Architectural Metalwork Nottingham

Custom Metal Balustrades, Façade Panels, Screens, Grilles & Building Features

0115 647 6611

Architectural Metalwork

Nottingham Metalworks fabricates bespoke architectural metalwork for commercial and residential developments across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. From balustrades and screens to façade panels and ventilation grilles, our precision CNC plasma metal cutting and professional installation deliver architectural metalwork that enhances buildings with function, beauty, and lasting quality.

CNC plasma cutting large architectural metal panel with geometric pattern for Nottingham commercial building project

CNC Cutting large architectural metal panel

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Professional installation of custom architectural metal balustrade panels on Nottingham commercial building

Custom architectural metal balustrade panels

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Detailed view of completed architectural metal screen showing precision fabrication and professional installation quality in Nottingham building

Completed architectural metal screen

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Precision-Fabricated Architectural Metalwork

Contemporary architecture increasingly embraces metal as an expressive material. Architectural metalwork adds texture, controls light, creates privacy, enhances energy efficiency, and defines building character. From subtle functional elements to bold design statements, quality metal fabrication transforms architectural concepts into built reality.

At Nottingham Metalworks, we specialise in fabricating architectural metalwork for architects, developers, contractors, and discerning homeowners across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our sheet metal fabrication capabilities translate architectural drawings into precisely manufactured components that integrate seamlessly with modern building methods.

CNC plasma cutting technology enables complex architectural patterns previously achievable only through expensive laser cutting or water jet processes. Geometric screens, organic perforated panels, intricate balustrade infills, and detailed ventilation grilles—all are manufacturable at architectural scale with the precision contemporary building standards demand. We understand architects' requirements. Metalwork must meet building regulations, coordinate with multiple trades, withstand environmental exposure, maintain appearance, and deliver on aesthetic intent.

Our experience spanning decorative metalwork through precision engineering components means we approach architectural projects with both creative understanding and technical rigour. Commercial developers, residential builders, architects specifying metalwork, shopfront contractors, and homeowners undertaking architectural projects work with us to manufacture metal building elements that elevate architectural quality whilst meeting practical performance requirements.

ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK APPLICATIONS

Custom Metal Building Features


Balustrades & Guardrails

Building regulations require protective barriers for balconies, terraces, stairs, and level changes. Architectural balustrades fulfil safety requirements whilst contributing to building aesthetics. We fabricate glass balustrade frames and fixing channels, decorative infill panels with patterns or perforations, modular balustrade systems for terraces and walkways, structural posts and handrail systems, and Juliet balcony assemblies. Modern balustrades increasingly feature perforated or patterned panels providing safety whilst maintaining views and light flow. We manufacture balustrade components meeting structural requirements whilst realising architectural design intent.


Façade Panels & Cladding

Building exteriors benefit from architectural metal panels adding texture, depth, and visual interest. We fabricate perforated metal cladding with custom patterns, decorative façade screens creating shadow effects, rainscreen cladding support systems, architectural feature panels highlighting entrances, and spandrel panels for curtain wall systems. Metal façade elements serve practical purposes - concealing services, providing weather protection, controlling solar gain - whilst contributing architectural character. Powder-coated finishes provide decades of maintenance-free performance in demanding exterior environments.


Privacy Screens & Dividers

Commercial and residential buildings require privacy solutions that don't create fortress-like barriers. We create balcony privacy screens with pattern density varying by height, terrace dividers separating adjoining properties, rooftop screen walls concealing mechanical equipment, courtyard screens defining outdoor spaces, and entrance feature screens providing security whilst welcoming visitors. Architectural screens balance privacy, ventilation, light transmission, and aesthetics through considered pattern design and material specification.


Ventilation Grilles & Louvers

Building services require ventilation whilst maintaining security and weather protection. We fabricate decorative ventilation grilles for mechanical systems, louver panels for natural ventilation, plant room screening concealing HVAC equipment, car park ventilation panels, and architectural vent covers integrating services discreetly. Technical performance—airflow requirements, weather resistance, security—combines with aesthetic considerations, creating functional architectural elements rather than utilitarian afterthoughts.


