Metal buildings have become increasingly popular for commercial and industrial use thanks to their durability, low cost, and ease of construction. However, some people view metal buildings as looking outdated or industrial. With the right design techniques and materials, it’s possible to give a metal building a modern, aesthetically-pleasing look.
Use Against Wall Cladding
One way to make a metal building look more modern is to use decorative wall cladding on the exterior. Metal siding can give an industrial vibe, so covering it with wood, brick, stone, or composite materials creates visual interest. For example, accenting the bottom half of exterior walls with brick and using metal panels above can blend industrial and modern styles.
Using complimentary colors in your wall cladding materials can also lend a contemporary vibe. Contrasting a neutral metal building with bold burgundy brick cladding or sage green composite wood panels can make the building eye-catching.
Incorporate Large Windows
Another key way to create a modern look is to include plenty of windows. Floor-to-ceiling windows along the front facade and sides of the building can make it look more open and contemporary. Consider using rectangular or square windows for a geometric appearance.
Go for window frames in a black, white, or neutral tone to keep the look simple and streamlined. Using tinted or reflective glass can also add modern flair. Just be sure to choose energy efficient window options to control heating and cooling costs.
Add Bold Exterior Paint Colors
Don’t be afraid to use bold colors on a metal building exterior. While neutral greys and whites are common, bright colors can give off a more modern vibe. Consider a vibrant orange, blue, green, red, or even a graphic black and white pattern.
Painting the entry door or framing trim around windows in a contrasting color to the walls also adds visual punch. Just be strategic with color placement. Keep the rear and sides more neutral if the building fronts a street.
Incorporate Metal Accents
Though too much exterior metal siding can feel industrial, the right metal architectural accents can enhance the modern style. Horizontal metal sun shades, metal awnings, and aluminum screens are on-trend. Stainless steel or black window frames also keep the modern industrial look.
Using metal panels, flashing, and siding for accent walls or as highlights on the exterior can provide contemporary contrast. Just balance it out with plenty of cladding in other textures and colors.
Add Exterior Lighting
Strategic exterior lighting can lend a sleek, modern look. Uplighting on the exterior walls or landscaping creates a dramatic effect at night. LED light strips along borders, windows, or other architectural features add flair.
Install lighting in overhangs and entryways to provide both illumination and style. Go for lighting fixtures with clean, simple lines rather than ornate, traditional styles. Metal halide bulbs provide crisp, bright lighting for a contemporary look.
Use Simple, Modern Signage
Your building signage also impacts the overall aesthetic. Avoid cluttered or overly colorful signs. Instead, opt for a simple, streamlined logo or lettering in a sans serif font. Mount the signage near the roofline for balance.
Modern sign materials like aluminum, steel, channel letters, and halo-lit graphics are ideal. You can also incorporate metal signage walls or small light box signs flanking the entryway.
Add Greenery
strategically placing plants, trees, and other greenery around your metal building helps soften the industrial edges. Add planter boxes under windows filled with colorful flowers or succulents. Include trees near the entrance and borders to frame the building.
Vertical greenery, like a green wall with cascading plants, can also lend a modern, natural element to break up metal materials. Just be sure any adjacent outdoor space has/hard surfaces, mesh grates/boundaries to prevent invasive root growth.
Use Canopies and Overhangs
Incorporating canopies, overhangs, and other architectural elements can make a metal building look more modern. An angled metal canopy above the entryway provides both style and function. Overhangs along the front facade create dimension.
Consider adding horizontal or vertical metal sun shades along exterior walls or large windows. Positioned strategically, they can provide shade while also enhancing the building’s modern character.
Select Complementary Materials
The materials you pair with the metal building components also impact the aesthetic. For exterior walls, combining metal panels with complimentary wood siding or composite cladding adds interest.
Using wood-look aluminum or steel on awnings, canopies, and accent walls retains modern styling while warming up the industrial metal. Natural stone around the building base or entry also complements the sleek metal above.
Include Large Glass Doors
For the entryway, select substantial glass doors to enhance the modern appeal. Full glass doors aligned with floor-to-ceiling interior windows maintain an open, lightweight feel.
Go for aluminum or steel door frames rather than thick, ornate wood. Avoid arched doors, which have a more traditional look. Recessed, understated entries keep the lines clean.
Add Rooftop Solar Panels
One way to embrace the metal material while enhancing eco-friendly appeal is to install rooftop solar panels. The sleek, glassy blue panels have a very modern, cutting-edge look.
Start by checking local building codes for any requirements related to solar installations and appearance. Consider potential tax credits and solar incentives as well. Strategic solar placement can benefit your branding as a forward-thinking company.
Use Modern Landscaping
Keep the landscaping around your metal building modern and minimalist. Favor native, drought-resistant plants suited for the local climate. Avoid ornate gardens or exotic varieties.
Natural stone accents, gravel, defined edges, and simple furnishings like metal benches keep the look streamlined. Retaining walls, planter walls, and fencing can also lend modern flair if materials complement the building.
Consider Façade Shape and Lines
Simple, straight lines and rectangular shapes enhance a modern metal building look. Avoid complex roof lines, ornate trim, or rounded entryways. Flat or slightly angled rooflines keep the appearance clean.
Addinterest through defined façade planes, accent materials, and varied window patterns instead of busy trim details. Focus on horizontal lines and asymmetry to lend balance without elaborate elements.
Conclusion
With strategic design choices, metal buildings can take on a modern, stylish look despite their industrial roots. Emphasize straight lines, simplicity, large windows, and complementary textures and colors. Add bold accents and exterior lighting for visual flair.
Keep signage, landscaping, and entryways sleek. Consider rooftop solar panels and modern green elements as well. With the right balance of metal and other contemporary materials, it’s possible to transform a basic metal building into a modern showpiece.
| Design Element | Modern Style Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Exterior Cladding | Wood, composite, brick, or stone accents; neutral and bold color blocking |
| Windows & Doors | Large rectangular windows; glass doors; black/white frames |
| Accents | Metal sun shades;steel/aluminum awnings; LED lighting |
| Landscaping | Drought-resistant plants; gravel and stone; minimalist style |
| Rooftop | Solar panels; simple lines and limited roof articulation |
| Façade Shape | Rectangular and square; flat or gently sloped rooflines |
Incorporating these modern elements while working with the existing metal structure can transform the look of your building. A professional architect can help blend form and function seamlessly.
