What Is Architectural Sheet Metal Fabrication?

As one of our core commercial metal fabrication services here at CSM, we’ve specialised in architectural metalwork for over 30 years, working with architects, interior designers, builders and contractors to bring ideas to life across a range of commercial and domestic projects. 

In this post, we’ll cover all the need-to-know information about architectural sheet metal fabrication, covering materials, methods, applications and more.

Metals used in architectural sheet metal fabrication

Steel

This versatile metal is perhaps the most common material we work with, for architectural applications and beyond. Steel is strong, durable, corrosion resistant and low maintenance, making it a great all-rounder.

Between mild, galvanised and stainless varieties, there’s almost nothing steel can’t do – it’s just as likely to be used for secondary building structures as it is for beautiful bespoke bar tops.

Aluminium

Another hard-working cool-toned metal is aluminium, renowned for its high strength to weight ratio, corrosion-resistance and durability. 

Aluminium is often used to provide structural integrity without adding significant mass, making it ideal for a range of building applications. It’s also a popular choice among architects and interior design for its sleek, silver shine, while its infinite recyclability makes it attractive for builders and contractors trying to cut carbon emissions.

Copper

Copper is a characterful metal with a beautiful deep red-brown hue. It’s a popular choice for standout and decorative architectural pieces, from custom countertops to splashbacks and push plates. 

However, copper promises substance as well as style. Its strength and malleability means it’s equally suited to more heavy-duty applications, ranging from pipework to metal roofing fabrication.

Other materials

While steel, copper and aluminium fabrication are typically most common for architectural projects, we also regularly work with bronze, brass, pewter and zinc. In this blog, we talk about each of the different metals we work with in more detail, touching on their benefits, properties, applications and various finishing methods.

Architectural metalwork processes and techniques

Architectural sheet metal fabrication employs a diverse of different tools and techniques, including: 

• Cutting metal sheets to size.
• Rolling to achieve the desired thickness or shape. 
• Bending and forming to achieve the desired form.
• Welding to join fabricated metal components together.
• Other techniques, including drilling, hole punching and stamping, to name just a few.

We can also apply a range of finishing techniques to create a desired aesthetic, or strengthen the material for its intended environment or application. Depending on the metal, we can: 

• Polish and preserve the metal – Enhancing its shine with polish or adding a lacquer as an additional layer of protection.
• Create a more textured look – Using techniques like brushing to create a more matte or satin finish. 
• Enhance corrosion resistance – Powder coating or adonising the metal to  make it more resilient in moist or outdoor environments.
• Allow it to patina – Letting the metal age naturally to develop unique patterns and colours. Alternatively, we can speed up the process with a chemical treatment.

Architectural metalwork applications

There are endless possibilities with architectural sheet metal fabrication. Below are just some of the potential applications:

• Secondary structural components – Creating mezzanine flooring, staircases, balustrades and gantries to add more function and style to a building’s primary structure. One example of our work in this area is the elegant stainless steel staircase we designed for a private customer, ensuring it perfectly complemented the style of the contemporary home. 

• Bar tops and countertops – One of our favourite projects – so much so that we have a sister company, Volund, wholly dedicated to the creation of luxurious bar and countertops. We’ve designed, manufactured and installed bespoke pieces for a range of domestic and commercial settings. One we’re especially proud of is the sleek pewter bar top we created for the exclusive Fenchurch restaurant, Sky Garden.

• Metal flashing and trim – From aluminium coping for Bridgend Council Civic Building, to aluminium verge flashings at Coychurch Crematorium, we can create custom components for buildings that respect and complement the original architecture.

• Metal wall panels – We can design and fabricate a range of custom metal panels for interiors, both decorative statement pieces and stylish functional components like kitchen splashbacks.
• Fittings and fixtures – From custom brackets to bespoke light fittings, like those we created for the Cawdor Hotel, a beautiful Georgian building in Llandeilo.

• Other bespoke architectural pieces – From a bespoke frame to display an artist’s work to a steel treehouse created for Nandos in Bridgend. We love turning our hand to a new challenge.

Architectural sheet metal fabrication you can rely on

At CSM, we’ve specialised in architectural sheet metal design for over three decades, working closely with clients at all sides and stages of the project. 

Whether you need input at design stage to understand what’s technically feasible in your budget, want us to fabricate components to your brief, or need an end-to-end service from initial consultation through to installation, we can help. We approach each and every project with passion, precision and a commitment to the highest quality.

Get in touch to discuss your next project with a member of our expert team – we’d love to help bring your ideas to life.