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Metal curtains have expanded the playbook for designers and architects worldwide. What used to be associated mainly with industrial art spaces has become an edgy option for interior and exterior spaces. As an ideal architectural solution, the material is highly versatile and is an increasingly popular choice among facade designers.

We'll explore more about this material and how you can use it in your next project.

There are many ways a mental curtain can transform a space and your next project.

What are metal curtains?

Wire curtains that are fabricated of stainless steel offer a cool look to a room, an impenetrable divide for a wall and ongoing customisation possibilities. Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant metal that allows the material to transition from indoor to outdoor spaces with seamless ease.

Locker has a significant portfolio of architectural wire curtains, varying in thickness and weave configurations. The material can bend and move in any direction based on our client's preferences and how the material will be used.

Advantages of metal curtains

The unique metal chain link curtain is woven wire drapery that is extremely versatile. This material can be used for a variety of functions including car park facades, bridge screening and space delineation. You get both privacy and airflow, mixed in with a modern visual edginess unfounded in any other material.

With the changing of the seasons, metal curtains need minimal maintenance. Not only is it corrosion-resistant, but also fire and acid-proof as well. Because of its resistance to common metal stressors, replacing a metal curtain is only necessary when you're ready to update your look.

Stainless steel is environmentally friendly and easy to recycle to use again for other purposes. It possesses a low carbon footprint, is sourced in Australia, is easy to maintain and is cost-efficient for the long and short term due to its virtually no maintenance requirements.

How it's manufactured

The strength and resilience of metal curtains come from how it's manufactured. Locker metal curtains are produced with interlocking individually coiled metal wires in a simple corkscrew shape. Depending on how much space you want between wire wraps, the corkscrews are either very tight or rather loose with a lot of give.

The coil drapery can be made into any length and width to meet the demands of any project. Before it is installed, the edges of the curtain are crimped and the finished metal panel is secured onto an attachment made specifically for its unique use case.

Styling stainless steel wire curtains

The versatility of metal chain links knows no bounds as they can be used for any number of applications and spaces. Locker is committed to developing coiled wire curtains for architectural designs that develop significant building performance and incredible ambience that can flow into any environment.

Replace plastic or canvas shade, and drape wire curtains across tall metal structures for a new take on a pavilion cover. Or, stretch the material across a large surface area to use as a fenced-in space separating pedestrians from traffic. Even further yet, allow the wire chain link to stretch down vertically from the ceiling for an intriguing take on modern light fixturing.

Wire curtains allow for light and wind to pass through without debris or excessive heat to flow as well. The small openings between each chain link reflect the light playfully on any surface while absorbing the sun's rays for temperature-controlled areas.

The attachment could be strong metal links mounted on the side of the building or a metal frame. Or, the links can be affixed to curtain tracks, allowing the designer unlimited flexibility to position the space and light intentionally to suit the conditions of the room or time of day.

Drape the curtains to cover up air ducts, wiring or as shade in front of windows. This material can move with the modern aesthetic or be repurposed for new installations.

When you work with Locker, we can make your wildest architectural dreams come to life. Our metal curtain experts can help you choose the material that will work best for your project and configure it to meet your design needs. Customisation doesn't stop at the material, you can also choose coatings that fit in with a specific look or feeling of a space.

Functional architectural art is only as limited as your imagination. At Locker, we can make sure you can exceed your expectations.

For more information on the possibilities ahead with metal curtains, contact us today.

Constructing a facade for a workout facility meant that the structure needs to both welcome members and encourage them to reach their goals. That was the visual angle for the project Build a Body came to Locker with. Working with Goldman Group contractors and the MSK Architects firm, we created an expanded metal facade that exceeded expectations.

Let's take a look at the project details and uncover what design elements made expanded metal the preferred material.

Black expanded metal design aligned with the brand and the intention of the fitness centre.

