Aluminum is a silvery-white metal that is often referred to as the “miracle metal,” as it is light and non-ferrous, which is why it will not rust or corrode. It also has a variety of end applications, including decorative ceiling tiles, countertops, decorative metal sheets, partitions, woven metal screens, backsplashes, furniture parts, furniture, and trim. This metal is also ductile, corrosion resistant, and a great conductor of electricity. These characteristics make it a great metal not only for architectural purposes, but a numerous amount of other end products including signage, pipes, chains, cans, packaging, and shelving. It is also a popular metal used in the aviation and automotive industries.
For design and architectural purposes, aluminum is typically extruded as thin, long pieces of metal. Aluminum is the third most common element on earth and can be found in bauxite deposits as aluminum sulphates. It is extruded using electrolysis or electrolytic reduction.
Aluminum can easily be recycled and reused over and over again. This is typically done by melting down the used metal and then forming or molding it into a desired end product, whether it be drapery, a decorative sheet, or tile. During this process, the reused aluminum will not lose its qualities. Using this metal also tends to lower both carbon emissions and energy costs. Often times, using aluminum building materials can help a project qualify for LEED points.
