Designed for creating multi-layered spaces, nine new bold-coloured laser-cut designs push Chemetal’s metal expertise to new levels.

Launched this spring, the Transparency collection continues Chemetal’s evolution into thicker metal designs. It began in 2021 with the release of Surface Mode, industrial, black CNC-carved patterns. ‘With Surface Mode, we pushed our metal expertise,’ says Chemetal creative director and president Geoff Schaefer. ‘We loved the idea of using thicker aluminium that, because it has no backing, can be more easily repurposed, reused or recycled.’

The recent addition of a large-bed fibre laser, which can cut designs and shapes out of aluminium panels, enabled Chemetal to go in new directions. The Transparency collection is the result. It features nine designs – from biomorphic to classic, mid-century and futuristic – and eight colour options, including nature-inspired tones like Seafoam and Saffron.

Designed by Chemetal’s in-house team of creatives, CAD experts and fabricators, these off-the-shelf solutions offer a glimpse of what’s possible through customization – designers can create their own shapes and sizes, or work with Chemetal’s team to tailor metal designs to specific architectural projects. Since ease of use was a key concern during the product’s development, an optional frame system can be used to create freestanding room dividers, to attach the panels to walls or atop half walls, or to suspend them in space.

In addition to Transparency’s repurpose, reuse, recycle philosophy, the panels are powder coated, a low VOC alternative to spray coating that can be more easily reclaimed and disposed of than solvent-based finishes. This aligns with Chemetal’s wider sustainability philosophy. Being part of the mindful Materials (mM) library allows Chemetal to transparently share information about its products, which contribute to LEED certification in several areas. What’s more, the company has fitted the roof of its 6,500-sq-m facility in Western Massachusetts (around two hours’ drive from Boston) with solar panels that power a significant percentage of its energy needs.

A second-generation family-owned company that’s been in business for over 50 years, Chemetal remains committed to its standard metal designs, a vast collection of anodized and HPL aluminiums, brass and oxidized copper that are sold worldwide. ‘Metal is a luxurious material,’ says Schaefer, ‘and Chemetal makes it easy to bring this elegance and energy to commercial interiors.’