In modern landscape projects, different materials are used, but today steel is becoming more and more popular. The advantages of this material are difficult to overestimate. Steel is durable and will last a long time. Unlike many other materials, it is capable of withstanding significant external influences: it will survive rainfalls, hurricanes and even fires. If its surface is correctly processed, then especially careful care is not required. In addition, metal reflects the spirit of modernity, and the use of this texture will allow designers to express their imagination to the fullest.
What is corten steel?
The greatest demand among landscape designers is Corten steel. These are the names of the COR-TEN® steel grades developed by U.S. Steel Initially, COR-TEN A or A242 alloy was created, then A588 and, finally, A606-4. The latest brand is very popular. This is sheet or rolled steel, designed to create seam panels, siding and roofing.
Initially, the panel will be smooth and shiny, but over time it will become covered with red and velvety rust, which will give it the appearance of an old and expensive lace
These alloy grades are weather resistant and do not need to be specially painted to protect against corrosion. This does not mean that, unlike other carbon grades, Corten steel does not rust. Just along with rust, a special oxide film forms on it, due to which the future destruction of the metal slows down. In fact, rust itself becomes a protection against subsequent corrosion.
The use of American steel
Initially, the steel that will decorate the site comes in the form of shiny and smooth metal. Alloying agents introduced into it, such as nickel, chromium and copper, form insoluble compounds that clog pores on the metal surface. They significantly slow down the aging process of the product.
Such material stably tolerates the effects of icing on its surface, as well as the influence of fog, rain and snow. Until a rusty layer forms on the surface of the metal, years of alternating exposure to moisture and dryness will pass. It is the alternation of climatic influence that will allow a velvety and even layer of protection to form on the surface of the steel sheet.
Kortenovskaya steel is initially protected from corrosion by alloying agents introduced into it, and after the appearance of rust, it becomes practically invulnerable to further aging
For proper formation of rust on the surface of the alloy, periods of increased humidity and dryness should alternate. If a container for a waterfall is made of Corten steel, the problem of moisture is solved by itself
Therefore, to use this material where dampness and fog is a year-round phenomenon is not advisable. A dry period must be present. But in arid areas you can always compensate for insufficient moisture by periodically wetting the surface - watering.
Features of interaction with other materials
Kortenovskaya steel is very popular: it is used to make decor and various architectural elements that adorn the garden and courtyard. But, using this material, which is very popular today, you need to be careful and take into account what other products he will be adjacent to.
The outdoor hearth, finished with Corten steel, is located at a distance from the pipe from another metal. So both designs will be safer
Galvanized and galvanized steel should not come into contact with the Corten brand, nor should zinc itself. In the formation of protective corrosion in American metal, these materials may be affected. But the neighborhood with Corten does not harm stainless steel, so the fasteners for it are made of stainless steel.
And a few more points should be considered for those who want to use this beautiful and fashionable material on their site. In case of heavy and prolonged rains, the adjacent areas may get an undesirable color due to rusty drains. Heat-resistant material should be used as a substrate for sheets of Corten steel: steel is heated in the sun.
Not far from Venice, the Palazzo di Vigonovo building burned down. When it was restored, panels of Corten steel were used, to which poems Eliot T.S. were applied by laser cutting. and Lope de Vega. It turned out very effective
However, all current restrictions on the use of this material only fuel interest in it. Demand for Corten is steadily increasing, designers are coming up with new ways to use it, and chemists are working to ensure that such a nice rust appears on the metal surface as soon as possible. For these purposes, rust catalysts already exist, for example, LineaCOR.
Possibilities of using Corten metal
This alloy is actively used to create decorative elements, and as a building material. Corten successfully fits into various styles, and this is one of the reasons for his continued popularity.
In this case, panels were used for decorating walls, terraces and waterfalls. In general, it looks very colorful and unusual
Examples of its application:
- Front panels. At the same time, the possibilities are truly endless: the elements can be both smooth and openwork. Even spectacular volumetric structures covering walls and decorating windows are used.
- Roofing. The shape of the coating can be very different: from flat panels to products with embossed surfaces that mimic tiles, decking or slate. If you use corrugated board for roofing, it will be cheaper, but corten will last much longer.
- Window and door profile. The advantage of using steel, first of all, is the ability to create an original design. If the profile is insulated, heat loss in the house can be significantly reduced.
- Fireplaces. Both modern gas fireplaces and wood classics will look spectacular thanks to the lining of such material. There are also completely metal fireplaces and hearths that look truly fantastic.
- Fences and fences, gates and gates. As parts of the fence, elements filling the spans, and in the form of the main structure, Corten steel is always useful. Entrance or garage doors, as well as gates of various sizes and shapes can be made of this versatile and very durable material.
