Modern interior design has embraced the use of industrial materials such as concrete and steel. While these materials were once covered up with ceiling panels, carpet, or paint, many designers now go out of their way to highlight these materials. Today, you can find concrete floors, metal surfaces, and exposed pipes in hip restaurants, offices, lofts, and countless other spaces. Whether you love or hate the "unfinished" appearance of industrial-chic spaces, this aesthetic is everywhere.
Now that designers are embracing the industrial look, metal fabrics are being used more often in both architectural applications and interior design. That's because metal fabrics are both functional and visually attractive. On top of that, stainless steel metal fabrics are also environmentally conscious. Typically, stainless steel in metal fabrics contains more than 60% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled material. These fabrics are also 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan, which makes them the ideal building material for many modern designers.
Architectural metal fabrics can be used in a number of ways in contemporary design. Keep reading to learn about some of the most common applications of metal fabrics in interior design.
Metal Fabric Room Partitions
Metal fabrics can be used to create freestanding partitions in offices, restaurants, museums, and other high-traffic spaces. Because many metal fabrics are semi-transparent, they can be used to separate spaces without blocking natural light. Designers can choose a weave that blends perfectly into their environment, both defining and enhancing their space.
Elevator Cab Interiors
Too often, a building's impressive interior design disappears the moment a guest steps into the elevator. As a result, many builders are now taking advantage of elegant elevator cab interiors made from metal architectural mesh. These panels are both durable and aesthetically pleasing, which makes them an ideal choice for an otherwise dull elevator interior.
Acoustic Ceiling Panels
While ceiling panels are often used to hide unsightly pipes, wires, and other architectural features, in concert halls these panels must meet specific acoustic requirements. If you look up, you can find stainless steel metal fabrics in performing arts centers around the world. In fact, compared to other types of ceiling panels, metal fabrics can often enhance reverb and provide superior acoustic results in concert halls.
Sunlight Barriers
Modern design isn't all about concrete and metal accents. Many contemporary designers also love to incorporate natural light into their work. Of course, natural light can also present challenges to everyday use. In religious spaces, office environments, and academic environments, direct sunlight can interfere with the building's purpose. However, carefully placed metal fabrics can be used to block the sun without eliminating natural light altogether. This also has the additional benefit of reducing the need for air conditioning, making the architectural metals a sustainable material for modern buildings.
From elegant elevator cab interiors to innovative acoustic panels, the right metal fabric can enhance a space in exciting ways. Whether you're involved in a new building project or need to revamp an existing space, GKD can provide a range of metal fabric materials to suit your needs. Contact our team today to learn more about our unique and flexible metal fabrics.