Entrance Features & Canopies

Building entrances establish identity and welcome visitors. We create architectural entrance screens and wind breaks, canopy support brackets and decorative elements, feature panels flanking doorways, building signage integrated with architectural metalwork, and security grilles that don't compromise aesthetics. Entrance metalwork receives intense scrutiny—it must withstand heavy use, weather exposure, and represent building quality prominently. Our fabrication and finishing ensure entrance features maintain appearance and function through demanding daily service.


Window Surrounds & Decorative Elements

Architectural detailing distinguishes quality buildings from basic construction. We fabricate window reveal panels and surrounds, spandrel panels between window bands, decorative architectural trim and copings, feature panels articulating building façades, and custom fixings and brackets for architectural elements. These details add richness to building elevations whilst often serving practical purposes like concealing fixings or protecting vulnerable junctions.

WORKING WITH ARCHITECTS & DEVELOPERS

Collaborative Architectural Fabrication


Sharing Ideas & Designs

Successful architectural metalwork requires collaboration between architects, fabricators, and installation teams. We engage early in design development, reviewing architectural drawings to advise on manufacturability, cost implications of design decisions, structural requirements, and installation methodology. Early engagement prevents costly redesigns and ensures architectural intent is achievable within project budgets.


Design Development Support

We work from architectural CAD drawings, translating design intent into fabrication specifications. For complex geometries or innovative designs, we develop samples and mock-ups for approval before committing to full production. Our manufacturing experience means we suggest refinements improving fabrication efficiency, structural performance, or installation simplicity without compromising architectural vision.


Material & Finish Specification

Architectural metalwork specifications must balance aesthetics, performance, and budget. We advise on mild steel versus stainless steel or aluminium choices, powder coating colours and finishes, perforation patterns achieving required transparency percentages, and weather-resistant specifications for demanding exposures. Our guidance ensures specified metalwork performs as architects anticipate whilst meeting building longevity expectations.


Regulatory Compliance

Architectural elements must meet building regulations. Balustrades require specific heights, spacing, and load resistance. Fire-rated assemblies need appropriate materials and construction. We manufacture to current Building Regulations, providing structural calculations where required, and coordinate with building control for compliant installations.


Multi-Trade Coordination

Architectural metalwork interfaces with glazing, cladding, structural steel, and building services. We coordinate with other contractors, ensuring our fabrication accommodates their requirements and installation sequences work logically. This coordination minimises site problems and ensures metalwork integrates seamlessly with overall building construction.

MATERIALS & FINISHES FOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS

Specifying Metals for Building Environments

Mild Steel with Powder Coating

Most architectural metalwork uses powder-coated mild steel offering excellent durability at reasonable cost. Powder coating provides superior weather resistance compared to wet paint, with finishes lasting 15-20+ years in demanding exterior environments. Available in extensive RAL colour ranges, powder coating enables precise colour matching to architectural palettes. Textured finishes (fine texture, coarse texture, metallic effects) add depth and interest whilst concealing minor surface imperfections.


Stainless Steel

Premium architectural applications specify stainless steel for maintenance-free longevity and contemporary metallic aesthetics. Grade 316 suits coastal locations and aggressive urban environments, whilst 304 suffices for most applications. Finishes include brushed (satin), polished (mirror), and bead-blasted (matte). Stainless steel suits high-traffic areas, prominent features, and situations where long-term appearance maintenance is critical.


Aluminium

Large façade panels and applications requiring minimal structural loading benefit from aluminium. Powder-coated aluminium provides excellent corrosion resistance with significantly reduced weight compared to steel. Marine-grade aluminium alloys suit coastal exposures. Anodised finishes offer alternative aesthetic options for architectural detailing.


Corten & Weathering Steel

Contemporary architecture increasingly embraces Corten steel's distinctive rust patina. The controlled oxidation creates warm, organic colouration whilst protecting underlying metal. Corten suits feature panels, entrance elements, and artistic architectural details where the rustic aesthetic complements building design. Note that weathering runoff requires consideration for adjacent materials.

