Exploiting the virtues of metal fabric in rooftop design

by arslan_ahmed | July 27, 2023 4:00 pm

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By Dale Payne, PE

With a lack of available space, developing the rooftop, or “fifth facade,” has become an essential solution. Facility managers and specifiers tasked with building and renovating office buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities prioritize health and flexible design while noting How outdoor spaces increase concentration, productivity, healing, and overall occupant wellbeing and satisfaction.

However, designing exterior architectural features can be challenging, as natural elements such as wind, rain, and snow test even the most durable materials. Building products must be weather-resistant and ultraviolet-resistant (UV-resistant), to combat the damaging effects of sunlight; they should also be corrosion-resistant when used in coastal environments and other harsh climates. Materials such as wood will rot and are vulnerable to insect infestation. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products will turn yellow in sunlight and become brittle, while porous concrete will stain, crack, and spall. Metal fabric presents a flexible, elegant design option that is also extremely durable—which is an ideal combination for activating a rooftop environment.

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Metal fabric on buildings

Woven on a loom just like other textiles, metal fabric is primarily composed of stainless-steel wire, but can be manufactured using other alloys such as bronze, aluminum, and copper. This highly technical material offers architects the ability to create dynamic, modern environments that can address numerous building challenges. It provides a contemporary look and the flexibility for use in large- or small-scale applications for both interior and exterior.

Metal fabric offers a wide range of design options in terms of weave pattern, dimension, color, and texture to create unique facade designs. For example, through metal fabric, a building shell can become an energy-efficient solar protection system that can be adjusted for different times of the day. Bright light-emitting diode (LED) media facades can display high resolution content. Sound-absorbing ceiling systems can improve room acoustics, while semi-transparent room dividers can help structure interior designs.

Depending on the manufacturer, they can provide a complete design-build solution, working with the specifier on concept development, design, engineering, fabrication, delivery, and on-site installation, including proprietary hardware for attachment.

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Architects and construction professionals around the world have used metal fabrics for many applications, some examples include:

• Acoustics
• Media facades
• Parking facades
• Whole building facades
• Decorative applications, sculpture, and art
• Ceilings
• Partitions
• Wall cladding
• Fall protection including railing infill
• Solar control
• Pergolas and other shading structures
• Security enclosures
• Other specialties, such as furniture elements

Metal fabric manufacturers can help architects, designers, and building managers rethink and reimagine rooftop design using woven metal fabric. This high-quality material is primarily constructed of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Type 316L stainless steel, commonly referred to as marine-grade stainless.

For more than half a century, metal fabric has provided architects with the means to produce a permanent expression of their design concepts in
a flexible, durable material, proven for outdoor applications. This visual permanency is gained by the material’s excellent resistance to corrosion. This allows the surface to retain its original appearance indefinitely with very little maintenance. Adding to stainless steel’s design appeal is its excellent performance properties for fire, heat, and impact resistance. Consequently, it is not surprising that stainless steel has been specified with confidence by generations of architects for many indoor and outdoor applications around the world.

While metal fabric checks all the boxes when it comes to performance needs for rooftop materials, it is important to note the aesthetic value and design versatility it also brings to the table. Certain manufacturers can provide a wide array of weave patterns, alloys, color coatings, and surface finishes to dramatically change the appearance. Capabilities, such as custom etching and printing, provide unmatched design flexibility to elegantly incorporate branding, wayfinding, and design features within woven metal components.

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Safety and privacy

Engineered to withstand prolonged tension, impact, and heavy loads, metal fabric provides reliable fall protection when specified as railing infill, and partitions. In addition, metal fabric partitions can define spaces and establish privacy.

Whether designed as an enclosure or tensioned in the center of a stairwell, stainless steel metal fabrics offer woven protection and safety for both indoor and outdoor staircases and walkways. With the ability to manufacture spans of up to 7.9 m (26 ft) in width and more than 30 m (100 ft) in length, it is possible to tension the material over several floors. The fabric can therefore offer protection over a large area without any distracting seams or butt joints. Different fabric types meet various requirements for transparency and robustness.

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Due to their structure, metal fabrics can be shaped in a straight cable direction and are even capable of cladding radiused or circular building structures. With tailor-made fastening solutions, the panels are optimally integrated into the building structure, creating a high-grade, protective shell.

The use of balustrades

All railing and balustrade applications focus on two key aspects: design and safety. These materials are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications and provide security while retaining a light presence. The availability of various metal fabric patterns allows designers to tailor a solution to an individual balustrade. Each solution is designed and engineered to withstand the load requirements specified by the governing building codes.

Flexible patterns easily follow the rise of staircases, while typical metal balustrades are comprised of metal fabric panels with an external frame ready for point fittings, posts, and handrails. The material’s flexibility also facilitates use of more complex, organic designs and the project team can select the degree of transparency as required by the application or code. Exceptional aesthetics coupled with reliable safety, minimal care or maintenance, and rugged durability make these balustrades ideal for both new buildings and renovations.

Equipment screening

Metal fabric partitions can create attractive screening systems for critical rooftop equipment such as HVAC systems, air handlers, or communication technology. The open weave enables airflow and maintenance access while protecting and shielding the equipment from occupant view. Since metal fabric offers anti-climb and anti-impact performance, the material can also protect sensitive equipment or critical infrastructure.

Solar management

Without the presence of a treetop canopy, rooftops have the potential for high sun exposure which translates to occupant discomfort and higher heat gain for the building. Metal fabric provides effective sun-shading and passive cooling when specified as a canopy or open-weave wall.

Weave patterns with as little as a 30 percent open area are effective in providing sun-shading without obstructing views. Within outdoor and mid-door spaces, metal fabric enables airflow and provides critical sun-shading, while doubling as a safety feature when used as a railing in-fill or fall protection along the rooftop perimeters.

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Green wall integration

To create more relaxing, therapeutic environments, it is important to include access to and views of nature, daylight, and fresh air as it can reduce anxiety, ease depression, support cognitive function, and aid in healing. Green walls are a popular design feature used to enhance the rooftop experience through biophilic design. Woven metal walls provide the ideal substrate for climbing plants or rooftop gardening. The highly durable material is resistant to the natural elements, supports watering, plant maintenance, and maintains an attractive design when plants are out of season.

A sustainable option

Most weaves are engineered using stainless steel containing post-industrial and post-consumer recycled content for a low-embodied carbon footprint that can contribute to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points. Its strength and durability translate to a long product lifecycle—it is unlikely the installation will require replacement over the course of the building’s lifecycle unless a design change is desired. Should the metal fabric panel be removed, the material can also be easily recycled and reused in some cases as well.

As more and more rooftops are developed into valuable building amenities, people will grow to expect an upscale, comfortable, safe environment where they can gather, dine, and live life together. Metal fabric, with its many performance and aesthetic benefits, has the potential to play a large role in making those environments meet these expectations.

Author

Dale Payne, PE, serves as chief engineer for GKD-USA, a leader in metal fabrics for architectural applications based in Cambridge, Maryland. He supports the GKD sales, estimating, and production departments in developing new applications, as well as completing and supporting all architectural projects. Payne, who holds a professional engineering (PE) license for the State of Maryland, earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his associate’s degree in engineering technology from Chesapeake College.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/exploiting-the-virtues-of-metal-fabric-in-rooftop-design/

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