A High-Tech Architectural Look

by Jonathan McGaha | 31 March 2015 12:00 am

Column covers come in many shapes, materials and finishes

 

Most projects under construction have an opportunity to add a high-tech architectural look with the use of metal column covers. Whether interior or exterior, there are often building features where a metal column cover can wrap an unsightly beam or concrete column for a superior finished look. With column covers, the columns can be manufactured to be round, square, rectangular, oval and even elliptical in shape.

There are two key options. The first is a reveal joint where a recessed joint can be easily obtained for a customized appearance. The second is a hairline joint where the materials butt up to each other with a specially designed key-slot system offering a hairline appearance where a joint is not favorable to the design.

From plate products in aluminum and stainless steel to aluminum composite material (ACM) products, the choices of finishes and colors are endless. There is a methodology of the best product for the application that the architect should take into consideration. As an example, if the column covers are in a high-traffic area, the 1/8-inch aluminum plate product is the most impact-resistant product to use, but if the columns are not in a high-traffic area, ACM could be a good choice for the project. Móz Designs’ round aluminum column covers with Electric Red color and Ripples grain. Móz Designs’ oval aluminum column covers with perforation, clear finish, Thunder and Clouds grain.

Whether you use a composite or plate panel, there is endless choices of Kynar paint finishes that can be easily matched to meet the project design. The choices of stainless steel finishes are quite extensive as well. The brushed or mirror polished finishes are the most common, but other customized finishes can be easily used.

For the best results, it is always recommended for the architect and contractor to consult with the manufacturer to assist in the design choices.

Mike Wallace is president of Quality Metalcrafts, LLC, Rogers, Minn. To learn more, call (763) 712-0031 or visit www.americlad.com[1].

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/a-high-tech-architectural-look/

---