- Garden stairs. You can build a staircase with steps made of metal and filled with soil or gravel. The soil can even be sown with grass that can withstand trampling, and it is better to use an artificial lawn for this purpose.
- Retaining walls. Sheets of metal can be used for the construction of retaining walls. From the pros: this material allows you to minimize your costs and bend the structure in accordance with the needs of the landscape.
- Screens and screens. A utility building is needed, but it’s better to get it out of sight behind the original metal screen. Decorative screens can divide your site into functional zones.
- High beds. Due to the flexibility of the metal, it is possible to create high beds of the most intricate shape and not depend on level differences with an uneven surface of the site. Such a bed can be successfully combined with a retaining wall.
- Art objects. Using welding, laser cutting and metal flexibility, you can create completely amazing art objects. It can be just beautiful panels, balls, figures made of metal or even outdoor hearths, which will just be nice to admire.
There are so many possibilities for using Corten steel that it makes no sense to try to make an exhaustive list. It is protected by pools, fountains and other reservoirs. It is used as a bench support. An excellent summer kitchen with grill will come out of it. It is simply unbelievable how rusty metal, which has gained popularity precisely because of its original rust and weather resistance, can be attractive!
Not only the box under the steps, but also the retaining wall, which can be seen in the left photo, are made of steel
Do not think that Corten steel is used only for decorative purposes. It is perfect for creating tall beds that will last a very long time.
We use laser cutting
Laser cutting will help us turn a simple sheet of Corten or stainless steel into a real work of art. At the same time, the main advantages of the metal - its strength and durability, will not be lost. When exposed to modern laser cutting equipment, sheet steel can produce an amazing openwork product of any geometry.
We give examples of the use of laser-cut products as elements of the landscape design of a modern site.
Small architectural forms
We are used to seeing pavilions made of brick or wood. There are, of course, forged products, but today we bring to your attention exclusive arbors made of metal by laser cutting. These objects will stand for a long time, and their entire life will delight you with their beauty.
The gazebo looks just chocolate, although it obviously served its owner for several years. After all, rust on steel does not appear immediately, but after years
I would like to highlight the elements of such a gazebo so that viewers can fully appreciate the skill of the author who created this miracle. A gas hearth or a steel canopy can be made of openwork metal, which is quite capable of replacing a pergola or arch. With their help, the territory of the site will find the desired shade.
But this gazebo was recently installed. Over time, it will also become red from velvety rust, but it will not look worse from this, that's for sure
Fences and fences
As walls, screens, fences and fences, openwork steel sheets always look great. Even if the fence itself is made of solid metal, bricks or stone, a graceful gate or gate will always be appropriate. If the fence is already installed, but you would like it to be a little higher, it is not difficult to achieve such an effect if the superstructure is made of steel processed by laser cutting.
The fence and other elements of the house and garden, made in the same style, look very attractive. This can be a balcony fence, railing of the stairs leading to the house, details of the terrace, porch or arbor. The laser can create complex geometric and plant compositions, as well as story paintings.
Laser cutting is a method by which you can make a set of paintings in a single style. It will become a decoration of both the house and the adjoining space. In this case, the balcony and the fence look very harmonious with each other
Various decorative elements
Often, it is decorative elements that allow you to hide some unattractive detail of the courtyard, quickly create shading, emphasize the border of the zone or dissociate the area from the neighboring one. Sometimes decorative panels or paintings made by laser cutting, simply decorate the wall or fence.
A spectacular panel made of metal of the Corten brand covers the side surface of the building for household purposes and very enlivens the territory, creating the mood of a good children's fairy tale
Decorative elements include light boxes. If you use the main advantages of the metal - its strength, then the boxes made from it can be quite voluminous. You can decorate fences and gazebos with similar lightboxes. They will look appropriate in the courtyard, on the terrace or balcony. Designs installed separately look great.
Light flows out of the box, breaking through the openwork surface of the metal, and is reflected in the smooth surface of the pool. At dusk, such an unusual highlight creates a romantic mood.
Not only functional things can be made of openwork metal, but also products designed to make their appearance evoke aesthetic pleasure. Simply put, they are just nice to watch. This, however, does not mean that they should be completely useless. Garden sculptures can simultaneously serve as foci or highlight paths.
In this case, what he sees speaks for itself. If you want unusual plants and flowers that positively affect your mood appear in your garden, use metal as an element of decor
As you can see, metal is widely used in landscape design. Moreover, with the development of technology, the areas of its use will expand, and the pleasure of contemplating such beauty will increase.
