Expanded Metal (Stretch Metal) Facades & Ceilings
Expanded metal is a metal sheet cut and stretched into a three-dimensional open mesh. This system is ideal for creating lightweight, semi-transparent, modern facades and ceilings at entrances, lobbies, parking structures and public spaces.
1Applications
- Facade second skins for entrances and parking structures
- Decorative suspended ceilings in lobbies and semi-open spaces
- Decorative screening of exposed services
- Lightweight partitions for partial control of views and light
2Expanded Metal Ceilings — Our Signature Expertise
The same lightweight open mesh used on facades is also the star of aluminum decorative ceilings: atrium, lobby, mall-entrance and parking ceilings in expanded metal let light and air through, conceal services and, with backlighting, create a three-dimensional depth effect.
- Mesh size selected by ceiling height and viewing distance — the taller the ceiling, the larger the mesh
- Engineered suspended substructure with threaded rod and brackets plus laser-level adjustment
- Openable panels over service access points — no ceiling demolition needed
- Full details of decorative metal ceiling installation on the Decorative Aluminum Metal Ceiling page
3Mesh Types & Materials
- Fine to coarse meshes (based on the required transparency, privacy and acoustics)
- Aluminum (light and rust-free) for premium interior spaces
- Galvanized steel and stainless steel for high-traffic and exterior spaces
- Electrostatic powder coating in any RAL color plus anodizing
4Advantages
- High-tech, modern appearance
- Low weight and fast installation
- Light and air pass through
- Excellent compatibility with lighting
- Variety in mesh size, thickness and material
5Substructure Details
- Facade substructure: a grid of metal profiles at standard spacing, panels fixed to the perimeter frame or intermediate profiles
- Ceiling substructure: light profiles (hat channels, C-channels, etc.) with panels fixed by clips or openable systems for service access
- Precise adjustment and leveling for a uniform, attractive surface
Custom execution detail
In stretch metal the sheet is slit and stretched open like a honeycomb. Its beauty lies in 'uniform stretch'; one slack edge ruins the whole panel.
Part-by-part notes:
- 1Aluminium stretch-metal mesh — after stretching, the strands are uniform and the light reflection even; for ceilings, the sheet thickness and opening width must be chosen so the mesh casts no jarring shadow under hidden lighting.
- 2Tension frame at the mesh edge — the frame must be rigid to keep the mesh stretched; a weak frame means rippling and rattling noise in the airflow.
- 3Adjustable tensioning screws — during installation the mesh is stretched step by step, from the centre out to the corners; the wrong stretching sequence leaves permanent puckering.
- 4Substructure and perimeter frame tied to the roof structure or wall — mesh loads are low, but vibration and wind noise must be restrained; rubber vibration dampers are recommended at the connections.
- 5Expansion joint around the frame — aluminium expands in summer; a closed joint means creaking and buckling. The thermal allowance is calculated from the panel size.
AI & analytical tools
- Selection of mesh size and type matched to the required transparency, privacy and ventilation
- Light and shadow simulation for expanded metal ceilings and skins
- Smart cost estimate based on area, material type and substructure complexity
Execution steps
- 1Review of the architectural design and the intended use of expanded metal
- 2Selection of mesh type, material, color and finish
- 3Substructure and connection point design
- 4Panel procurement and substructure installation
- 5Panel installation, adjustment and lighting (where required)
- 6Handover with a maintenance guide
Take the next step
To turn your project's entrances, lobbies and semi-open spaces into modern, distinctive environments, entrust the design and installation of expanded metal to the Namakaran Fakher Engineering Co. team.