The project

Set in Dural, New South Wales, a suburban area of Sydney and a primarily residential, semi-rural area, the project needed to speak to the people who lived nearby. The personal trainer gym is a family-run business that helps its members not only reach their fitness goals but also build a sustainable lifestyle.

With this in mind, the client approached Locker looking for a facade that could both create a barrier down a second-story walkway, and also create a cohesive design that connected both levels. Additionally, the walkway is west-facing and would get very hot during the summer, so it had to provide both ventilation and sun protection. The facade would be exposed to the elements all year round and needed to withstand all types of weather conditions.

The facility aesthetic is sleek and involves clean lines, a welcoming logo and a high-end feel. The facade would bring in a more rugged look that communicated the determination of the people inside.

Safety standards involved

A safety barrier for this specific project meant creating not only a balustrade but a screen to keep pedestrians from harm. We constructed the facade according to AS1657.

It's not enough to have a screen that keeps a pedestrian from falling off the edge of the walkway, you need a balustrade that is accessible if the walker needs something to hold as they travel along.

Our approach

Locker constructs every project with both architectural design and safety standards in mind. We take into consideration the goal and requirements of the project each time a client approaches our business with an idea.

Locker professionals decided that expanded metal should be the material of choice in this project. This metal type offered a strong, rugged solution to bring forward a strong industrial look, excellent ventilation and resilience. SUN919A was the product primarily used in this project because it has a lightweight aluminium profile and 25% open area. This offered the perfect level of structural soundness, ventilation and sun protection the client needed. It's not damaged easily and the metal sheets could be easily manipulated to fit the space the client envisioned.

In addition to the client's initial needs, we also have to consider how the product is shipped and assembled on the work site. We developed the 502 square metres of product in sheets that could be easily delivered and put together without any last-minute adjustments.

The final results

The final product resulted in a seamless design that communicated all of the aesthetic requirements of the client, set forth by the architect.

With black coating, the facade carries the palette of Build a Body, and presents a more rugged feel to the front of the business. The colour also matches the roofing and the lettering of their logo — creating a cohesive look.

Staff members can easily travel from one workout to the next without burning up from the sun, yet still feeling the breeze from outside. The expanded metal design gives an effortless industrial look, while offering pedestrians a chance to check on the weather outside and see the environment around them.

Expanded metal design made easy

At Locker, we develop projects that meet the needs of Australian Standards and exceed the expectations of our clients. This project result met all of the requirements of Build a Body and was easy to put together at the work site.

No matter the goal of your project, we can work together to find the best solution. To learn more about expanded metal custom designs or to get started on your own, contact Locker today.

Child-proofing any space can prove to be a challenge no matter who you are. But, Trinity Grammar School in Strathfield, New South Wales approached Locker about constructing a facade for one of the buildings used to teach year five and six students the arts. Adjacent to the heritage building on campus, we were faced with the task of harmonising the two structures together with a singular design using laser-cut metal sheets.

The results were spectacular. Let's take a look at what went into the project to get it where it is today.

An intricate, laser-cut design made to add intrigue and inspiration to an all-boys school.

The project

The Trinity Grammar School is a primary and secondary school for boys in inner-western Sydney. It was founded in 1913 and offers students the chance to explore and learn in the earliest years of their development. The campus is blanketed with green grass, brick buildings and intricate triangular permanent art designs that are reminiscent of Anglican-style decor.

Working with Stephen Edwards Construction and TZG Architects firm, Locker was tasked to develop a facade outside of their creative arts building. Because young children use the building, the caveat was developing a design laser cut into metal sheets that would not pose a safety hazard to the students.

Light and ventilation were also necessary for the design so a straightforward metal sheet or wall would not have met the needs of the space. The facade needed to stretch three floors and look similar to the surrounding decor of the building.

Safety considerations and parameters

Large-scale external walls must follow AS5113:2016, an Australian Standard of safety against fire. This includes fasteners, sealants and fixings of the building's facade. The ventilation of the wall is a consideration as well when faced with fire resilience.

