Visually arresting, virtually indestructible and rich in versatility. Woven metal fabric has come of age as a solution for new construction and retrofit projects that require all of the above in one product.  Long known as an excellent choice for cladding building exteriors, woven metal fabric is now being seen as the architects’ choice for innovative design solutions for a variety of applications. 

 

At its core, woven metal fabric is low-maintenance, has a long life-span, is highly durable and offers maximum sustainability characteristics. But more and more, as architects and building owners must consider solutions for ventilation, solar shading, daylighting, weather protection and signage possibilities – manufacturers such as GKD-USA are offering woven metal fabric as a viable building material for this wide range of applications and architectural solutions. Possible applications for woven metal fabric are as diverse as:

 

Daylighting
Woven metal fabric used for daylighting saves energy by reducing the need for artificial interior lighting and limits sun-generated heat. This increases interior comfort and reduces HVAC operating costs. Metal mesh fabrics help control solar heat gain and extreme daylight and is commonly used as a sunshade. When used for sunshading, this fabric can help contribute to LEED certification points.

 

The ultimate wall covering, woven metal is the ideal choice to clad an interior or exterior surface. Decorative yet durable, metal fabric has a life-span that outlasts many other choices. Used in conjunction with wall applications, wrapping columns in metal fabric provides an additional visual as well as added coverage and protection to wall areas.

 

Woven metal fabrics are ideal for use as ceiling panels because they are porous, allowing optimum airflow and effective sprinkler system operation. They also feature an aesthetically interesting reflective surface that can hide unsightly plumbing, piping and HVAC components.  The woven metal fabric is available in 2’ x 2’ and 2’ x 4’ grid systems, or custom designed to accommodate unique design configurations.

With safety often an overriding concern, GKD stainless steel fabrics, positioned in the right places can make all the difference. With the ability to cover large areas, both vertically and horizontally, in one piece if necessary, metal fabric is the perfect choice for adding both striking visuals and assured safety.

 

When design calls for a room to be broken up with minimal partitioning – without incurring the need for additional lighting – using metal fabric helps achieve this division with dramatic style.  Framed out or used with flexible metal fabric, either option can be permanently mounted or remain movable.

 

As more buildings look to brand their exterior as well as interiors, etching is an innovative ways to achieve a savvy and long-lasting solution. Etched metal fabric creates visual imagery that is durable, weather and fade-resistant. Using their flat-fronted stainless steel Omega design, GKD-USA digitally creates graphics including text, logos, and images that are then etched on to the metal fabric surface to create a ‘contrasted image. Because the metal fabric is woven, the transparency of the façade is maintained, allowing daylight to pass through without compromising the look of the etching.

 

Taking metal fabric to the next level, GKD-USA has developed a technology known as Mediamesh, which embeds LEDs at varying intervals and is connected via circuit board to a computer which can then generate fantastic billboard images and light displays. The most recent use of this is on New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal, which come June will be awash in light with a 6,000-square-foot stainless steel display wrapped around the building. The brilliance of the Mediamesh solution is that while it’s showcasing graphics and images, it still allows airflow and ventilation to occur, which for the Port Authority, a bustling bus station, was a critical piece. Its transparent nature also means no views from inside to out are obstructed.