The Canal Dock Boathouse takes inspiration from the traditional design of the old historic boathouse, while utilizing modern, energy-efficient building materials, including Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs). The design team initially considered terracotta for the boathouse’s exterior, but soon realized IMPs were the superior, cost-effective option.
See the Case Study from Kingspan Insulated Panels North America >
Design by Gregg Wies & Gardner Architects LLC
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This Michigan DIY home showcases how metal wall systems are increasingly finding a place in residential architecture. Seeking durability, sustainability, and a distinctive aesthetic, the homeowners clad their exterior and a dramatic interior fireplace wall in zinc metal panels. With custom-fabricated flat-lock tiles, the project highlights how metal walls offer long-term performance, design flexibility, and a modern look that extends seamlessly from exterior façades to interior spaces.
See the Case Study from MCA Members Sheet Metal Supply and RHEINZINK America >
Architect KieranTimberlake conducted a 60-year life cycle assessment comparing four warehouse envelope systems. Using the Tally LCA app, the study found Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) delivered 28% lower global warming potential than insulated and tilt-up concrete walls—and 19% lower smog formation compared to tilt-up concrete—highlighting the environmental benefits of IMPs.
Learn more in our course, Why Architects Love IMPs >
Photo Courtesy of Nucor.
Design by ESA Design
While known for smooth finishes and crisp lines, Metal Composite Material (MCM) can also be rolled, folded, and bent into dynamic shapes or rounded into a custom radius.
Photo Courtesy of MCA and MCM Alliance member: 3A Composites
Design by FSB Architects + Engineers
MCA’s Metal Roof Installation Manual is a complete course in metal roofing. Learn the best practices from the experts: the MCA members who manufacture, distribute, and install metal roofing throughout the country and beyond.
Assemblies featuring Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) must be tested to NFPA 285 when used in construction over 40 feet tall that includes noncombustible elements.
Designed by Jeff Katz Architecture (now COAR Design Group), Chula Vista Fire Station No. 10 features 4,000 square feet of yellow Metal Composite Material (MCM) panels. The finish clads the building’s fascia and soffits, as well as its distinctive tower. The pale hue of the MCM beautifully complements the darker building materials used for this project, and accent lighting highlights the color at night.
Photos Courtesy of MCA and MCM Alliance member: ALPOLIC® Materials – Americas
The mirrored ceiling at Workplace Resource in Denver, Colorado, transforms a multi-use showroom into an immersive, inspiring gathering space through innovative use of metal.
The design team sought to create an environment that could seamlessly transition from casual lounge settings to a 100-seat lecture or panel discussion venue. To define this otherwise open area, the team selected a highly reflective, textured ceiling treatment that would introduce movement, drama, and emotional impact. The solution was a custom ceiling system. The selected Pattern was designed to evoke the appearance of “Wind on the Water” with a mirror-polished surface with subtle texture that interacts dynamically with light.
Madeline Sapyta, NICIDQ, creative studio director at Workplace Resource, says the light and reflective metal material allows for a lower ceiling height to be successful in defining the space and in shaping the overall impact it has on those interacting in the space. Rodriguez stated, “In terms of metal, it’s really good workmanship with every sheet being pounded.”
With a total project cost of approximately $96,000 and spanning 1,822 square feet, the ceiling installation serves as the visual and experiential centerpiece of the space.
The ceiling panels were fabricated by Sheet Metal Supply Ltd. of Grayslake, Illinois, from 1/16-inch-thick stainless steel. Although the supplier provides sheets up to 48 inches wide, the ceiling was designed with 45-inch panels to accommodate custom bends on all sides. This approach enhanced structural integrity while enabling the panels to integrate seamlessly with the grid system above, maintaining accessibility for building services.
Fabrication posed unique challenges because of the mirror-polished, textured surface, which leaves virtually no margin for error. According to Ben Kweton, president of Sheet Metal Supply, advanced aerospace-grade laser cutting technology was critical to the project’s success. Proximity sensors enabled the laser head to float precisely over the textured surface, ensuring flawless cuts without damaging the finish. Precision Safan press brakes with European-ground tooling and non-marking accessories further ensured that the panels retained their pristine appearance during bending and forming.
SRB Acoustics of Centennial, Colorado, completed the installation in collaboration with general contractor i2Construction of Denver. SRB Acoustics project manager Dan Parker credits the collaborative process and the innovative panel design for transforming a naturally flexible material into a robust, high-performance ceiling system.
From a sustainability standpoint, the project benefits from stainless steel’s durability, longevity, and full recyclability. The material’s long life reduces maintenance and replacement over time. Ultimately, the project demonstrates how metal can be used not only as a functional building material but also as a powerful design element—one that defines space, enhances flexibility, and creates a memorable, light-filled experience for occupants and visitors alike.
Metal Composite Material (MCM) systems have made these parking garages into architectural highlights while being environmentally friendly.
Photos courtesy of MCA and MCM Alliance member: KSC Inc.