The AS/NZS 1170 and AS/NZS 4284 work together to ensure the facade is energy efficient, wind resistant and can hold its structural integrity in the face of an earthquake.

Design preferences and safety standards for the project were taken into consideration as we approached the project, and acted as a guide toward our final solution.

Our approach

Locker professionals decided to work with three-millimetre aluminium laser-cut panels for this project. Aluminium is a strong, weather-resistant material. It is corrosion-resistant and holds its shape over many years no matter the weather conditions — making it a low-maintenance option.

Aluminium is helpful for more intricate designs like the one used in this project because of the metal's flexibility. Laser cutting the metal panels offered the chance to leverage the client's design, and ensure that it would hold its integrity in the final product. The material is excellent for conducting heat, which helps dissipate hot Australian summers, and helps keep the building inside cool without using too much energy.

As an eco-conscious community, aluminium was also a great choice because of its sustainability factors. It's 100% recyclable, and much of the aluminium ever produced is used today according to the Australian Aluminium Council. Locker strives to always use Australian-made metal materials to continue the sustainability of our projects.

The laser-cut panels were uniquely designed by the architect to call back some of the decor elements from around the campus. With some adjustments to protect the children nearby, the result was a beautifully intricate facade that allowed for ventilation, sunlight, sun cover and creating inspiration.

The final results

The final look of the building creates a sense of prestige, yet welcomes creative influence. The children and staff of the school can enjoy the sun as it comes in and check the scenery outside without falling victim to the sweltering heat known to Sydney summers.

Working with the design elements already existing around the building, the facade blends in to create a cohesive look and feel. You can pick out the triangular shapes that play on the school's trinity name.

Custom laser-cut solutions for any occasion

Whether you're looking for laser-cut custom designs or standard aluminium facade cladding, Locker has the solution you need. Laser cutting allows you to create 2D design elements, and make any building front look interesting, intricate, spectacular and unique.

We work with your design vision to help you find the best metal solution for your needs. Depending on where and for what purpose your metal sheet is being used, our friendly professionals can support your custom-made project based on the requirements of the space.

If you want to learn more about other laser-cut projects by Locker, or if you have an idea of your own, contact a Locker professional today to get started.

The Victoria state government turned to Locker to help them manufacture the perfect metal screening for Chelsea Station that would carry throughout the length of the platform. With varying sizes, designs and considerations for the project, we could offer an all-in-one solution that met all of the client's needs.

Let's explore the details of this project to uncover why the mixture of perforated and expanded metal panels was the perfect answer to this project.

Breezy and intricate, each panel of this train station walkway has its own unique design.

The project scope

The Chelsea Station is located on the Frankston line, which serves the greater suburban Melbourne area. Established in 1907, the station has seen many people, changes and upgrades. As part of a greater project to improve the railroad line, this design was poised to establish Chelsea as the lead in innovation, safety and intrigue.

The client came to us with a fairly simple need: to give the Chelsea Station a facelift with new screens for the walkways, awnings and fences. Design for the railway had to be cohesive throughout and the project had to offer both wind ventilation and space for pedestrians to see the space around them. The colours were chosen by the client to work with the aesthetic already in play in the area.

Perforation is important in metal panelling at a railway station because commuters need to see the environment around them. When a train is coming in, they need to see which line to look for. Additionally, the holes in perforated panels act as a way for the breeze to come through and keep the space cool. A hot day with steaming machinery rushing past is a recipe for disaster without any space for the wind to come through.

In terms of materials and necessity, aluminium was the metal of choice for this project. It has incredible malleability for both perforation and expanded metal while maintaining its shape no matter the weather. It's virtually maintenance-free because of its resistance to corrosion.

Our unique approach

Working with our client, we decided to make a completely original and unique screening design. The aesthetic cladding stretched along the ramps, platforms and the pedestrian bridge, so we had a lot of space to work with a design idea.

