Bespoke Corten Steel Cladding, Railings and Planters for an Ovingdean Residence 🌿
Corten weathering steel can be used to create far more than standalone garden planters.
For a private residence in Ovingdean, East Sussex, South Coast Metal Fabrication delivered a complete package of bespoke Corten architectural metalwork comprising a substantial clad feature wall, two railings and smaller planter elements incorporated into the external steps.
The project was managed from site survey and technical development through to fabrication and installation.
A 3.5 Metre Corten-Clad Feature Wall
The largest element measured approximately 3.5 metres long, 1 metre wide and 1.5 metres high.
Rather than constructing an entirely new steel wall, the Corten system was developed to wrap accurately around an existing structure.
This meant accurate site information was fundamental.
SCMF surveyed the existing wall and developed made-to-measure cladding sections around the actual site conditions.
This site-led approach is an important part of our architectural metalwork service, particularly where bespoke components need to integrate with existing buildings and landscaping.
Creating the Appearance of a Solid Corten Wall 🔨
Individual sheets of weathering steel were fabricated to wrap the existing structure.
A neat riveted junction detail was used where the sheets met, allowing the individual components to combine into a clean architectural surface.
The objective was to create the visual impression of a substantial solid Corten wall while using a practical fabricated cladding system.
Corten Railings and Planter Cladding
The wider package included two bespoke Corten railings together with two smaller Corten-clad planter elements incorporated into the external steps.
Using the same material across the different components created a consistent architectural language throughout the exterior.
The relationship between Corten's warm weathered surface and surrounding planting makes it particularly effective within landscape-led architectural projects. 🌱
You can see further examples of architectural steelwork and Corten projects on our architectural metalwork page.
Sourcing Corten Box Section
The project also required Corten box section, which is not readily available in the UK in the required form.
SCMF therefore specifically sourced imported Corten section to satisfy the requirements of the project.
Material availability is one of the practical issues that needs to be resolved during technical development, particularly where an architectural design calls for unusual sections, finishes or material combinations.
From Site Survey to Installation
Projects like this demonstrate why architectural metalwork frequently requires considerably more than workshop fabrication alone.
Site conditions, existing structures, junction details, material sourcing, fixing methods and installation all need to be considered before fabrication begins.
Our full-package fabrication service covers this process from initial consultation and technical development through to manufacture and installation.
Explore more completed work in our Selected Works gallery.
Planning a Corten or Architectural Metalwork Project?
SCMF works with architects, designers, contractors and private clients on bespoke architectural metalwork throughout Sussex, London and the South East.
Ready to discuss your project? Contact South Coast Metal Fabrication today to discuss your drawings or requirements, or view our About page to learn more about SCMF.
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