Projects that build with metal have a world of incredible design possibilities open to them. Architects and construction professionals can create various structural aesthetics while serving beneficial and practical purposes.

Metal blends well with other materials like concrete and wood, making it easy to work on all kinds of projects. These metal building design ideas will help elevate all types of projects, from homes to sprawling commercial buildings.

1. Use Corrugated Metal for a Scandinavian Aesthetic

When many people think of corrugated metal, shipping containers may jump to mind. However, this is a missed opportunity to build with metal in a highly appealing way. Corrugated metal can be great for creating a Scandinavian or modern rustic aesthetic. Designers often use various types of corrugated metal panels in Scandinavian-style structures for both siding panels and roofing.

In general, corrugated metal can give structures a touch of modernism without being completely sleek, making for an inviting rustic feel. For example, this bowling alley in South Carolina blends polished silver corrugated metal with brick and smooth siding panels, adding some rustic personality that gives the whole structure a classy, semi-industrial aesthetic.

2. Create a Sleek Exterior With Metal Cladding

No matter the size of the structure, one of the most popular and effective metal building design ideas is creating a sleek exterior facade using metal cladding or siding. This technique is especially effective for more modern or conceptual architectural styles.

Metal panels can mold to create truly stunning, unique buildings without sacrificing structural integrity. One of the great benefits architects get when they build with metal is it can achieve forms and shapes other materials simply cannot. For example, different types of metal can create everything from rounded, cloud-like forms to smooth, spaceship-like angles by applying metal to the exterior siding.1. Layering Effect on Nature

Living in urban areas, it's always hard to have a flawless view of Mother Nature. A lot of people tend to have the following problems – either they don't get the shade they want or they get no sunlight at all. By getting external awnings or vertical blinds, you can stop this issue from occurring by getting shade or some form of light you desire. In fact, you can have an advantageous range of colour and size options so you can find one that fits your general aesthetic design according to your desires and needs.

3. Use Perforated Metal for a Modern Ceiling

Metal can be a fantastic building material inside as well as outside. One of the most innovative metal building design ideas is using perforated metal for suspended ceiling panels.

For one thing, these can have a stunning appearance, using overhead lighting to make a space pop while adding color and smooth lines. Suspended metal panels can also act as soundproofing, which is a highly convenient feature in commercial spaces.

Plus, professionals can customize the type of perforation to personalize the panels for a specific space’s aesthetic or clients. Suspended metal panels are great for concealing messy overhead HVAC and wiring components, which is another excellent feature for commercial structures.

4. Replace Columns With Sleek Metal Supports

Columns are often necessary for structural support, but stone columns can feel blocky and obstructive. One impressive metal building design idea is to replace those stone columns with much sleeker metal supports.

The Louisville Northeast Regional Library does this excellently — the metal supports are done in smooth white and placed at elegant angles. This makes them blend seamlessly with the rest of the design.

For buildings where breathable, airy spaces and thin lines are a priority, it is difficult to go wrong with metal supports over stone columns. It’s worth noting that the Louisville Northeast Regional Library uses metal in numerous other building elements, allowing the metal supports to add a sense of harmony to the overall design.

5. Blend Metal and Wood for a Modern Rustic Home

Few materials create a more characteristic aesthetic together than metal and wood. One of the most popular design aesthetics today is rustic modern, which has become especially popular for designer prefab homes.

While these houses require a little more legwork — such as acquiring CAD designs and creating building schedules — they can allow buyers to get exactly what they want. Plus, prefab homes are often more sustainable, durable and energy-efficient than conventional homes.

Housing in wilderness areas has become a trend in prefab construction. A modern rustic aesthetic is perfect for this type of home. Designers can build with metal to hint at industrial or contemporary design to houses that might otherwise look like cabins. The wood balances out the metal and blends the home with the surrounding nature. The result is often a sleek but cozy and serene structure.

Applying Metal Building Design Ideas

For those who want to build with metal on their next commercial or residential project, many design avenues are on the board. Metal is a highly versatile building material for creating all kinds of architectural aesthetics inside and outside. The most natural way to incorporate metal is to start with the desired style of the building. With a style or aesthetic in mind, constructors and architects can consider ways to build with metal according to the principles of a particular look and feel.

The color, texture, perforation and pattern of the metal can also significantly impact how it works within the overall design. When building with metal, remember to get creative and look for the perfect balance between all the structure’s materials so the metal can shine.

Author:  Emily Newton