Expanded metal mesh for architecture
It is an element that manages to enhance and personalise both indoor and outdoor spaces. Its characteristics make it highly appreciated and considered by architects and designers to leave a mark on their works. Let’s discover how architectural expanded metal mesh adds value to structures.
What is architectural metal mesh?
With the term metal mesh we refer to a barrier or a screen. It is composed of interconnected metal strands which form a net or a web-like structure, according to the specific type. Metal mesh can be created through various processes. They include:
- expansion;
- etching;
- weaving;
- knitting.
Materials like lightweight aluminium are particularly suitable for shaping into metal mesh. It finds applications across major industries such as construction, aerospace, automotive and electronics.
The production process of expanded metal mesh involves simultaneously slitting and stretching the material. This results in a distinctive diamond-patterned mesh with raised strands angled to the sheet’s plane, creating a textured product.
Post-manufacturing, these sheets or panels can be rolled to produce either a flattened or raised final product.
Flattened or raised, expanded metal mesh becomes an incredibly versatile material. In the construction sector, it has many applications such as:
- walkways;
- fencing;
- shelving units;
- sound attenuation;
- balustrades
- building facades;
- ceiling.
It is easy to understand how expanded metal mesh is an architectural material. Building facades gain personality and stand out in both urban and suburban contexts.
It is a complementary element that blends well with other construction materials, from wood to concrete. With its patterns, it lightens and adds movement to the entire structure, even within the rooms where it is incorporated.
What is the difference between flattened and raised metal mesh?
Flattened and raised metal mesh are two sides of the same coin. Depending on the result to be achieved, you can opt for the first or the latter.
- The production of flattened expanded metal mesh involves subjecting regular expanded metal to a specialised flattening mill in post-processing. This rolling procedure reduces the sheet’s thickness, resulting in a sleek, flat and aesthetically pleasing surface. Opting for flattened expanded metal expands the range of potential applications for the material.
- The raised metal mesh is crafted to have individual strands inclined from the sheet’s plane. This creates a three-dimensional, angular surface, characterised by larger open areas compared to the flattened counterpart. This design maximises free area and enhances airflow or ventilation capability through the sheet and the game of lights.
What is architectural mesh used for?
The expanded metal mesh, as an architectural element, adapts to various contexts. It is a viable solution for the facades of:
What these places have in common is their social purpose and the desire to make them recognizable in the context in which they are located. An expanded metal mesh covering with different shapes, colours and materials eliminates the risk of being anonymous.
At the same time, the expanded metal mesh (often indicated also as wire mesh) helps to impart a certain character and distinctive personality to buildings such as:
- parking lots;
- warehouses;
- storage facilities;
- industrial and production structures.
It allows, for example, to significantly reduce their impact on the surrounding environment and landscape. As mentioned earlier, the openings in the mesh also promote airflows and the entry of external light. This way, enclosed workspaces are safer.
What is mesh for interior design?
The expanded metal mesh is also a significant decorative component when it comes to interior design. Waves and patterns add an artistic flair to walls and transform furniture, lighting and other design elements.
The growing attention among interior designers for decorative metal mesh can be attributed two mains reasons:
- aesthetics;
- durability.
It can bring contemporary or vintage touch to spaces and it is easy to maintain. The decorative feature guarantees, at the same time, a strong resistance to time and accidents.
