Modular Building Design: Why Perforated Metal?
Modular building is stacking up to be one of Australia’s fastest-growing construction sectors. Currently estimated at over USD$10bn and forecast to reach over USD$13bn in Australia1 over the next five years, modular buildings are popping up everywhere – as fast-built sustainable homes to meet housing shortages, as well as school classrooms, temporary emergency structures, and more.
At Arrow Metal, we have been working with Fleetwood – Australia’s largest modular producer – manufacturing bulk orders of aluminium perforated metal panels. Specified in pattern 233, the 1200m x 2400mm sheets are ready to seamlessly slot into Fleetwood’s projects on demand. Its sectors include healthcare, sport, government, and education, with our panels currently forming Fleetwood’s upgrade of Russell Island State School.
So why is perforated metal such a sought-after component for successful modular building?
Here are some of its key advantages for Australia’s booming market.
Modular Building Rises Up in Australia
Modular construction is growing in Australia for several reasons:
- It’s a fast and efficient way to build – each part of the building is made off-site and assembled on-site
- Less waste compared to traditional construction methods
- Reduced environmental impact
- Cost savings from reduced build time and labour needs
- Structures are easily deconstructed, reused, and rebuilt, making modular buildings sustainable and circular
Advantages of Perforated Metal for Modular Building
Fast manufacturing
One of the key advantages of Arrow Metal perforated metal in modular building is our rapid manufacturing process. We keep a wide range of prefabricated perforated metal panels in stock ready to ship the next working day, with quick turnaround for made-to-order designs. Panels are manufactured and couriered from our Silverwater factory to anywhere in Australia, finished and cut to size, ready for immediate on-site installation.
Energy-Efficiency
Using perforated metal panels is a simple way to make modular buildings energy efficient. Thanks to the perforations, perforated metal has superior airflow and ventilation capabilities, ensuring modular buildings are naturally cool for a comfortable indoor environment without relying on energy-intensive systems. The size of the holes can also control and enhance light flow, lowering the need for artificial lighting.
Sustainability
Perforated metal is the perfect partner for modular construction’s eco-friendly practices. Manufactured sustainably at Arrow Metal according to our Environmental Policy, as a fully recyclable material perforated metal contributes to a modular building project’s green targets.
Lightweight durability
Available in a range of metals including aluminium, brass, and stainless steel, perforated metal is a lightweight yet strong and durable material. Easy to transport and quick to install, it’s ideal for the speed of modular construction, supporting project cost and time savings.
Creative design
There’s nothing better than perforated metal for unique modular building designs outside the box. The panel design is customisable, making it easy to create modular elements unique to the project. From standard classic patterns to contemporary geometrics and CAD-drawn bespoke creations that reflect a modular building’s function or location, perforated metal is a cost-effective way to achieve an eye-catching modular building design. We can perforate metal in almost any pattern using our PixelPerf technology, finished with colours and special effects.
How to Use Perforated Metal in Modular Building
Perforated metal is so versatile it can be used across the whole modular building for both aesthetic and functional purposes, inside and out. Common uses include:
Modular building facade
The facade is one of the most popular ways to use perforated metal in modular building design. A perforated metal facade can transform a modular building from a bland box to a stunning structure quickly and cost-effectively. Clever use of perforation design not only changes a building’s aesthetics but also allows controlled natural lighting and airflow.
Interior partitions and screens
Perforated metal makes it easy to define different spaces within a modular interior. Use the panels as partition screens to separate areas whilst maintaining the open-plan, airy appeal.
Sunshading and views
Modular building in a sunny or cool spot? Perforated metal is popular for sunshading thanks to its ability to reduce or boost sunlight and heat intensity through its holes without compromising occupant outlook. More solid panel designs are ideal for modular buildings in all-day sun to lower heat and glare, whilst patterns with a higher open area percentage are perfect for shady locations to help increase interior light and warmth.
Specify Perforated Metal for Modular Building with Arrow Metal
Explore our range of panel designs and punching capabilities for your modular building projects and chat with our team about creative panel design possibilities that meet project budgets. Call us on (02) 9748 2200 or email sales@arrowmetal.com.au
1 Modular Construction in Australia Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029) – mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/australia-prefabricated-buildings-industry
Browse or download our Perforated Metal Catalogue or Project Look Book for more perforated metal inspiration.
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very usefull & innovative products ,could u send me some samples & catalogue of all yr products ,including costings to supply & install ,my best regards ,john anderson .
Hi John,
thank you! We will contact you via email to organise some samples and the catalogue to be sent to your address.