We worked on over 650 individual drawing drafts — all programmed by Locker — before deciding on positioning the round holes at varying slot sizes, placed completely randomly. The Locker team was able to employ special coding techniques on Pic Perf to develop a new crypto pattern with slots and round holes together.

The materials we used included:

• R25448
• R03240
• R03240
• R25448
• R06440 (Eclipse 600)

Around 742 screens were perforated, and a majority were folded and branded with fixing holes to complete the project. The longest sheet produced was over 4.80 metres high along the ramp.

Two aluminium grades were used — 5052 H32 and 5005 H34 — which have medium to high alloy strength. These aluminium grades are more resistant to change to marine and industrial atmospheres — making them perfect for longevity. Another quality that made the grade level perfect was that these types have the ability for a tight radius while bending, making them perfect for sheet metal work.

The outcome of the project

We have manufacturing locations across Australia. This project was developed right in the client's backyard in Victoria. As a general rule of kind business practices, we ensured that each piece of the final product was preassembled and could still be transported to the worksite. Each piece is laid in order so the client can assemble the product with ease, devoid of last-minute complications.

The result of the hard work of both teams is a cohesive design for all of the pedestrians rolling into Chelsea Station. The colours invite a sense of breachy relaxation, where the holes and slots work together to create the look of a shimmering sea.

With Chelsea Beach and Victory Park just kilometres away, a lengthy commute makes pedestrians that much closer to paradise at Chelsea Station.

Locker is your perforation and expanded metal specialist

Whether you're designing for a carpark, a new train station stop or developing a perforated sun shade for your office building, there is nothing Locker can't do when it comes to metal manufacturing. We have an extensive product range that gives you the freedom to develop your vision and bring it to life.

From perforated and expanded to woven or spiralled wire, we can help you create something unique that meets the needs of your project. All of our metals are manufactured and sourced in Australia so you can trust in the quality of the product and the service. Reach out to a Locker professional to learn more about our products and services.

Perforated metal is sometimes associated with the park benches or partitions at your local train station. But what if you could customise a perforated metal sheet to a design that would both impress and align with the local aesthetic? That's what the team at Locker did for the Muddy Creek Overpass in Ador Park, Rockdale, New South Wales.

Eye-catching perforated metal design up-levelled this walkway crossing.

The project

The client approached Locker because they wanted to upgrade the overpass with a custom design that would blend in with the creek's local flora. The colours needed to be subtle to work alongside the suburban area nearby.

Perforated metal is a piece of sheet metal that can be bent and manipulated with holes of any shape or size to create a mesh-like look. Standard perforations are sequential smaller holes, about one millimetre in circumference without any design specifications. However, the perforations can be easily customised to fit any scenario. The one caveat of requesting larger holes for a design is that the metal needs to be thicker.

Together, our team and the client decided perforated metal was the style of choice for this project. This choice created a clear distinction between the walkway over the creek and brought in sunshine, ventilation and visual openness simultaneously. It offered a way to separate the outdoor space from the walkway to create a sense of enclosure and safety.

Safety standards

When walking over a body of water, there needs to be a sense of security from a possible fall or trip. Technical Direction TD2002/RS02 has several standards designers need to consider:

• Safety screens must last up to 50 years.
• Existing bridges with a new screen need to be retrofitted to the structure.
• There must be a minimum of three millimetres up from the walkway surface.
• There should be space for the pedestrian to see their surroundings while on the overpass.

With these parameters in mind, we got started with the project right away.

Our approach

The client wanted a custom design for their pedestrian walkway barrier. We decided to work with perforated metal because it offered the most structural soundness. Its characteristics also allow for more creativity and visual depth.

The client offered a design already in mind, which we began working on with laser cutting. As we considered the use and location of the barrier, however, we realised that the sharp edges of the laser cut would be a hazard. To solve this, we decided on using our PicPerf® technology so the perforations were instead stamped into the metal sheet.

