Application planning / Mesh Atlas

Metal mesh façade screening

A metal mesh façade screen is an outer architectural layer whose appearance and technical demands depend on its position, supports and exposure. Begin with the relationship to the building behind it: a decorative veil, a shading study and an access enclosure each raise different questions. Use the RFQ to identify the screen zone, attachment scope and evidence the project team needs before accepting a proposal.

Describe the screen’s purpose and geometry

Provide elevations, module sizes, distance from glazing or backing surfaces and the intended views in and out. State whether the design requires fixed framed panels or a tensioned surface. Woven wire has warp and weft geometry; expanded metal has directional strands and diamonds. Flexible coil or ring constructions need a specifically designed restraint system for exterior use. Do not substitute one family for another solely because a rendering looks similar.

Assess light, openness and exposure separately

Record desired visual transparency and request physical samples in the proposed orientation. Open area alone cannot confirm solar control, daylight, airflow or privacy; those outcomes depend on depth, angle, spacing and the wider building design. Identify project location, coastal or industrial exposure, cleaning methods and adjacent metals. Confirm alloy grade, finish process and relevant evidence for the actual environment instead of treating a finish colour as a durability specification.

Design the full support and maintenance route

The project engineer should define loads, connection design, movement allowances and relevant local requirements. Discuss panel restraint, frame stiffness, anchor positions and access for inspection or replacement. Resolve interfaces with the wall, drainage routes and any cavity fire provisions with the responsible design team. A mesh sample cannot demonstrate the safety or compliance of the complete façade assembly, including its substrate and fixings.

Prepare an RFQ that can be compared

Separate the dimensions of mesh infill from the complete framed module. For expanded metal, show SWD and LWD orientation and distinguish repeat dimensions from clear apertures. For woven panels, label wire or cable direction and edge attachment. Include quantity, elevation zones, finish sample requirements, project country and target programme. Ask respondents to state the scope of frames, fixings, engineering, packing and installation, together with any exclusions and information still needed.

From the library

Material references

Entries below explicitly mention a related application. Suitability for your project still requires review.

Woven wire

01 / Supplier confirmation required

Silver Woven Mesh — Reference

Reference concept · supplier confirmation required

Finish to confirmOpenness to confirm

Reference material · specifications to confirm

Expanded metal

02 / Supplier confirmation required

Silver Expanded Metal — Reference

Reference concept · supplier confirmation required

Finish to confirmOpenness to confirm

Reference material · specifications to confirm

Questions to resolve

Before you specify

Does a façade application tag confirm exterior performance?

No. It records the intended use stated in the entry. The proposed alloy, finish, support system, exposure and project requirements still need review and confirmation.

Can mesh open area be used to specify solar shading?

It is only one geometric input. Shading assessment must also consider orientation, strand or wire depth, distance to glazing and local sun conditions for the proposed assembly.

Continue your research

Related sourcing guides

Material selection

Make the brief specific.

Share the application, project location, quantity, finished dimensions, preferred alloy and finish, and proposed fixing method. Mark unresolved details as unknown and include sample requirements.

Request a project review

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