Exterior Architectural Metalwork

From decorative fabrications to structural installations

Our expertise ranges from the fabrication of decorative fixtures to the creation and installation of structural steelwork. John Desmond Ltd is qualified to carry out steelwork, which is 3D-modelled in advance, to UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) / CE marked to Execution Class 2 and are UKAS accredited.

We are frequently appointed on projects to fulfil work across this spectrum of applications as our clients then have the assurance of receiving consistent quality and strong programme management from a single fabricator and contractor.

Expert architectural metalwork and specialist finishes

The spectrum of specialist metal finishes we offer adds another dimension to John Desmond Ltd’s service enabling a seamless colour palette across architectural ironmongery, fittings and all exterior metalwork.

John Desmond Ltd works highly collaboratively with architects, designers, landscape architects and specialists in their field to obtain end-results that are exemplary in standard. We are trusted as expert fabricators in the realm of architectural metalwork.

See some of our projects below which demonstrate the scope of our expertise.

Signage

Integrated signage and entrance design in stainless steel

dMFK Architects specified a double-height portal with a stepped surround in stainless steel in a monolithic style, conveying the impregnability of the Silver Vaults. The signage is integral to the design of the entrance with a grille backdrop, again communicating the security relating to the building’s history. The concept for entrance and signage has been brought to life via precision laser-cutting, V-grooving and folding to give sharp corners and a solid and imposing structure.

Watch video on the Silver Vaults project

Columns, brise soleil

Upgrade of façade and entrance constructed in modules off-site

The remodelling of the entrance was core to the upgrading of this tired office building and in aligning it with its smart neighbours in the City’s financial district. The original specification of powder-coat was deemed too garish for the location and the subtle finish of PVD coloured stainless steel in Chocolate Bronze was welcomed as more fitting. As the site was physically constrained the metalwork was created in the workshop in modular form and fitted on site.

See more on this project

Facades

Spectacular architectural veil created from tubular drops

Extensive testing was requested by the architects on this project to ensure that the proposed material, PVD coloured stainless steel was sufficiently durable. It needed to prove that it would resist corrosion and damage from, for example, detergents, acid and impact abrasion as well as retaining its colour uniformity. Having passed the tests the PVD material was specified in Rose Gold which has resulted in a truly unusual façade of shimmering bamboo-esque tubes.

See more on this project

Doors, portals

Triple-height door entry in Rose Gold conveying status

A stepped surround creates the parameter of a monumental, triple-height, entrance portal conveying the gravitas of the buildings in this Financial district. The PVD material had to prove it would retain its colour uniformity and appearance and it was important that it had to resist detergents in street and window-cleaning. The Rose Gold finish possesses all the properties of good fortune associated with Gold in China with the subtlety of the added copper tone.

Order samples of PVD coloured stainless steel

Railings, gates, balconies

Balustrade and railings to visually integrate with façade

The simple linear design of the railings continues the theme of the rectilinear steelwork forming the façade of the connecting section of the front and rear buildings and provides an interesting counterpoint to the elegant classicism of the original building. The rust-red coloration of the balustrades and handrail was selected to reflect the brick-red of the tall chimneys on the surrounding buildings.

Contact Alex via [email protected], or call 020 8946 8295, to enquire about gates, railings and balustrades.

Cladding

Roof extension exterior created in Copper

The cladding consists of an inspired combination of aged copper scalloped infil panels with PVD coloured stainless steel forming the vertical cappings. This pairing of the copper, which will continue to oxidise and develop a patina, with the PVD which will retain its gleaming original appearance means that the dual nature of copper – both its red-gold gloss and its green patination – will be communicated.

See more on exterior cladding

Canopies

Cantilevered canopy contemporises nineties office building

The previous canopy was a dated nineties structure which cast shadow into the building – the opposite of the architects’ goal which was to create a sightline into the reception interior and an inviting “shopwindow” for potential tenants.

Despite its massive structure the canopy needed to “float” and to achieve this steel beams were run into the building’s core, creating the strength to cantilever the canopy out.

See more on this project

Retail fascias

Gleaming fascia created for New York store chain

Kate Spade’s signature mirror-finish brass used on both interior shopfittings and store signage was given a new twist with the use of a Rose Gold stainless steel.

Mirror-finish Rose Gold PVD was specified to create a stand-out store front in this shopping mall, the Rose Gold enhancing the brand colours of shell-pink and ivory. The mirror-finish PVD stainless steel was V-grooved and folded to appear as solid metal.