The result was a smooth solution that looked great and produced the design effect the client was looking for. The holes of the perforated metal were fairly small, so we used three millimetres thick Australian-made aluminium.

We included laser-cut tabs into the metal panels so they could form part of the balustrading as well. This helped to align with safety standards and helped to work the design throughout the entirety of the 90-metre fencing.

The result

Customized perforated metal designs create a unique look that communicates the focus the architect created while allowing for a uniform commercial look. The result of the overpass screen was a clean, white bridge barrier that looks incredible and blends in with the surrounding aesthetic.

Local flora near the small neighbourhood around the creek gives off the impression of countryside memories, easy days and welcomed comfort. The overpass screening offers this same appearance with an image of tall natural grass standing above the water rushing below. The colour choice was subtle, helping dissipate the hot Australian heat while working with the black chain link fencing behind it — a contrast that worked perfectly in this project.

Now, pedestrians can safely walk across the body of water without fear of slipping, falling or even blazing heat. With both shade and ventilation, the neighbouring commuters can enjoy the bridge all year long.

Custom perforated metal by Locker

Developing a custom perforated metal sheet is made easy when you work with Locker. We take all of your considerations and put together a solution that is both pleasing to the eye and aligned with local Australian standards.

We offer a variety of metals, hole sizing and coating methods including anodising, powder coating and electroplating depending on the location and use of your screen. We'll work with you to find the perfect solutions for your needs and architectural goals.

If you're ready to get started or to brainstorm a project idea, contact Locker today.

Architecture is more than designing a structure to exist in space. With perforated metal, you have the opportunity to take a drab building front and turn it into something inspiring, unique, and architecturally interesting.

With the right perforated sheet metal partner, you can bring your vision to life. Let's explore how that's possible and why you may choose perforated patterns over any other material.

Square, round, varying sizes and uses, perforated metal can uplevel your next project in more ways than one.

Processing perforated metal

Perforated metal doesn't occur organically, and must go through a process to achieve your architectural applications preference. It's a type of sheet metal that may resemble mesh or a grid and has been stamped, fabricated or punched to create the hole shape, size and design.

You can choose from a variety of metals from aluminium to mild steel to fit in with the structural needs of the building and the weather conditions it may come in contact with.

While the limitations are few for what and how to construct your facade, there are structural needs that must be considered. For example, a fabricated metal sheet with large holes will need a thicker piece of metal to ensure better structural integrity. Or, in the case of a building that may come in frequent contact with seawater, you may choose to work with aluminium.

As a general rule of thumb, the thickness of the metal sheet should not be greater than the size of the holes or the width of the bars (the spaces between the holes). Metal can be as thin as tin foil or as thick as an inch and a half perforated stainless steel plate.

Why perforated metal instead of glass?

Most buildings (think skyscrapers in Sydney) are covered in floor to rooftop glass. The energy it takes to cool these spaces can run up rent costs and require expensive window covers, no view of the outside and forced AC.

Perforated metal products can offer several benefits that work in conjunction with a glass building or any other type of structure:

• Ventilation
• Sun cover
• View to the outside
• Privacy
• Separation between spaces
• Corrosion resistance

A custom pattern can do all of the above with an on-brand design.

Locker is your design partner

In 2018, Locker worked for the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning. The Institute wanted a strategic perforated pattern design partner that could deliver a facade that was inspired by the innovation and creation happening within the building. They chose to work with Locker because we had both the material and the technology to create the design they envisioned: Something both aesthetically natural looking and with a five-star Green Star Design and As-Built Rating.

What resulted was a six-star Green Star Rating and an incredible perforated metal facade and awning.

We also took on the Moda project. For this project, Moda wanted custom-designed colour and hole-sized metal with the business name stamped on the outside. With Pic Perf software, we were able to deliver exactly what the client wanted, with the colour and dimensions they were looking for.

Using Australian-sourced sheet metal, we plug designs into the Pic Perf system so that when the metal goes through the perforation process, the design is programmed into the template. This allows the software to process highly-customised designs that perfectly align with the client's vision.

