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Creating places that welcome all can be a challenge. But perforated metal is ticking all the boxes when balancing accessibility and aesthetics in inclusive design briefs.

Strong, safe, and fully customisable to meet project requirements, perforated metal has become the go-to material for innovative, effective, inclusive building.

Take a look at some unique ways architects have used Arrow Metal perforated metal to create diverse and inclusive social spaces in our case studies below. But first, learn more about the key benefits of perforated metal when designing and specifying for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

Perforated Metal for Inclusive Design: Benefits & Uses

From its extensive pattern choice to its durability, perforated metal is naturally geared towards inclusive design:

• The hole size, pitch, and shape give you complete control of ventilation, light, and privacy, making creating inviting, bright, and airy buildings and spaces easy.
• Need a quiet and calm environment? Perforated metal is a great sound reducer when combined with acoustic material, which can scatter, absorb, or reflect distressing noise depending on the hole specification.
• Use perforated metal to create attractive sensory surfaces for intuitive navigation and exploration. Single panels can be perforated in a mix of patterns and styles as tactile cues to help people find their way.
• Specify perforated metal for loadbearing safety applications with confidence. It stays strong even when perforated, making it a popular choice for accessible ramps, walkways, stairs, and screens that fit into the design scheme.
• Perforated metal is sustainable and cost-effective for all types of inclusive design projects, helping to meet the strict compliance and budget requirements of public and private sector tenders.
• The creative design possibilities of perforated metal guarantee wide-ranging appeal for all ages. Perforate panels with nature-themed designs, animals, geometrics, or photographs and images from the local community to foster belonging and inclusivity.

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Inclusive Design Ideas: Arrow Metal Project Examples 

Browse our project gallery below for real-world examples showing perforated metal in inclusive action. We are proud that our perforated metal creates inclusive built environments that celebrate and support all Australians. Our team has worked on everything from train stations and schools to public parks.

Education projects

Sydney Secondary College: School renovations can be costly, but perforated metal was the top-of-the-class solution for Sydney Secondary College’s Balmain campus. Students are safe and secure, and the school has a brighter future with perforated metal panels covering old, degraded walls. Panels were finished in school colours, increasing student connection with the school environment.

Canterbury South Public School: Canterbury South’s new library, canteen, and administration block is a modern and inviting place thanks to perforated metal screens that control heat, light, and shade. This project involved customisation of the panel design to match the sun’s movement across each elevation, ensuring year-round comfort for all students using the new facilities.

University of Newcastle: When you need a quiet space to learn, at Newcastle University NUSpace precinct, you can sit outside the classroom. We manufactured the perforated walls of the building’s external learning booths that jut out from the facade. Despite the local windy conditions, there is minimal noise for students, thanks to clever perforation of each panel.

Public transport projects

Towradgi station: Passengers with disabilities, limited mobility, prams, and luggage can quickly and easily access Towradgi station’s platforms via a new metal footbridge built using our perforated panels. Designed in a nature theme and delivered as part of a renovation under the NSW Government Transport Access program, we also manufactured matching staircase balustrades and lift landing screens for safe movement throughout the station. 

Como station: Como station’s renovation is a solid gold example of how perforated metal can help to achieve inclusivity. The station’s new underpass features an open shaft that brings in natural light from the platform above, which cleverly reflects off walls clad in gold-coloured perforated metal to maximise light levels. 

Oatley station: Oatley station’s new footbridge is first-class, giving passengers fast and safe platform access and providing weather protection. We perforated the panels in a complex mix of triangles, with smaller perforations on the roof and larger sizes on the sides for daylight. 

Wynyard to Barangaroo tunnel: Safely connecting passengers from Wynyard to Barangaroo without having to navigate main roads and city traffic, Sydney’s Wynyard to Barangaroo walkway keeps people moving using perforated ceiling panels and a stream of light to encourage pedestrian flow.

Brisbane ferry: Marine-grade perforated metal is keeping passengers safe on Brisbane’s ferry network. We manufactured panels for balustrades and screens at selected ferry terminals as part of an accessibility upgrade. Featuring continuous handrails for mobility support, the balustrades and screens securely guide passengers along the gangways to ferry gates.

Public space projects

Rockdale Park: Featuring a stunning perforated metal cantilever roof, Rockdale Park’s amenities block is an impressive and accessible public facility. Built as part of the park’s upgrade, the block houses toilets, baby change, and staff room.

Hurlstone Park: Community Centres are a vital part of local life – and creating one ‘in-the-round’ is a great way to ensure everyone gets access. We manufactured the perforated panels that form Hurlstone Park’s new pavilion, built in a Y-shape to cater to multiple groups at once. The panels provide sun protection, ventilation, and light without compromising the picturesque parkland views.

Inclusive Design Tender Help & Specification Support: Contact Arrow Metal

Contact our team for expert advice on perforated metal specification for tenders where inclusive design is critical. We can advise which metal, perforation style, and profile will achieve the project’s inclusivity and budget goals. Contact us at (02) 9748 2200 or email an enquiry to sales@arrowmetal.com.au. 

We work with specifiers, architects, and designers across Australia, providing quality Australian-made perforated metal solutions for all types of projects.