Order samples of PVD coloured stainless steel

Walkways

Maintenance walkway with architectural wire mesh for London Underground Station

An all-round architectural and structural metalwork expertise was required for the work at Wood Lane Underground. The work consisted of a new vaulted ceiling to the Ticket Hall, passenger seating, pedestrian handrails and a maintenance walkway with safety mesh barriers.

See more on PVD coloured architectural mesh

Landscaping & planting

Copper PVD stainless steel integrated planters

The design detail was a big challenge as the groundwork varied from the drawings meaning In-Ex Landscapes could not fabricate to plan. In the end they made fifty timber prototypes of corner sections which were exactly copied by John Desmond Ltd in PVD coloured stainless steel.

See more on this project

PVD coloured stainless steel architectural mesh

Stainless steel Architectural Mesh is a strong and relatively lightweight product specified for interior and exterior applications. Brass and copper mesh, for example, can be replicated through the PVD process with a resulting product that will not tarnish or age.

See a range of mesh designs and applications and PVD colourways

PVD coloured stainless steel

PVD coloured stainless steel is a sustainable alternative to anodising and electro-coating both of which involve chemical baths. The PVD process uses heat and gas and produces no chemical waste products.

See more on PVD, the range of colours and order a sample

Textured stainless steel

Textured stainless steel brings another dimension to specifying PVD coloured stainless steel. The range of embossed, surfaces provide tactile qualities as well as reflecting light in subtle ways which add to the creative possibilities when designing with this material.

Contact Matt, Estimating & Production Manager to ask about textured stainless steel.

Cor-ten – Accelerated finish

Corten, also known as weathering steel, is designed to develop a rusty patina, making it corrosion-resistant and requiring no refinishing. John Desmond Ltd has developed a technique to expedite the patina formation process, enabling fabrication within commercial timescales.

Contact Matt, Estimating & Production Manager to ask about textured stainless steel

Patinated Brass

Left untouched, all brass would develop into patinated brass. However ready-patinated brass, created by John Desmond Ltd, already has an aged, richly-toned surface. This finish is stabilised with the application of a natural sealant making it suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about a Cor-ten finish for your project.

Blackened stainless steel

The blackening of stainless steel actually increases its corrosion-resistance however is mostly specified for its gleaming appearance not easily achieved through other methods. A natural wax finish is applied which maintains the burnished look yet allows the material to patinate over time.

See how blackened stainless steel creates a dramatic staircase at Google headquarters

Marron powder-coat

The powder-coat colour Marron is an interesting extension to the range of John Desmond Ltd’s metal finishes. It has a bronze, metallic appearance and is a cost-effective way to achieve a rich, bronze finish for items such as planters.

Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about Marron powder coat.

Vibration stainless steel

Vibration finish stainless steel is a versatile finish for stainless steel being non-directional and relatively non-reflective making it particularly suitable for exterior cladding. It is one of a range of finishes on stainless steel, including shot-peening and bead-blasting, offered by John Desmond Ltd.

See PVD coloured stainless steel in Vibration and other finishes and order a sample.

Shot-peened stainless steel

Shot-peening, also known as sand-blasting, increases the longevity of steel and is commonly used for aeronautical components. However it also has an interesting and versatile non-directional appearance and is consequently specified for its aesthetic as well as its relative non-reflectancy.

Find out more about shot-peened steel and stainless steel, call Matt on 020 8946 8295

Anodised aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant and relatively inexpensive material. Through the process of anodising aluminium can be transformed into a range of around ten coloured finishes.With the application of powder-coating an extensive range of metallic and solid colours can be achieved.

See the domed gold anodised aluminium ceiling at Wood Lane Underground Station

Laser-cutting

The laser-cutting of stainless steel, combined with PVD colouring and V-grooving provides a multitude of creative possibilities for interior and exterior applications. Laser-cutting can be used to create intricate patterns for items such as cladding, screens, balconies, balustrades and planters.

See how the lift-core and stairwell became a dramatic feature in the upgrade of The Gaslight Building

V-grooving and folding

V-Grooving and folding of specialist or laser-cut material adds to the design possibilities for very finely crafted and intricate metalwork.

This process facilitates sharp bends which replicate solid bar material whilst being lighter, less expensive and easier to work.

See more on V-grooved and folded stainless steel