The Evolution of Ornamental Architectural Metal Design

by Jonathan McGaha | July 31, 2016 12:00 am

Ornamental architectural metals are used for both structural and decorative purposes. Wrought iron is made by hand, heating, beating and stretching iron into decorative hardware and ironwork and was common through the mid-19th century. Cast iron, formed by casting iron in foundry molds, was popularized in the mid- to late-19th century. Casting allowed the fabrication of more elaborate and larger elements, such as columns, and produced standardized decorative components like scrollwork and filigree.

While associated with specific architectural styles and periods, today, architects are incorporating historic components like handrails, cornice components, columns and brackets into their modern designs. These classical designs are fitting nicely into ornamental metal-based contemporary projects such as door panel grillwork, interlaced entrance gate patterns and grand foyer staircase scrollwork.

But, today’s ornamental architectural metals have evolved beyond just iron. “Ornamental architectural metals are available in a wide variety of styles from traditional and historic to ultra modern and sleek,” says Larry Robertson, director of marketing at King Architectural Metals[2], Dallas. “They are also available in an assortment of materials to allow architects and designers many more options when designing projects for commercial and residential projects. Architects and designers have a wide range of balusters and newel posts, collars and shoes, cast iron panels, hand-forged scrolls, as well as stainless steel choices from which to draw their inspiration. Architecture has always included components of ornamental architectural metals and it’s fascinating when we look back over the centuries and see how we’ve adorned our surroundings with the work of metal artisans. Our world would look much different without their inclusion.”

Ornamental architectural metals can be used for HVAC applications that can be walked and leaned on. Decorative HVAC grilles can be curved to accommodate curved applications for walls, ceilings, countertops and floors in residential and commercial projects. Architectural metals can be made into wall décor to hide pipes or controls, decorate support beams or can themselves be used as support beams.

Why Ornamental Metal?

Ornamental architectural metals can be designed for aesthetic reasons when placed on high-end houses. “These elements set apart these custom-designed, high-end homes from the typical cookie-cutter home designs,” says Guenther Huber-Delle, president of Ornametals LLC[3], Cullman, Ala.

Also, many architects today use ornamental architectural metal designs to be consistent with existing surrounding historic homes or buildings. “These elements are requirements to remain historically correct when a restoration project is underway,” Huber-Delle says. “In the historic restoration market, these ornamental architectural metals preserve or replicate existing or previously existing historic elements. In essence, their function is to preserve history as we know it. Lifetime metals such as copper and zinc are common choices. In most cases, we find that copper or zinc was used when these buildings were originally constructed so many years ago.”

Ornamental architectural metal can be sleek and delicate, or it can be heavy and bold. “Ornamental metals can be made to accent the overall design intent or completely contrast it making the area where the two meet a focal point,” says Eric Cuper, owner, Cuper Studios LLC[4], Easton, Pa. “Especially in residential, ornamental metalwork can appear as the jewelry of the home helping to define the design style.”

Typically, ornamental metals are used to meet decorative rather than structural objectives. When using them, obviously project integrity must be maintained with requisite materials designed for weight-bearing loads. This can take place through a number of different methods. Coordinating with local code enforcement and licensed architects and contractors will ensure a project is constructed in the safest, most-responsible means available. “Today’s architectural metal choices are actually much stronger than their counterparts of the last few decades,” says Robertson. “Twenty-first century metallurgy allows steel to be formulated with alloys which increase their strength and durability, thus allowing many previously unconsidered types of projects. This increase in overall composition through modern means can most often be attributed to the industry’s focus on recycling and reducing carbon footprints.”

Ornamental Ingredients

Although sleek and delicate, by utilizing metals and finishes that can withstand weathering and coupling them with secure mounting, ornamental architectural metal can be designed for something as rugged as a metal building.

Today, the most commonly used metals for ornamental architecture are aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, Corten steel and marinegrade stainless steel. Whether the usage is interior or exterior will dictate the material and finish of the design.

“Aluminum is a popular choice because it is generally less expensive than other metals,” says Stephen Giumenta, owner/vice president of Architectural Grille[5], New York City. “Weathering steel, commonly known as Corten steel, is a common exterior application that forms a beautiful rust-like appearance over time. Through a variety of finishing techniques, we can coat materials with weatherresistant powders, anodize aluminum, which greatly strengthens its durability, or use anti-microbial coatings to enhance the functionality of our products.”

Anodizing aluminum makes the material stronger for exterior usage. It is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface of aluminum into a decorative, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Anodizing is achieved by immersing the aluminum into an acid electrolyte bath and passing an electric current through the medium, this increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on its surface and causes the aluminum to oxidize. As this process is not applied to the surface like paint or plating, the treated metal will not chip or peel, thus making it more durable. Other benefits include color stability, ease of maintenance, aesthetics and health/safety.

“For exterior applications near the ocean, marine-grade stainless steel is a popular choice for our customers,” Giumenta says. “This material is preferred for marine environments because it is less likely to corrode than other grades of stainless steel.”

Through development of a propriety chemical, Architectural Grille can create a variety of antique finishes, commonly referred to as statuary finishes, for both brass and bronze design work. “The metal surface of brass or bronze is treated with an oxidizing chemical followed by successive rinsing and buffing stages to produce an antique look,” Giumenta says. “Statuary finishes can be produced in light, medium and dark brown depending on both the concentration and the number of applications of the coloring solutions.”

Architects and Ornamental

James Theimer, owner and principal architect, Trilogy Architecture[6], Redding, Calif., defines ornamental metal, “as any metal that can be seen.” He admits that’s a pretty broad interpretation, but how he expresses metal in his buildings is very important to his designs.

“Ornamental can mean everything from exposed structural steel artfully designed, to metal building accents,” he says. “But the one rule we never violate is that any ornament must have a use beyond simple decoration. There are numerous specialty decorative metal finish products on the market, and we will not hesitate to utilize those when our budget permits. But when our budget is tight, as is often the case on our smaller projects, we can still have great success using products available through local supply and home improvement stores. Typically less costly than a finished product, we employ them in unusual, nontraditional ways. The secret is careful detailing of how these products can be inserted seamlessly into our building design.”

As an architect, Christopher Costanza, RA, AIA, LEED AP, architect at 9X30 Design Architecture[7], Rochester, N.Y., chooses ornamental architectural metals specifically to compliment the material palette for a specific project. “I try to select ornamental metals that are durable,” he says. “This often means additional costs for heavier-gauge material, but if you can only afford 32-gauge aluminum, then maybe you should not be using ornamental metals to begin with. I know budgets are often tight for my clients, so when I am choosing ornamental metals, I like them to also serve a functional purpose such as brise soleil, visual screens and wind barriers. Sometimes I even take advantage of the fact that rainwater run-off from zinc and copper have anti-microbial properties that can prevent staining on wood and concrete.”

When designing, architect Nathan Casteel, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, GREC Architects[8], Chicago, stresses that how ornamental metals and their properties are incorporated into a design concept is essential to a successful project. He feels this makes metal less ornamental and more a part of the overall design. “A well-designed project utilizes the material and the way it’s detailed as a way to reinforce the idea and experience of the project,” he says. One approach that ensures Casteel success is to build a relationship with manufacturers or local metal workers when designing custom pieces. “That relationship is helpful when trying to resolve unique detailing or trying to approach conditions in a different way,” he explains. “Taking a collaborative approach ensures a well-designed and well-constructed project.”

There are countless opportunities for individualized and personal expression with ornamental architectural metals. Regardless of your personal style, this variety will bring both emphasis and character to projects, and even take your design over the top.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/the-evolution-of-ornamental-architectural-metal-design/

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