Stainless Steel Cladding: New Museum Nears Completion

Stainless steel is one of the most useful and versatile materials known to the construction industry. Its many uses include exterior cladding to buildings and this construction method has hit the headlines recently as the National Museum of the United States Army nears completion.

The newly-built National Museum of the United States Army in Virginia has been designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a highly-renowned architecture firm. Photographs of both the interior and exterior of the three-storey building were recently released, including images of the giant stainless steel panels used for exterior cladding.

The building's design evokes the principles of the US Army and a spokesperson for SOM said it is 'disciplined, modest and rigorous'. Linked by glass thresholds, five pavilions will accommodate the museum's exhibits: each pavilion's corner features glass panels covered with painted aluminium fins which add dynamism to the reflective stainless steel facades.

Spanning over more than 17,000 square metres, the museum is located among natural clay and pine surroundings, which contrast with yet complement the reflective panels. The exterior of the building is now largely complete and interior exhibitions are now being installed. Once open to the public next year, the National Museum of the United States Army will educate visitors about the army's crucial roles in American history, as well as honouring military staff who have lost their lives in conflict.

BS Stainless supply a diverse range of stainless steel materials and components to the construction industry. To find our more about these, check out the dedicated 'Construction Applications' section of our website.