Explore the Portfolio
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Building Envelope
The exterior wall is where design intent becomes most visible. This collection spans the full range of expression, from fluid three-dimensional forms and precision perforated panels to clean rainscreen profiles and linear batten systems, all engineered for durability, weather performance, and installation efficiency.
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Barriers & Safety
Safety performance and refined aesthetics are not mutually exclusive. This collection of guardrail and fencing systems delivers code-compliant structural solutions with the clean, intentional design language that contemporary architecture demands.
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Shade & Landscape
Outdoor environments are extensions of the architectural vision. This collection of shade structures, canopies, sunshades, pergolas, and screening systems gives design teams precise tools to shape exterior spaces with the same intention applied to every other element of the building envelope.
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Concealment
Not every element of a building's exterior is meant to be seen. These concealment systems integrate mechanical equipment and utility infrastructure into the facade with the same design intention applied to every other exterior surface.
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Signature Solutions
Some of the most significant architectural achievements begin where standard products reach their limits. Zahner Custom Solutions brings expertise in design assist, engineering, fabrication, and installation to the most complex and ambitious exterior metal projects undertaken around the world.
We work closely with architects and design teams at every stage of delivery, ensuring that even the most demanding creative visions are realized with precision and care.
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Project Gallery
Explore exterior metal solutions in action across a range of commercial project types, from high-rise mixed-use developments to hospitality, multifamily, transportation and education facilities.
View All Projects — Arktura | A. Zahner | BOK Modern | Parallel
Connect with an Exterior Metal Specialist
Whether the project is in early schematic design or moving toward construction documentation, the Armstrong Exterior Metal Solutions team is ready to support your work. Connect with our team to discuss product selection, system integration, specifications, and design resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Exterior Architectural Metal?
Exterior architectural metal refers to high-performance metal systems designed for the outside of commercial buildings, uniting striking design with lasting performance. These systems shape the building envelope and surrounding environment, spanning everything from foundational facades to expressive focal-point features. Engineered for durability, weather resistance, and design flexibility, they help architects bring bold exterior visions to life.
What Exterior Metal Systems Does Armstrong Offer?
Armstrong delivers one integrated portfolio covering every exterior application, from foundation to focal point. The lineup includes exterior walls and cladding, soffits, guardrails and fencing, shade and landscape structures, mechanical concealment, and signature custom solutions. Backed by brands including Armstrong MetalWorks, Parallel, Arktura, BOK Modern, and Zahner, the portfolio is designed to work together from concept through installation.
Can Exterior Metal Be Customized?
Yes. The exterior metal portfolio offers extensive customization across profiles, panel sizes, finishes, and configurations to match your design intent. For the most ambitious projects, Zahner custom solutions provide design assist, engineering, fabrication, and installation for one-of-a-kind exterior metal features. Standard product lines also offer size and finish options that tailor solutions to project specifications without costly complexity.
What Finishes Are Available for Exterior Metal?
A wide range of expertly applied finishes deliver warmth, realism, and lasting color. Options include powder-coated surfaces, sublimated wood looks, patinas, perforations, and solid colors, along with specialty metal textures. Finish samples are available so design teams can experience colors and textures firsthand before specifying.
Can Exterior Metal Be Used for Ceilings and Walls?
Yes. The portfolio includes solutions for both exterior walls and soffits, extending design continuity from the facade to the underside of a structure. Wall systems span cladding, rainscreens, battens, and perforated panels, while exterior soffit and ceiling options include MetalWorks Linear, MetalWorks Torsion Spring, and MetalWorks Vector Exterior. Each system is engineered for open-air exposure with the performance outdoor environments demand.
Can Exterior Metal Replicate the Look of Wood?
Yes. Sublimated wood-look finishes bring the warmth and natural appearance of timber to metal systems, supporting biophilic design in high-traffic and high-moisture areas where real wood would not hold up. Parallel extruded aluminum cladding, soffits, and battens are engineered to mimic traditional wood while resisting warping, cracking, and refinishing. The result is authentic wood aesthetics with the durability and low maintenance of aluminum.
What Commercial Applications Are Suitable for Exterior Metal?
Exterior metal solutions suit a broad range of commercial project types, including hospitality, mixed-use, multifamily, transportation, retail, healthcare, and education facilities. Applications span facades, soffits, guardrails, fencing, canopies, pergolas, screening, and equipment concealment. With Class A fire ratings available where applicable, wind-resistant options for high-velocity hurricane zones, and proven durability, these systems perform in demanding and code-driven environments.