FABRICATION & INSTALLATION SERVICES

Complete Architectural Metalwork Solutions

We provide complete fabrication and installation services for architectural projects. Large panels and complex assemblies are manufactured in our Nottingham workshop under controlled conditions, ensuring quality impossible with site fabrication. Components arrive ready to install, reducing site time and weather exposure. Our installation team understands building construction sequencing, working alongside other trades to integrate metalwork efficiently. We handle fixing specifications, structural connections, weatherproofing details, and final adjustments ensuring architectural metalwork performs as designed. For complex projects, we offer site surveys and templating, confirming as-built dimensions before fabrication begins. This verification prevents costly errors and ensures manufactured metalwork fits building openings and mounting points precisely.

COMMISSIONING ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK

Starting Your Architectural Project

Commissioning architectural metalwork begins with sharing your drawings and project requirements. We review architectural details, discuss material and finish specifications, provide budget estimates for feasibility, and advise on fabrication and installation timescales. For architects and developers, we work within your procurement processes, providing formal quotations, shop drawings for approval, and coordinating with main contractors. For private clients, we guide you through specification decisions ensuring your architectural vision is realised within budget. Architectural fabrication timeframes typically range from 4-8 weeks for straightforward projects to several months for complex developments requiring staged installation. We'll provide realistic schedules coordinated with your construction programme.


Architectural Metalwork in Nottingham

Ready to discuss your architectural metalwork project?

Request Your Free Quote

Call: 0115 647 6611

Serving architects, developers, and contractors across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and the East Midlands. Explore our decorative metal art and [sheet metal fabrication services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Architectural Metalwork

  • Can you fabricate architectural metalwork from architects' drawings?

    Yes, we work directly from architectural CAD drawings (DXF, DWG, PDF formats). Architects provide elevations, sections, and details showing metalwork requirements, and we develop these into fabrication drawings. We often engage during design development, reviewing proposed metalwork to advise on manufacturability, structural requirements, and cost implications before drawings are finalised. This collaboration ensures architectural intent is achievable within project budgets. For complex geometries, we create samples or mock-ups for approval before full production, preventing costly misunderstandings about final appearance or performance.

  • Do architectural metal components meet Building Regulations?

    Yes, our architectural fabrication complies with current Building Regulations. Balustrades and guardrails meet height, spacing, and load requirements specified in Approved Document K. Fire-rated assemblies use appropriate materials and construction methods. We provide structural calculations where building control requires them. Our installation follows industry best practices and manufacturer specifications for fixings and connections. For projects requiring certification, we coordinate with structural engineers and engage with building control to ensure compliance. We understand that architectural metalwork isn't merely decorative—it must perform safely and meet regulatory standards.

  • How long does architectural metalwork fabrication take?

    Timescales vary considerably based on project complexity and scale. Simple balustrade panels or screens might be fabricated within 3-4 weeks. Large façade systems or complex architectural installations requiring extensive fabrication, finishing, and staged delivery could take 8-12 weeks or longer. We provide realistic schedules during quoting, coordinated with your construction programme. For developments requiring metalwork across multiple phases, we can establish framework arrangements, manufacturing and delivering components aligned with site progress. Early engagement ensures fabrication doesn't delay critical path construction activities.

  • Can you provide samples of finishes and patterns?

    Yes, we can provide material and finish samples for architectural specification. Powder coating samples show actual colours and textures rather than relying on RAL charts alone. For custom perforation patterns or decorative screens, we can fabricate sample panels demonstrating appearance, transparency percentages, and shadow effects. Sample costs are often credited against subsequent orders. Samples prove particularly valuable for client presentations, planning applications, or when architects need physical references for design development. We recommend sampling for any project where finish appearance or pattern effects are critical to architectural intent.

  • Do you install architectural metalwork or only fabricate?

