The architectural cladding transforming façades into award-winning designs
Written by
12 April 2025
•
4 min read
Steel roofing and cladding is ideal for large-scale projects, such as commercial or multi-residential housing, thanks to its easy installation, low maintenance, cost and overall longevity. Yet, the following residential and commercial projects demonstrate the hidden design power that steel roofing and cladding can bring to a project.
Australian building product manufacturer and supplier Metroll offers an architectural cladding range called MAC, specially crafted to bring specifiers’ architectural designs to life.
"Our MAC range is a bespoke, contemporary cladding solution. Often, it's handmade or made on specialised machinery, providing no real boundaries for specifiers in the finish, whether different colours, materials or even profiles,” says Paul Jensen, National Business Development Manager at Metroll.
“We can access a whole range of diverse finishes and materials through our network: Colorbond steel, copper, aluminium, painted and unpainted, as well as stainless steel.”
Morley Recreational Centre, Western Australia
Awarded the 2023 Best Public Use Building ($5-million to $10-million category), the Morley Recreational Centre in Western Australia represents a significant achievement in architectural design for a commercial project. Designed by Hodge Collard Preston Architects and Slavin Architects, and builder Byte Construct, the abstract design called for materials that would meet the design intent.
Selecting Metroll’s MAC Distinction for the sculptural roofing and exterior walls offered versatility with its innovative concealed fix panel system. This clean and contemporary design solution features a pan width and high ribs that complement the complex, folded facade of the building.
MAC Distinction provided long lines and a sleek profile, contributing to a modern visual appeal, while the concealed fixings maintained the uninterrupted lines of the bold façade, enhancing the building's overall interest.
Mount Hawthorn Townhouses, Western Australia
With Australia’s land at a premium, there has been an increase in luxury townhouses, offering buyers a new home without the cost or maintenance of a larger house. This residential project features a façade designed to blend the linear aspects of the roof-to-wall standing seam cladding. The result is a contemporary townhouse featuring a 3D façade using Metroll’s MAC Nail Strip, creating a waterfall detail that provides clean lines mirroring the building's overall sleek lines.
“MAC Nail Strip is an innovative, concealed fix profile with a vast range of design applications for roofing and wall cladding in residential and commercial projects,” explains Paul. Effortlessly installed via screw fastening, each strip is snapped over the adjoining panel securing it in place and concealing the fixing, with no need for seaming tools.
The importance of supply chain in large-scale projects
Paul notes that Metroll’s recent BIM integration supports specifiers by improving supply chains, which is essential for meeting project timelines and specifications.
"We're growing our architectural range, which will be integrated into the BIM program," he says. "This includes cladding and roof systems that appeal to architects, such as our popular MAC range, and we're improving our fencing design to offer more architecturally pleasing profiles.”
Metroll’s strategic decision to have its architectural cladding range available affords specifiers access to innovative products that meet strict industry standards and design preferences.
Paul adds, "Our fleet of nationally owned trucks and cranes supports the supply chain when specifications are realised into finished goods. We can service the Australian market with our equipment as required. This logistical support enables a seamless service to the market.”
Supplying Australia-wide, Metroll is investing in more facilities, machinery, people and product development. "Keep an eye on this space as Metroll continues to develop products for the future and the benefit of the industry,” says Paul. “This year is an exciting time with several products earmarked for launch."
View Metroll’s architectural BIM range on ArchiPro today by selecting a Metroll product and expanding the 'Downloads' section. You can also check with your local branch for availability or contact Metroll on ArchiPro today.