WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL SHEET METAL FABRICATION?

Architectural sheet metal fabrication is the process of turning metal sheets into custom-made parts and components for various applications across building and interior design. Applying a range of specialist equipment, tools and techniques, architectural fabricators can create bespoke products to fulfil aesthetic and functional briefs.

Customised Sheet Metal Ltd (CSM) have specialised in architectural metalwork for over 30 years, working with architects, interior designers, builders and contractors to bring ideas to life across a range of commercial and domestic projects.

Metals used in architectural sheet metal fabrication

Steel

This versatile metal is perhaps the most common material to work with, for architectural applications and beyond. Steel is strong, durable, corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a great all-rounder.

Between mild, galvanised and stainless varieties, there’s almost nothing steel can’t do – it’s just as likely to be used for secondary building structures as it is for beautiful bespoke bar tops.

Aluminium

Another hard-working cool-toned metal is aluminium, renowned for its high strength to weight ratio, corrosion-resistance and durability.

Aluminium is often used to provide structural integrity without adding significant mass, making it ideal for a range of building applications. It’s also a popular choice among architects and interior design for its sleek, silver shine, while its infinite recyclability makes it attractive for builders and contractors trying to cut carbon emissions.

Copper

Copper is a characterful metal with a beautiful deep red-brown hue. It’s a popular choice for standout and decorative architectural pieces, from custom countertops to splashbacks and push plates.

However, copper promises substance as well as style. Its strength and malleability means it’s equally suited to more heavy-duty applications, ranging from pipework to metal roofing fabrication.

Other materials

While steel, copper and aluminium fabrication are typically most common for architectural projects, we also regularly work with bronze, brass, pewter and zinc.

Architectural metalwork processes and techniques

Architectural sheet metal fabrication employs a diverse of different tools and techniques, including:

Cutting metal sheets to size.
Rolling to achieve the desired thickness or shape.
Bending and forming to achieve the desired form.
Welding to join fabricated metal components together.
Other techniques, including drilling, hole punching and stamping, to name just a few.

CSM also apply a range of finishing techniques to create a desired aesthetic, or strengthen the material for its intended environment or application. Depending on the metal:

Polish and preserve the metal – Enhancing its shine with polish or adding a lacquer as an additional layer of protection.
Create a more textured look – Using techniques like brushing to create a more matte or satin finish.
Enhance corrosion resistance – Powder coating or adonising the metal to make it more resilient in moist or outdoor environments.
Allow it to patina – Letting the metal age naturally to develop unique patterns and colours. Alternatively, we can speed up the process with a chemical treatment.

Architectural metalwork applications

There are endless possibilities with architectural sheet metal fabrication. Below are just some of the potential applications:

Secondary structural components – Creating mezzanine flooring, staircases, balustrades and gantries to add more function and style to a building’s primary structure. One example of work in this area is this elegant stainless steel staircase we designed for a private customer, ensuring it perfectly complemented the style of the contemporary home.

Bar tops and countertops – we have a sister company, Volund, wholly dedicated to the creation of luxurious bar and countertops. One example is the sleek pewter bar top we created for the exclusive Fenchurch restaurant, Sky Garden.

Metal flashing and trim – From aluminium coping for Bridgend Council Civic Building, to aluminium verge flashings at Coychurch Crematorium, we can create custom components for buildings that respect and complement the original architecture.

Metal wall panels – CSM designs and fabricates a range of custom metal panels for interiors, both decorative statement pieces and stylish functional components like kitchen splashbacks.
Fittings and fixtures – From custom brackets to bespoke light fittings, like those we created for the Cawdor Hotel, a beautiful Georgian building in Llandeilo.