DON'T BE TRAPPED BY YOUR FACADE OPTIONS

When finding a material that works best for you and your building, it can be difficult. Each material gives off a different look and makes a different statement. It’s fair to say that architects are looking for variety when it comes to their finishes. Your façade defines your building. It resembles the cover of a book, if the cover doesn’t catch peoples eye, then they most likely won’t buy it. People think in images and a façade plays a major role in the image of your building. You need to be able to find what you’re looking for to complete your vision. That is where Metal Composite Material (MCM) come into play.

Before we go much further, it is important that you understand MCM is a generic term covers all the different Metal Composites used for architectural facades. The most common MCM is Aluminum Composite Material (ACM), also known as Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP). ACM/ACP is the most common MCM, offering a wide range of finishing options. Then there are the more exotic metals. Including Stainless Steel Composite Material (SSCM or SCM), Copper Composite Material (CCM), Zinc Composite Material (ZCM), and even Titanium Composite Material (TCM).And another term for MCM is Composite Metal Panels (CMP). So if you have been confused about the seemingly conflicting terminology in the industry, don’t worry you are not alone!

VARIETY

· MCM (especially ACM/ACP) offer a variety of finishes allowing you to pick which one fits your building and encompasses your vision and enhances the building’s statement. You are not found with your hands tied behind your back because have the option of many finishes.

DESIGN

· Your design comes alive with the inclusion of Metal Composite Material and Aluminum Composite Material/Aluminum Composite Panel. Many different types of panel patterns can be achieved that can either make the building skin seem more monolithic or broken up to accentuate different volumes and patterns. Takea look at this design from a project we are doing with Smith Group at the University of Pennsylvania https://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/thesis/portfolios/2014/rxs5160/Documents/Bldg.%20Stat/Building%20Statistics%20Part%201.pdfas you can see MCM gave the opportunity for a unique design and Smith Group was able to complete its vision.

STATEMENT

· In this business things are not done just to do them. A statement is meant to be conveyed when creating a building. A façade creates that statement, whether you are using wood grain, Zinc, stainless steel, anodized aluminum or marble finish. They all mean something different and they all create a distinct statement that you are trying to convey for your clients “brand” or his/her “vision” for their company. You can go herehttp://www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/benefits to see the unique statements made by metal and more benefits of metal incommercial constructionprojects.

IMPRESSION

· Impressions are important. You want your building to leave an impression, for yourself, your client and/or the people viewing it. Whether it’s one person or a million people, whether you’re sharing your photos on Twitter or it is published in an architectural publication. ACM, MCM and ACP are a great way to leave a lasting impression.

You should have the access to many different finishes and patterns in one place. It’s convenient for you! It’s why Metal Composite Materials are a great fit for this scenario. Don’t be wedged on what message you can convey to the world.