Guides

Shadow and Shine: A Primer on Blackened Steel in Architectural Design

There's been a clear shift in contemporary design toward materials that embody drama and depth. And nothing captures that aura better than blackened steel and blackened stainless steel.

From sleek, minimalist interiors to bold, industrial facades, these dark-hued metals have been capturing the imagination of architects and designers alike for many years now. Let’s explore the origins, applications, appeal, and selection guidance for blackened metals.

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Maximizing Your Metal: How to Get the Most Yield from Sheet Goods

When designing with Zahner Materials, or any sheet goods for that matter, one of the smartest and most cost-effective moves you can make is to maximize material usage from standard sheet sizes. Efficient use of material not only keeps costs down but also helps you avoid those dreaded value engineering conversations that can derail the design vision.

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Modern Materials, Timeless Craft: The Beauty and Simplicity of Flat Seam Panels

Flat Seam is a modular metal panel system that we’ve successfully used for years to fabricate facades and other architectural design elements with exceptional flexibility and precision. Panels are fabricated using our time-tested sheet metal techniques and feature interlocking, hemmed edges.

The result? Clean lines, durable performance, and customizable geometry, all without complex, built-up support systems.

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A Guide to Painted, Faux Patina, and Natural Patina Metal Finishes

What You Should Know and What’s at Stake When Choosing Architectural Metal Finishes

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Zinc Guide Part 3: Innovative Zinc Patinas and Finishes

Discover the rich world of zinc patinas and finishes that expand what this adaptable metal can do in architecture. From deep, variegated Roano™ and Baroque™ surfaces to marbled Hunter™ and iridescent color effects, the range of textures and tones available brings depth and character to façades and design elements. These innovative surface treatments help architects balance performance with expressive visual impact in modern projects.

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