    We provide both fabrication and installation services. Our installation team handles straightforward installations—balustrades, screens, grilles—where mounting points are prepared and access is reasonable. For complex façade systems or installations requiring specialist access equipment (high-level platforms, abseiling), we partner with experienced installation contractors whilst maintaining fabrication responsibility. We coordinate with main contractors, ensuring our installation sequence integrates with overall construction programming. For some projects, particularly where main contractors prefer managing all site activities, we supply fabricated metalwork for their installation teams, providing fixing specifications and technical support.

  • What's the difference between CNC plasma cutting and laser cutting for architecture?

    NC plasma cutting and laser cutting both create precise architectural metalwork, but with different characteristics. Plasma cutting handles thicker materials (up to 25mm+ depending on metal type) cost-effectively, making it ideal for structural balustrades and substantial architectural elements. Laser cutting offers slightly tighter tolerances and finer detail for intricate patterns in thinner materials. For most architectural applications—balustrade panels, screens, ventilation grilles—plasma cutting delivers excellent results at better value than laser cutting. We'll recommend the most appropriate process based on your design complexity, material thickness, and budget considerations.

  • Can architectural metalwork incorporate company branding or logos?

    Absolutely. CNC cutting accurately reproduces logos, branding elements, and corporate identity within architectural metalwork. We've fabricated entrance screens incorporating company names, balustrade panels with subtle logo patterns, and façade elements reinforcing brand identity. This integration creates cohesive environments where architecture and branding work together. For commercial developments, branded architectural metalwork establishes identity whilst serving practical functions. We work from your brand guidelines, ensuring accurate reproduction and appropriate scale for architectural applications rather than mere signage.

  • How do you ensure architectural metalwork matches building colours?

    Colour matching uses RAL or BS colour standards for powder coating specifications. Architects specify RAL colours in drawings, and powder coating matches these precisely. For projects requiring exact colour coordination with other building elements (cladding, glazing frames, doors), we can arrange colour samples for approval before production powder coating. Powder coating provides consistent colour across all metalwork pieces and maintains colour stability far better than site-applied paints. For metallic finishes or special effects, we discuss options during specification to ensure final appearance meets expectations.


  • Can you fabricate metalwork for listed buildings or conservation areas?

    Yes, though listed building consent and conservation area regulations require sensitive approaches. We fabricate metalwork sympathetic to historic contexts—replicating traditional patterns, using appropriate materials and finishes, and respecting architectural character. For listed buildings requiring like-for-like replacement of deteriorated metalwork, we work from existing components or historical references to recreate original details. Contemporary insertions in historic contexts require particularly thoughtful design—we collaborate with conservation architects to ensure new metalwork complements rather than competes with historic fabric. Our experience includes projects requiring planning approval and listed building consent.

  • What maintenance do architectural metal features require?

    Powder-coated mild steel requires minimal maintenance—periodic washing with mild detergent removes environmental dirt and maintains appearance. Inspections every few years identify any coating damage requiring touch-up. Stainless steel needs only occasional cleaning to maintain lustre; it won't corrode even if cleaning is neglected. Aluminium, whether powder-coated or anodised, requires minimal attention. Even in demanding coastal or industrial environments, quality architectural metalwork maintains appearance with basic care. This durability contrasts favourably with timber elements requiring regular treatment or painted surfaces needing frequent repainting. We provide maintenance guidelines appropriate to specified materials and finishes.

  • Can architectural metalwork be illuminated or backlit?

    Yes, illuminated architectural features create dramatic effects, particularly for entrance screens, façade panels, or decorative elements. LED strip lighting positioned behind perforated panels or screens creates silhouette effects highlighting patterns. For safety-critical applications like illuminated balustrades, we coordinate with lighting designers and electrical contractors to ensure compliant installation. Uplighting or accent lighting can enhance solid architectural metalwork, casting shadows and highlighting three-dimensional form. During design development, we advise on pattern design and perforation specifications maximising lighting effects. Integration with building management systems enables programmable lighting scenarios for commercial installations.