These examples of metal architecture range from structures set high on a mountaintop, ready to brace the elements, to designs done purely for aesthetic reasons. What's intriguing is just how many types of buildings can be put together with this type of material.
With the correct insulation used along with the metal exterior, a house made from this material can withstand the worse of the elements. From gale-force winds to sleet and snow, those living inside can rest with a better peace of mind. Perhaps one of the most impressive pieces of metal architecture here is the house situated in the Swiss alps designed by Savioz Fabrizzi. It was recently updated to include solar panels and an improved heating system to survive the harsh conditions at such high altitudes.
45 Examples of Metal Architecture
From Mountainous Metallic Abodes to Shipwreck-Inspired Buildings:
Jamie Danielle Munro — Mar 16, 2014 — Art & Design
44
Container Stores
Uniqlo Drops Stores in NYC
43
Container Condos
Metal Shutter House in New York
42
Refuge-Encouraging Abodes
The Main Street House by SHED Architecture & Design Stimulates Solace
41
Modern Multi-Dimensional Abodes
The Private House by Divercity Architects Layers Cubed Elements
40
Bulging Bladder Abodes
The Succulent House by Murmur Digests Anatomical Architecture
39
Mirrored Indoor Slide Abodes
The 'Skyhouse' By David Hotson x Ghislaine Vinas is Incredible
38
Mountainous Metallic Abodes
The Mountain House by Savioz Fabrizzi Architectes Naturally Blends In
37
Shipwreck-Inspired Buildings
The Titanic Belfast Pays Tribute to a Doomed Vessel
36
Roof-Raising Residences
Javier Corvalan Designs a Home with a Unique Self-Ventilation System
35
Elegant Spiraling Abodes
Toda House by Kimihiko Okada Rests on Stilts
34
Biomorphic Architecture
Jet House
33
Grain Storage Homes
Gigaplex's Monte-Silo
32
Sleek Geometric Properties
This Modern Abode by Craft Arquitectos is Fire Truck Red
31
Desert Skyscraper Hotels
The Stone Towers in Cairo, Egypt by Zaha Hadid Are a Cool Oasis
30
Eternity Puzzle-Inspired Architecture
The Perth Arena is Futuristically Faceted
29
Curvy Aluminum Schools
Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas Create the 'Lycée Georges Frêche'
28
Pristine Prismatic Buildings
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Toys With Geometry
27
Sci-Fi Angular Abodes
The Hironaka House by Ken Yokogawa Brings Bold Architecture to the Suburbs
26
Shipping Container Theatres
Platoon Kunsthalle is an Eco-Friendly Space for Artistic Works
25
Modernized Barn Abodes
The Stables by Andy Ramus Houses Humans Not Horses
24
Ink Splatter Architecture
The Linkong SOHO Building Will Have You Zip-Zagging Through Its Hallways
23
Boxy Metallic Abodes
The Sluijmer & Van Leeuwen Villa Horatiuslaan House is Roomy and Rectangular
22
Metal Mesh Architecture
Marcelo Alvarenga Creates Metallic Knit Storefront for Coven
21
Modern Faceted Abodes
The Palms House Gives a Sense of Privacy via Its Metal Enclosure
20
Silver Spaceship Structures
The OCT Design Museum by Studio Pei-Zhu is Inspired by the Ocean
19
Metallic Ribbon Exteriors
The Performance Center Alexanderhoehe Features a Unique Linkage Space
18
Scrap Metal Surf Shacks
The Third Wave Kiosk in Australia by Tony Hobba Architects Reclaims Waste
17
Fanciful Futuristic Facades
This Renovation Project has a Sun-Protecting Perforated Metal Shield
16
Symmetrical Honeycomb Stores
This New Furniture Store in Brazil Boasts Honeycomb Designs
15
Sawtoothed Skyline Architecture
(RE)Configured-Assemblage Rebuilds the City with Recycled Metal
14
Sleek Sliced Metal Complexes
Beijing's Wangjing Soho Complex is a Contemporary Architecture Dream
13
Pleated Metal Architecture
The Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum by Zaha Hadid
12
Metal-Encased Skyscrapers
The M9D4 Apartments by Architectures Anne Démians Filter Urban Spac
11
Shuttered Facade Exteriors
IS by Yo Yamagata Architects is a Contemporary Abode in Japan
10
Metal-Clad Cottages
The Aluminum Cabin Mirrors the Mineral Aesthetic of its Rough Site
9
Malleable Skyscrapers
The Kinetower Unites Movable Design and Architecture
8
Metal Lace Exteriors
The Beautiful Elsbethen Site Extension by Trint + Kreuder d.n.a
7
Silver Armadillo Buildings
The Dalian Shell Museum Houses Calcified Formations
6
Oceanic Recreation Pavilions
The Liège Ice Rink by L’Escaut is Built to Resemble a Whal
5
Metal Cloud Architecture
The Experience Music Project in Seattle by Frank Gehry Houses a Sci-Fi Mu
4
Monolithic Glacier Museums
The Glacarium Resembles the Very Formations it Hopes to Save
3
Metal Nest Exteriors
The Manny Building is Covered in Aluminum Bars
2
Tentacle Transport Systems
Terreform 1 + KARV Designs the Smart DOTS + Soft MOBS Concept
1
Crinkled Steel Facades
The M03 House is Newly Fitted with a Lightweight Metal Roof Extension
Related Ideas