This project and so many more have the capability to look and function in all new levels with perforated panels. If you're ready to up-level your next project, reach out to a Locker perforated metal professional today to get started.

We know the environment and finding sustainable options are top of mind for many businesses today. With the goal of cutting down on energy consumption and finding construction solutions that use recyclable materials, perforated metal can meet many of these expectations. It's a building material that is versatile, weather resistant and attractive enough to exceed your construction goals with the right design and location.

But, what is perforated metal?

Perforated metal is a great option for a facade, but it has other uses as well.

Perforated metal briefly explained

As construction continues to evolve, perforated metal is used more often for facades of any shape and sheet size. This type of perforated metal sheet metal can resemble a grid or wire mesh and the holes within the metal can be circular, square, rectangular, hexagonal or any other custom design.

Architects typically choose a perforated panel to distribute the weight of a building's framework, for ventilation, sun protection and design. The thickness of the metal sheet will depend on weather and wind exposure and how large the round hole perforation is. Finally, perforated metal is usually easier to install than other types of building siding.

How its made

The most common question about perforated metal is how it's made. With a soft, malleable metal like aluminium, a machine will punch holes of any type into the metal. The critical part of perforating the metal is understanding the thickness level necessary to keep the structural integrity intact.

The strength you need for the metal will depend on how the piece is being used — either for structural or decorative purposes. The space around the perforated area must be strong enough to not rip through in the case of high wind and still hold the design of the sheet.

Besides appearance and ventilation, how is perforated metal actually beneficial for building facades?

Benefits of using perforated metal

Metal is known as an environmentally friendly material because it can be reused and reconstructed. And, although the metal is mined from ores in the earth, a lot of the material is already available for use because of its upcycling capabilities.

As the holes are punched into the metal sheet, these waste materials can be recycled for other purposes after they have been molded down and used again.

In addition, perforated metal panels' lightweight properties make it easy to install and lighter to transport onsite, reducing energy consumption. In the same vein, perforated facades can cut down on energy costs. They are capable of providing sun protection for buildings, and with the perforations as actual holes in the sheet metal, you can also use the material for ventilation and to control sunlight coming into the building without the use of additional artificial lighting.

You can even use this material to create intricate designs and interesting images with the use of small and larger holes.

How to use perforated metal

As you may have guessed, perforated metal is a great option for a facade, but it has other uses as well.

For example, perforated metal has been used for noise control as part of resonating absorption. Sound waves can pass through perforated metal sheets without diminishing.

Because of its ventilation and holes, perforated metal can be used as a partition as well. Imagine a bus stop where you need to separate the north- and south-bound routes, yet want a space for benches and sun protection. You can use perforated metal for all three in such a way that commuters can see through to the other side of the stop, get some protection from the sun and are not blocked from any breeze.

Variety and versatility with perforated sheet metal

You can choose any shape or size, aluminium, stainless steel, or mild steel, indoor or outdoor, coated or painted. Perforated steel sheet metal by Locker can give you the material you're looking for, with the perforation pattern design you need to delight clients. For more information or to choose from a variety of off-the-shelf or custom options, reach out to a Locker professional today.

Perforated metal is used for more than just sieves or drainage. This metal design is perfect for a number of unique applications that stretch from sun protection and temperature control to wind resistance and dividers. The history of perforated metal panels offers a glimpse into some of these applications throughout time. We'll take a look at how perforated metal was used originally and how technology has made it possible to use the material in architecture like we do today.

The designs we see today come from a long history of perforation before it.

History of perforated metal

Perforated metal has appeared in both industrial and commercial spaces. Its characteristics include flexibility, versatility, and, depending on the material you use, longevity. A perforated metal sheet has holes of a defined shape and size that can come in a standard circular shape at 1 millimetre or can be customised.

In the early days of perforation, rudimentary techniques were used to create holes. The initial uses weren't for decoration but for sieving cheese in the area of modern-day Poland according to National Geographic.

