4. Möhn+Bouman's Steel Screen
The client, Orangerock, a small, creative project developer, needed a small plot of land near the city center for redevelopment planning over the next 10 years. Some of the existing buildings in the area were slated for demolition. Until the developer decided to temporarily use one of these buildings-an old country-style house-as their studio. The firm wanted to transform it into a typical office space.
The firm designed a weathering steel barrier to enclose the old house. After the materials were produced, it was installed within two weeks. To prevent rust from staining the glass, rust water from the roof was channeled into a hidden drain.
5. METAMORPHOUS Designed by Paul Sangha Landscape Architects
This project was built in response to a massive tidal wave that struck the B.C. coastline in December 2012. A couple commissioned Paul Sangha Landscape Architects to provide a solution for their Ottawa property (where the massive tidal wave created an entire riverbank). Previous beach experiences had demonstrated that constructing concrete walls along the waterfront could lead to beach erosion. Sangha and his firm saw this as an opportunity to create something unique and different from other waterfront properties in Ottawa.
The firm collaborated with marine engineers to develop a solution that not only enhances the beach but also addresses the riverbank's erosion problem. Inspired by the sand and gravel structures they observed on Saturna Island in British Columbia, they designed a weathering steel wall. It is not only an artwork but also functional. The abstract structure of the weathering steel and the pebbles in front of the beach play a crucial role in dispersing wave energy, promoting sand deposition, enhancing the beach, and creating habitats for flora and fauna.
6. The SHIP House, designed by Katsuhiro Miyamoto & Associates,
is a residential building situated on a two-story site with a 3-meter elevation difference. Due to concerns about the reliability of the riverbank and retaining walls, the building's foundation is built on the natural ground beneath the lower level. Iron-framed spaces for public housing float on the retaining wall, offering more scenic views from the upper floors. Private residences are built along the lower level, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
To conform to the L-shaped layout of the area and to effectively support this large cantilevered volume, the firm maximized the use of curved surfaces. Instead of a vertically oriented frame resistance system, the firm employed a series of seamless in-plane compression-resistant systems, using 12mm thick steel plates as panels, which, along with reinforcing plates, form a boat-shaped iron shell structure. While the first floor on the upper level houses a lobby and a guest room, it primarily comprises a series of external spaces that extend from the ground floor through corridors to the roof slab via suspended columns. In fact, this design is a nostalgic tribute to ferries, built based on their structure and layout. The passenger deck and floating section are divided into upper and lower parts, with the vehicle deck in the middle.
The weathering steel of the first floor and above is completely untreated and will rust in the future. The interior surfaces-floors, walls, and ceilings-are uniformly white and offer good insulation.
Company profile
Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the global trade and processing of Corten steel products.
• We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.
• Compliant with ASTM, EN, and other international standards; third-party inspection supported.
• Exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
• 8 subsidiaries across China and overseas, ensuring global service coverage.
Application Fields: Architecture, landscaping, gardening, cladding, and urban infrastructure.
