal fabric.

Solar Management

Transparency makes GKD Metal Fabric a natural solar management tool, benefiting building owners, occupants and the environment. The exterior or interior façade saves energy by reducing interior lighting and cooling needs. This, in turn, increases interior comfort levels and reduces power costs.

Smaller GKD panels can be used as an overhead sunshade to reduce a heat island effect and reduce glare from windows and glass doors. Furthermore, since metal fabric is partly made from recycled material and can be recycled once it reaches the end of its lifecycle, it is a contributor to LEED goals in a number of areas.

Improving Air Quality for Parking Structures

The same design principles that make metal fabric a choice for solar management, also make it a candidate for wrapping parking structures. Depending on the weave, a 50% open area allows for high visibility and optimum airflow. Because of the material’s transparent characteristic, no mechanical systems are required for ventilation– translating into energy and cost savings. Metal fabric effectively provides shelter from the elements including rain, wind, snow, and ice, and creates a secure environment that limits unwanted access from trespassers or would-be criminals.

GKD Metal Fabric - Products and Applications