Eventually, early civilizations discovered new uses for perforated sheet patterns for art, warfare and domestic needs. Perforation was even used to punch holes into coins, either so the currency could be strung together or to save on materials.

As sheet metal became more commonplace, perforated metal sheets were used during hand-to-hand combat so soldiers could protect their heads in battle while having the ventilation necessary to breathe. Some ancient examples come from the Sumerian culture in 2500 BCE.

Up until the industrial revolution in 1760, metal sheets were hand-flattened using stones or other tools and the holes were punctured using rudimentary tools. In 1615, the first rolling mill was small, hand-driven and primarily used to cut jewellery or machine roll lead for stained glass. The industrial rolling mill offered a revolutionary concept that would save time, money and labour hours.

Finally, in the 1800s, machine-punctured metal was created to drill holes into thick plates. The creative freedom derived from machinery developed into shearing, forming and folding the metal — thus creating the uniform perforated material and sheet metal pattern we know today.

How perforated metal is made today

Today, hydraulic machines consisting of a punch and a die make perforated sheets. The metal is first punctured and then the excess metal is pushed out to create an open area. Metal products such as stainless steel or aluminium can vary depending on hole size, pattern and perforated image designs.

Modern perforated sheet metal machines have the capacity to punch between 120 to 500 hits per minute where two to four rows are perforated with every hit. For architectural products, however, often the manufacturer will use linear punches instead due to the need for more precise detail and, if needed,  variances in the shapes and sizes required on the sheet.

Perforated metal sheets are incredibly versatile and can be flattened or folded to create the architectural design you're looking for. It could be the perfect stylized sunscreen to pull your outdoor facade together. Architects can use it for visual depth, and creativity with light filtration, stairs, screens, a perforated facade or balustrade designs. It's perfect for outdoor use because it can withstand harsh weather conditions and even control or equalise the pressure thanks to the strength of the material.

We use a program called Pic-Perf® which develops varying hole sizes to create an image on the metal sheet using bigger, smaller hole punches. Typically, our customers will send over an image they want depicted in the final sheet, Pic-Perf® then creates a series of holes to create the image
taking into consideration the local lighting.

If you're interested in using perforated panels in your next project, contact a Locker representative today.

Adding visual details to your architectural design is key to drawing in curbside appeal. As the cornerstone of our architectural range, a perforated metal sheet by Locker is developed in-house and offers precision-made features to add the spark you're looking for in a façade.

We rely on PicPerf® for all of our perforated metal image design work. While you may have seen it mentioned in Architecture and Design or one of our end-of-year Lookbooks, this article will highlight what the process is, how it works and why we use it.

Perforated metal designs integrated into a facade to add intricate asethetics.

Customised perforated metal

PicPerf® is a digital imaging processing program made specifically for perforating metals. It takes positive or inverted images and converts them into our perforated metal program. The software uses the holes in the sheet metal and background colour to create a textured 3D effect. It can be scaled for large or small spaces depending on the needs of the project.

Background lighting and viewing distance are taken into consideration as we design the image for the program. For example, a positive image will rely on a dark background, where an inverted image needs some sort of background light either natural or synthetic. The optimal viewing distance will depend on the size of the holes used for the façade.

We may also need to use a coated metal either in light or dark colours to achieve the correct contrast.

Additionally, the thickness of the perforated sheet metal is determined by how large the façade is and the size of the holes necessary for the project. The detail required for the image is another factor when determining metal thickness.

We highly recommend using aluminium for exterior façade, but we also offer stainless steel and mild steel. Aluminium has incredible resistance to corrosion and will be able to maintain the original design for longer without much need for maintenance or short-term replacement. Steel, however, while only suitable for two-tone images, is an excellent option for indoor applications.

Benefits of using custom perforated metal

If you're looking for architectural uniqueness, perforated metal façades or partitions offer the ideal solution. Perforated panels are used for protection from the sun, wind, air filtration, sound control and separation. A customised design provides visual interest and adds aesthetic value to a space.

