The Possibilities of Perforated Metal
Perforated metal brings a whole new industrial quality to design, while offering strength, privacy and visual openness
Rebecca Gross
13 March 2017
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
Perforated metal is commonly seen in industrial and commercial venues, and now is making its way into residential design. Its characteristics make it ideal for both structural and decorative applications, because it shields and encloses spaces while allowing for light, ventilation and visual openness. Find out more about the possibilities of perforated metal for your next project.
What is Perforated Metal?
Perforated metal is a sheet of metal with holes of a particular shape and size that has a mesh-like look when viewed from a distance.
Perforated metal is a sheet of metal with holes of a particular shape and size that has a mesh-like look when viewed from a distance.
The shape, size and pattern of the holes can be standardised or custom-designed. Standard perforation holes are typically circular and can range in size from 1 millimetre upwards, however, the bigger the hole, the thicker the metal sheet needs to be.
Custom perforated sheets are also available with holes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including squares, rectangles, diamonds, crosses, and more. Custom artwork can even be created by varying the size, pattern and layout of perforations.
Custom perforated sheets are also available with holes in a variety of shapes and sizes, including squares, rectangles, diamonds, crosses, and more. Custom artwork can even be created by varying the size, pattern and layout of perforations.
What Are the Advantages of Perforated Metal?
- Perforated metal can be used for structural and decorative applications in architecture and design, including balustrades, facades, stairs and screens, and its characteristics allow for creativity with light, sound and visual depth.
- Perforated metal can be used to regulate light and ventilation within a space. It can block or limit direct light while still allowing air flow. This can assist in reducing energy consumption.
- It can be used to enhance privacy and create a sense of enclosure without fully closing off a space, as it has a somewhat transparent effect when viewed from afar.
- Perforated metal can diffuse sound. For example, panels installed along a ceiling can be used to prevent echoes.
- It is a slip-resistant and easy-to-clean option for walkways and stair treads. It’s also durable and has a high load-bearing capacity.
- Outside, perforated metal on stairs, walkways and benches is ideal where drainage is required, as water can slip right through the holes.
How to Use Perforated Metal
Stair balustrades
Perforated metal can be used for stair balustrades that are floor-to-ceiling, or used as a handrail. This home has a staircase in the centre of the house, and the perforated metal balustrades physically enclose the space without visually enclosing it. The staircase also cascades down from an openable skylight, so the perforations allow the natural light to radiate to the lower level.
Stair balustrades
Perforated metal can be used for stair balustrades that are floor-to-ceiling, or used as a handrail. This home has a staircase in the centre of the house, and the perforated metal balustrades physically enclose the space without visually enclosing it. The staircase also cascades down from an openable skylight, so the perforations allow the natural light to radiate to the lower level.
Stair treads and risers
The strong and durable qualities of perforated metal make it a great choice for stair treads and risers, as its texture provides better resistance against slipping and it has a high load-bearing capacity for structural integrity.
This perforated metal staircase with steel mesh treads, risers and balustrade allows light and air to penetrate all spaces. It allows for both privacy and conversation, and in this case becomes a venue for play.
See more places designed for play
The strong and durable qualities of perforated metal make it a great choice for stair treads and risers, as its texture provides better resistance against slipping and it has a high load-bearing capacity for structural integrity.
This perforated metal staircase with steel mesh treads, risers and balustrade allows light and air to penetrate all spaces. It allows for both privacy and conversation, and in this case becomes a venue for play.
See more places designed for play
Walkway
The design of this renovated house centres around its long open-plan living space and the suspended walkway above, which links the existing structure to the new master bedroom. Perforated mesh lines the walkway, as well as the balustrade, allowing light to filter through and enabling a visual connection between the ground and first floor.
The design of this renovated house centres around its long open-plan living space and the suspended walkway above, which links the existing structure to the new master bedroom. Perforated mesh lines the walkway, as well as the balustrade, allowing light to filter through and enabling a visual connection between the ground and first floor.
Exterior screen and balustrade
Used outside, perforated steel balustrades provide both safety and privacy. Here, the screens create a sense of enclosure in an outdoor space, and can also serve as a hand railing. They then go some way toward limiting views into the interior of the house.
Used outside, perforated steel balustrades provide both safety and privacy. Here, the screens create a sense of enclosure in an outdoor space, and can also serve as a hand railing. They then go some way toward limiting views into the interior of the house.
Exterior facade
A perforated metal facade can provide visual interest, as well as shade and protection. This custom-designed screen was inspired by the floral pattern on the original carpet and fireplace tiles of the house. It envelops the box on all sides and glows at night when the lights are on.
Take a tour of this house
A perforated metal facade can provide visual interest, as well as shade and protection. This custom-designed screen was inspired by the floral pattern on the original carpet and fireplace tiles of the house. It envelops the box on all sides and glows at night when the lights are on.
Take a tour of this house
Outdoor awning
This perforated metal screen has been laser cut in a custom design, and functions as an outdoor awning that reduces the effects of sun and rain on the exterior of the home. The greater the depth of the screen, the more protection it will provide. Plus, check out the great shadow it makes on the wall behind.
This perforated metal screen has been laser cut in a custom design, and functions as an outdoor awning that reduces the effects of sun and rain on the exterior of the home. The greater the depth of the screen, the more protection it will provide. Plus, check out the great shadow it makes on the wall behind.
Decorative details
Perforated metal can also be used for smaller design details such as this pendant, which adds an industrial quality to the wood and glass interior. Talk to your architect or building designer if you’d like a perforated-metal feature included in your plans, or speak to a fabricator if you’re interested in retro fitting.
Your say
Does your house have a metal screen, or would you like it to? Share a photo or tell us about in the Comments below.
More
Browse home exterior design ideas
Perforated metal can also be used for smaller design details such as this pendant, which adds an industrial quality to the wood and glass interior. Talk to your architect or building designer if you’d like a perforated-metal feature included in your plans, or speak to a fabricator if you’re interested in retro fitting.
Your say
Does your house have a metal screen, or would you like it to? Share a photo or tell us about in the Comments below.
More
Browse home exterior design ideas
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Love it. Its possibilities are endless.
I find the front wrapping on houses absolutely stounding.
Interesting idea! Am thinking of doing a fairy tale scene metal screen (perforated or laser cut) art for my pantry door and possible laundry doors since they will need ventilation. Already spoke to a friend of mind who is a metal artist. Will be fun to work it all out.
celestina89 - would love to see photos if you do this!