Want to create a building with that all-important ‘wow’ factor? Then it might be time to consider a curved façade.
A curved shaped produces an incredible architectural look and can transform the look and feel of an entire building. While a curved façade will definitely add a layer of complexity to your build, it is by no means impossible. All you need is out-of-the-box thinking and blue collar know-how (which we have in spades!).
If you’re thinking about a curve for your next build, read on to discover how you can create this beautiful shape.
Advantages of Curved Metal
In recent years, curved walls and roofs have grown in popularity as architects and designers push the boundaries of what a conventional build looks like.
Metal is the ideal material to create these smooth and fluid shapes. Metal cladding materials can easily be manipulated to produce convex, concave and undulating designs that simply cannot be achieved with other traditional building materials.
Curves create visual interest and a dramatic aesthetic both internally and externally. Increasingly, designers are moving away from conventional squared shapes to achieve something more organic and fluid—to better reflect the natural environments.
There are pragmatic reasons for pursuing a curved design as well. Curved walls and roofs eliminate wasted space within a building, making it a more efficient way to build on a small or constricted footprint.
Curved surfaces help to control the way light enters a building and can be used to great dramatic effect. These surfaces can also improve the functionality of some types of building, through the clever use of acoustics to control sound. Intelligent design can even utilise the curves of a building to provide energy savings for the building owner.
How to Achieve a Curve with Metal
Traditionally, incorporating curves into a building design could significantly impact the project budget. The added degree of difficulty could increase timelines and risk, and was often considered too hard for many builders. However, with technological advances and increased knowledge within the industry, curves are becoming more common.
One of the best ways to successfully create a curve is to integrate all building disciplines into the project from the outset. It is paramount that every trade understands the overall goal and can achieve the desired shape. 3D modelling should be used from the beginning to create detailed drawings of the curved building and allow for custom fabrication of the required shapes.
It is essential to use only the most skilled metal fabricators to create the panels when making a curved shape. Experienced fabricators will understand how to achieve the right radius at the top and bottom of the panel to enable the curve, preventing frustrations once installation commences on-site.
Choosing the right cladding for the curved sections will also play a big role in achieving the ideal curve. Utilising a pliable and flexible metal cladding and the right cladding system will ensure that the beautiful shape is executed perfectly. The curved effect can be applied to all types of metal cladding profiles including standing seam, interlocking, nailstrip, snaplock, and flatlock or shingles.
Case Study: Deakin University Law Building
The recently completed Deakin University Law Building boasts an awe-inspiring curved design that was achieved through the use of VM Zinc. The Burwood campus build, which cost $110 million, is an Australian first in its three-dimensional curving façade system.
The futuristic style of the building’s exterior was created by forming three individual building ‘pods’ stacked on top of one another. 7,000 panels were required to complete the cladding, with many of these individually hand formed in Industry Metal’s Bacchus Marsh factory.
“This is the first project in Australia, and possibly internationally, to feature a three- dimensional curving system that runs throughout the complete façade package,” said Grant Wright, Managing Director of Industry Cladding and Roofing.
It’s tapered curved façade creates a uniquely bold and sleek finish. Zinc was chosen as the cladding material due to its flexibility and malleable nature, allowing the onsite team to curve one panel in two directions. And the result is a jaw-dropping finish that is sure to inspire the next generation.
Create Your Own Curve
If you’re considering adding curved elements to your next build, contact the knowledgeable team at Industry Metals today. We offer custom advice and can help you find the best solution for your design. We can discuss your project specifications and work with you to fabricate to your individual requirements.