Custom perforated panels, screens, and walls have appeared in architecture for centuries as a way to control the level of light entering a building, minimize energy waste, and offer privacy to occupants. While many of the functions of perforations remain consistent, the materials, and methods of manufacture have evolved to allow for more intricate and effective designs, keeping perforated panels on the forefront of architectural innovation.

Today, a sheet of perforated metal can serve various cost-efficient, and effective functions. Perforated panels are ideal for everything from acoustic applications, to interior features, outdoor furniture, and even wall protection. Once you know where to look, the chances are that you’ll begin to see these innovative designs everywhere.

Following, we’ll cover just some of the most common uses of perforated panels, so that you can determine whether they could be the best solution for your next project.

1. Visual Impact (Interior and Exterior)
Artisan Panels | Hand Rail Screen

One of the most obvious reasons to include perforations in a cladding structure is to establish a visual impact. Perforated screens allow for something ordinary, such as a stairwell, a window screen, or even a suspended ceiling, to transform into a unique and eye-catching feature.

Suspended ceilings, for example, are aesthetically appealing, easy to install, and even offer sound-proofing benefits, while covering unsightly pipes and ducts without restricting access for maintenance purposes. Durable, and lightweight, suspended ceilings and various other aesthetic features are installed in residential and commercial structures to add value to a space.

2. Additional Protection in Wall Cladding
modern house design

While perforated shutters and screens can assist in adding a distinct personality to a building exterior, they also perform a critical function. Perforated facades give buildings the opportunity to benefit from filtered natural light, which reduces the glare of direct sunlight and can create a better environment, conducive to work or relaxation.

Perforated wall cladding is also practical. In buildings exposed to significant condensation or heat, perforated cladding allows for greater ventilation and air extraction for comfort within the building itself, while preventing the excessive buildup of moisture. Besides improving the ventilation of a building, perforations can also prevent too much sunlight from creating unbearable levels of heat within the structure, while maintaining the benefits of natural light.

3. Interior Privacy Screens and Noise Reduction
Artisan Panels Privacy Screen

One significant benefit of custom perforated panels, is that they are ideal for rooms that not only require a stylish touch, but also a long-lasting system for absorbing and mitigating ambient noise levels. In a residential or office setting, perforated metal panels can act as a functional element of building design to reduce acoustic noise or reduce the distraction of foot traffic or surrounding sounds. Of course, privacy screens also serve the primary function of separating office walls, and providing personal space.

The fact that perforated panels are so effective as interior privacy screens also means that they excel in a variety of window-based applications too – providing shade from excess light and cutting out exterior noise from busy streets.

4. Unique Outdoor Furniture
Perforated metal is used to design outdoor furniture, such as picnic tables, benches, garbage cans, and even stair railings. Aesthetically, custom perforated panels can create furniture for a modern appeal that doesn’t obstruct surrounding scenery. What’s more, the practical applications of perforation allow rain and debris to drain away, rather than collecting on the surface.

Because perforated metal is durable, it can endure strong winds, harsh environmental conditions, and more without the need for regular maintenance. While rainwater can penetrate behind perforated panels, the panels can incorporate waterproof barriers that encourages the water to evacuate without damage to the structure.

5. Eco-Friendly Architecture
Perforated metal panels are environmentally-friendly building materials. While metal comes from mining ore, large quantities are already available thanks to recycling, and a large percentage of the materials used to make perforated sheets are recycled metals. Even the waste created in perforation is recyclable, reducing the amount of waste generated during manufacturing.

What’s more, perforated metal paneling on the outside of a building can help to improve energy efficiency by allowing light to pass through freely, therefore decreasing the amount of indoor lighting required. Additionally, because metal helps to absorb heat, it can act as insulation in cold months, and assist with ventilation during hotter seasons.

Are Custom Perforated Panels Right for You?
Used internally or externally, perforations can add something special to a space; inviting or obscuring views as necessary, and managing light and temperature at a practical level. Thanks to new cutting technologies, designers and architects can use perforations to make a statement, provide a solution, or tell a story. While privacy and shade may persist as the key purposes of perforation, the applications for these designs are greater than ever.

How do you feel about custom perforated panels? Would you use them in your own architectural designs? Let us know in the comments below!