Architecture of Metal

Metal is one of the oldest materials to be manipulated by man, used for its strength and versatility for tools and machinery. It has defined pivotal moments and breakthroughs in architecture, providing freedom of designing space and opening up structural possibilities.

Metals are elements, made by the refinement of raw materials that have unique qualities derived from their constituents and the process used to produce them. Unlike many other materials, metals can be recovered, reformed and mixed together to form a new metal type. Those that contain iron are called ferrous metals such as steel, cast and wrought iron, and are generally the strongest but tend to oxidize easily. Non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper and lead do not contain iron and are usually easier and malleable to work with. These are usually more expensive and form a protective oxide layer on their surface to prevent excessive corrosion. The solid material that contains a mixture of metallic elements that naturally occurs is called ore; smelting is the process of extraction.

Predominant elements used in architecture are iron, aluminium, copper, zinc and titanium. Metals are often used as alloys which is a base metal mixed with the trace of another to add strength and durability yielding an optimum quality for a specific purpose. 

Metals can be worked in several ways. Casting is the process of molten metal being poured into a mould to achieve a desired shape. Forging in which hot metal is hammered into shape or forced into a die to achieve a desired shape. Rolling occurs when hot or cold metal passes through a series of rollers to give it a profile. Extruding is the basis for when metal is pushed through a die, squeezing it into a desired cross section. Drawing in pulled through the die to produce wires, tubing or rods.

At Inclume we use a variety of metals both internally and externally including iron, steel, aluminium, copper, brass, bronze, nickel, lead and zinc among others. Most are adaptable and inhabit unique properties by introducing chemical finishes, coatings, anodizing, weathering and patinating. A key part of the design process is to take into consideration the limitations of each metal such as its reaction to varying temperatures, how it weathers, colours and lusters, its reflectivity, corrosion rate and its finish. 

Attention to detail and consideration of a metals properties allow us to create a diverse amount of design possibilities. No matter if this is designing your house extension, new build, office refurbishment or public space, metal provides the reassurance of strength and when used in the right ways can ground a design to feel as if it has been there for many years. We welcome the opportunity to design bespoke creations such as ironmongery, railings, fixtures, fittings and mechanical items, creating unique and tactile components that are personal to you and the architecture you inhabit.