How to Create Extraordinary Project Impact with Custom Perforated Metal Panels

Architects and designers looking for signature design solutions on a smaller budget can still exceed clients’ expectations using creative combinations of metals, finishes and custom images. Zahner ImageWall custom perforated metal panels are visually striking, easy to customize—and surprisingly affordable.

There’s nothing better than having a client smile with approval at your design. You strike the right balance of angles, colors and relationships that engage at the core. The client is enthralled.

Plans are drawn up, constructability is assessed and costs are calculated. And then the trade-off analyses begin.

The most expensive elements are the first to go. Next come the most difficult parts to build or install. Finally, the small things like fixtures face scrutiny.

So how do you create signature design elements and still meet budget requirements?

Consider the flexibility and affordability of custom perforated metal panels. These captivating and durable design elements combine modern lines and parametric designs with classic materials and can now be embellished with custom images through the patented process of Zahner ImageWall.

A perfect combination of high design and high utility

Custom perforated metal panels can be applied in many architectural settings. They can be used to liven up lobbies, cover up gaping parking garages, reinvigorate aging exteriors, or create partitioned outdoor spaces.

Perforated metal panels adapt to buildings of all shapes, sizes, and ages. They also pique curiosity with their luminous, airy effects.

And depending on your design goals, metals and finishes can be used to create warmth, contrast, color, separation and privacy.

Real metals like aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel and zinc give depth and character. The luster of the base metal adds a richness that cannot be replicated with paint or other lesser materials. Finishes and patinas add new dimensions of texture and aesthetic.

When well cared for, textured finishes and chemical patinas do not wear away or deteriorate. They expose and interact with the inherent color and luster of the base metal, creating surfaces with character.

A Vast Array of Material Options

Let’s talk about your metal options when it comes to custom perforated metals panels.

Zinc
Zinc is durable and is a perfect canvas for transformative patinas. From classic gray, to variegated brown and orange, to white patterning, patinated zinc can take your project to another level of originality.

Steel
Steel is strong and substantial yet earthy when allowed to oxidize. Stabilization methods make it suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is strong and ageless. It stays clean and sharp forever, and simple finishes can make it diffuse light or reflect it.

Copper
Copper offers a vibrancy of color that has fascinated architects and designers for centuries. And these colors are intensified with patinas of iridescent hues and variegated purples, blues and browns.

Aluminum
Aluminum is best for when exact colors matter. Whether anodized or painted, color matching can be done for any swatch.

More metals
Although the metals and finishes above are some of the most popular for Zahner ImageWall applications, you can also explore the use of other specialty metals such as bronze, gold, galvanized and titanium.

Metals and their finishes can be a secret ingredient—that something special in the project profile—that can delight the client, but not raise eyebrows among the accountants and builders.

Design Your Own ImageWall

Designing and fabricating your custom perforated metal panels is easier than you might think.
You’ve already got your favorite design software platforms, but you might want to add to your collection and consider bookmarking the Zahner ImageWall online product configurator.

It’s free and open to all and the intuitive user experience allows you to upload your own images or designs, select your metal materials, and apply your finishes or patinas of choice. You can mix and match and even download your final design for inclusion in your own drawings and specifications.

And with Zahner ImageWall’s dynamic pricing and configuration tool you can see the estimated cost of your ImageWall design instantly. The dynamic pricing tool accounts for material, finish, size and shape and gives you valuable budget guidance you can use for planning and discussion. Most ImageWall projects range from only $25,000 to $250,000, however, we’ve also worked with larger projects as well that can approach $500,000 or more.

When you’re finished with your design, you can save it, print it and show it off to your colleagues and clients. It’s easy to create, easy to edit, and the pricing is built right in.

Talk to a project assistant today.

A Simple Process

The Zahner ImageWall made-to-order process involves six steps:

• Design – you upload an image and select materials and size.
• Configure & Quote – once your design is ready, you see the estimated price instantly.
• Engineer – our engineers evaluate, develop, and approve every detail, from door cutouts, to fasteners, to wind load resistance.
• Build – we design, engineer and fabricate your custom Zahner ImageWall.
• Ship – we deliver your Zahner ImageWall, ready for assembly and installation.
• Install – we provide expert engineering advice on fasteners and installation methods.

Of course, your Zahner ImageWall pieces are warrantied and backed up by Zahner’s 124 years of expertise and excellence.

See what others are doing with custom perforated metal panels

Perforated metal panels deliver high-impact design with low-impact to your budget.

They’re beautiful, durable and the possibilities are endless when you apply creativity, engineering and fabrication that truly complement a building or remodeling project.

Take a look at our entire gallery of favorite projects, or check out the ones below to get a feel what other architects and designers are doing with ImageWall.

Let’s talk about your next project. Whether you’re an architect, designer or fabricator, Zahner ImageWall custom-perforated metal panels help you deliver high impact design solutions on a smaller budget. To start your own design, try out the Zahner ImageWall online product configurator or start a conversation with one of our project assistants by clicking here.