A façade or partition can even provide a level of opaqueness to a space as you can see through either side of the panel. A customised partition is an excellent option for spaces such as a bus stop or an airport where some sun protection is necessary while waiting for transportation. The pattern you choose will also provide visual relief in an otherwise dull environment.

Perforated metal design and production steps
Locker uses PicPerf® to customise a perforated metal sheet based on your needs. All it takes is a few easy steps:

1. Provide the image you want to be used for the metal panel. This will include the folds and bolts necessary.
2. We will input the image into PicPerf® where we will determine if the image will be split into multiple panels, how large or small the holes will be and the thickness of the sheet itself.
3. Once the terms are agreed upon, we will send the completed image to our perforation machine to punch the image into the sheet.
4. The surface will then be treated, powder-coated or anodised for the desired finish.

We will include bolt holes into the production to ensure the panels are ready for installation. The bolt holes are incorporated into the design of the façade or partition.

If you're looking for a unique design and a façade or partition that will add visual appeal to your next project without compromising the integrity of the building, contact us for more information.

Architectural design can take on many forms either to stand out from or to blend in with the surrounding geography. Adding colour, texture and shapes from the surrounding environment of a new building wall façade can add a more harmonious design to the area. This article will explore why you may want to incorporate your next building into the landscape rather than giving it a distinctive design.

A seamless transition from nature to structure can add a lot to a landscape.

Why blend your architectural façades?

Building façades offer benefits to buildings such as shielding them from wind, protecting them from the sun, facilitating passive cooling or providing opportunities for natural ventilation. The architectural design could incorporate features that absorb flood waters or improve aesthetics as well. All of these elements are in response to the surrounding environment of the building and the intent of the structure itself.

A blended architectural façade design offers a more harmonious quality to a landscape. Instead of constructing a structure that is meant to stand out, a balanced design causes less impact on the surrounding area.

A 2018 journal by Nazire Papatya highlights the importance of sustainable building design, citing that using the landscape as a base for your drawings could improve its energy efficiency and synchronicity with the environment. This could not only mean using perforated metal façades but pulling in colours of the local plants and ground to deepen the visual impact.

Architectural methods to implement this design

While Papatya's dissertation on architecture design primarily focuses on using plant life to manage sustainable structures, there are man-made options you can use as well. The best way to blend a new building with the landscape is to first survey the land. Understand how the space slopes and consider the likelihood of heavy rain, wind or sunshine at certain times of the year or day. Then take in the colours you might use that will coordinate with the landscape.

Generally, a building is meant to communicate a sense of comfort and safety from the elements. This doesn't mean you need to build a fortress made out of titanium metal, but consider a façade that not only protects and provides durability but compliments the area around it as well as the function within.

Perforated metal, expanded metal or woven wire could serve these purposes perfectly as they are not only versatile but can coordinate with the landscape via a coloured coating. The material you choose should also take into consideration how it will fade over time. Choosing a metal that is corrosion resistant like aluminium can add improved longevity to the structure while maintaining its original intent.

A traditional or contemporary design could determine how you incorporate different materials as well. An exterior wall with floor-to-ceiling windows, or ground-to-roof perforated metal could meet your needs for either a modern or traditional design — it's all a matter of how you choose to incorporate colours and textures of the elements around the building to inspire you.

Locker offers an architectural design solution

From ideation to construction, Locker offers the façade solution you need. We are the leader in the perforated sheet metal market, offering a range of woven and welded metal mesh for a full-service design to product solution. We specialise in mild steel, galvanised steel, brass and stainless steel metal material available for your needs, both made-to-order or custom designed.

Adding a visual spark or integrating your design with the landscape is easy with Locker's decades of experience. We can ensure you get both a product that is perfect for the needs of the building as well as your architectural vision.

To get started or to learn more about our product solutions, contact us today.