May 14, 2019
Expanded Metal Facade
Kikukawa is proposing expanded metal as a design facade.
Expanded metal is mesh-like sheet metal with wide strands, providing a balanced level of sunlight, visibility, privacy, and openness. The three-dimensional nature of the expanded metal provides depth, providing a varying impression depending on the light condition or angle.
As part of its line of expanded metal, Kikukawa standardized four sets of expanded metal patterns, sheet sizes and installation details as KCT01. This semi-bespoke line of expanded metal is packed with Kikukawa’s expertise in bespoke metalwork, providing a shorter lead-time and lower fabrication costs than those made-to-order.
The following examples are projects that utilized Kikukawa’s KCT01: expanded metal.
A hairdresser in Hiroshima with expanded metal facade
The first is a hairdresser in Hiroshima, that underwent a facade renovation. The selected expanded metal has a mesh pitch of 203mm, strands of 30mm (product number: CTKEX-D203), and painted white. The 54 panels have standard widths of 985mm, the D-shaped openings are vertically oblong.
Expanded metals are well-suited for facade renovations
The expanded surface creates a three-dimensional effect. Kikukawa’s simple fastening systems put the large openings to good use.
KCT01 is equipped with an easy-to-install fastening system, developed and provided by Kikukawa. Thus the hairdresser was able to continue their typical store hours while undergoing the renovation.
The second project is an electronics factory in Fukushima.
Expanded metals as screens, at Fukushima’s electronics factory.
The expanded metals are installed at a predefined pitch
The selected expanded metal has a mesh pitch of 99mm, strands of 22mm (product number: CTKEX-D99), and painted white. The standard sizes of the 49 expanded metal panels are 990mm(W) by 3000mm(H) with D-shaped openings oblong, installed at a predefined pitch of 1830mm.
Expanded metal screen from the interior. The screen provides shade and sunlight.
Kikukawa has the ability to provide and work expanded metal into a design facade.
Unlike Kikukawa’s typical bespoke metalworking products, KCT01 is sold on a metal-sheet basis with fastening systems. The semi-bespoke line of perforated expanded metals, Rattan, are also available upon request.
Please consult us when considering expanded metal in architectural projects.