Optical Illusion Structures
The Reframe Art Installation Features Multiple Perspectives
14 Examples of Cliffside Architecture
From Museum Concepts to Undulating Cabins
Surreal Apocalyptic Architecture
Dionisio Gonzalez Presents Architecture of Resistance
Dirt-Wall Abodes
The Caterpillar House by Feldman Architecture is Made from the Ground It Sits On
Energy Efficient Egg Boats
The Exbury Egg is a Floating Self-Sustaining Home or Workspace
Outbursting Domestic Architecture
Casa Faustino Projects from its Core Like a Spatial Explosion
Contemporary Outdoor Office Spaces
The Skype Palo Alto Offices are a Modern Work Haven
Solitary Tundra Residences
The Reykjavik House is a Cozy Retreat Amid an Icy Landscape
Beehive High Heels
The Honey Natasha Shoe Has the Fashion World Buzzing
Modular Hexagonal Homes
Barry Jackson's HIVEHAUS is a Modular Housing Design Inspired by Bees
Macabre Origami House Cut-Outs
The Marc Hagan-Guirey Horrorgami is a Horror Culture Art Series
Chic Concrete Abodes
The Chair House by Igor Sirotov is Stark and Modern
Structure-Wrapped Interiors
In House Wing, Architecture and Furniture Design are Uniquely United
Chromatic Cave Lavatories
GAD Architecture Bathroom Designs Incorporate Curved Ceilings and Walls
Abundantly Striped Abodes
The Stripe House by GAAGA Architects Boasts a Lined Design
Minimalist Wooden Cabins
The Ermitage Cabin is a Minimalist Retreat into Swedish Nature
Abandoned Architecture Photography
The ‘Abandoned America’ Series Captures Desolate Sp
Multi-View Mountain Lodges
This Mountain Lodge Lets You See Things from a Variety of Views
Fragmented Timber Abodes
The Outside (Outside) ((Outside)) by a.a.+H Boasts an Intricate Design
Pumpkin-Inspired Pop-Up Shops
Yayoi Kusama Collaborates on the 12 Louis Vuitton by THEVERYMANY
Rolling Rooftop Abodes
The Carver + Schicketanz Dani Ridge House is Curvaceous
Chaotic Coastal Lookbooks
Stussy’s Women Spring/Summer 2013 Line Brings Back Beach & Surf
Barn-Shaped House Boats
This Floating House Design is Done in the Style of a Barn
Psychedelic Mountainside Abodes
Moon Hoon Creates a Trippy Hillside Cabin for a Korean Rockstar
Parking Lot-Like Abodes
The Marcio Kogan Studio MK27 'V4 House' is Awe-Inspiring
Retro Arcade Art Installations
The 3D Ms. Pac-Man Display is Interactive and Fun
Narrow Compact Abodes
Shaft House by Atelier rzlbd Makes the Most of a Small-Scaled Space
Homogeneous Modern Farmhouses
DC2 Residence Achieves Natural Uniformity within its Rural Landscape
Glowing Garage Architecture
The House Unimog Comprises a Translucently Clad Carport in its Base
Abstractly Roofed Abodes
The Sunlighthouse Was Made Asymmetrically to Maximize its Eco Efficiency
Contemporary Tech-Driven Structures
The i-City Pavilion Uses QR Codes as its Interior Facade
Crooked Eco Abodes
The Huba Shelter Has No Right Angles, Yet it's Spot-On Amazing
Illuminated Outdoor Living Rooms
Gray Organschi's Lantern-Lit Living Room Redefines Garden Chic
Cubic Labyrinth Interiors
The JAIST Gallery Design is Inspired by Cryptic Puzzles
Minimalist Wood-Accented Residences
The House F by Ido Kenji Serenely Embraces Contemporary Design
Organic Concept Architecture
Hotel WIND by Team BLDG Gains Inspiration from Growing Surroundings
Chic Box-Shaped Architecture
LLI Design Offers a Modern House in London
Gap-Filling Urban Abodes
'Live Between Buildings' Puts Lofts in Small Spaces
Timber Sliver Extensions
The Slat House is Wedged Up Against a Semi as a Contextual Threshold
Gorgeous Greenhouse Attics
The House in Yamasaki is Capped with Little Light-Filled Abodes
Dynamic Warped Architecture
The Emporia's Unusual Architecture Gives Way to an Unexpected Twist
Structural Geometrical Villas
The Fuschia Villa Uses Raw Materials to Blend into Its Surroundings
Stacked Box Abodes
Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects Designs a House with Rectangular Themes
Contemporary Barn-Like Residences
The Wind Vault House by Wallflower Keeps Naturally Cool
Sweat-Free Oxford Shirts
Blake and Whyte Offers a Dress Shirt Designed to Hide Unsightly Stains
Garden-Facade Residences
The Green Box by Act Romegialli is Overrun with Climbing Plants
Gorgeous Arctic Photography
Nordic Landscapes by Jens Fersterra Captures Untarnished Beauty
Modern Wood Cabin Residences
The Skyward House by Kazuhiko Kishimoto is Contemporary and Woodsy
Angled Scandinavian Abodes
The Archipelago House Reaps the Benefits of Two Simultaneous Views
Cute Two-Faced Cottages
The Chameleon Cabin Masquerades as Black or White Marble, View Dependent
Lush Organic Floating Houses
This Wooden Tree House is Stunning, Functional and All Natural
Dual Facade Residences
The Two Hulls House is Like a Pair of Nature-Viewing Binoculars
Split Subterranean Abodes
The Edgeland House by Bercy Chen Architecture is Breathtaking
Mod Monolithic Architecture
L'And Vinyards Hotel Embodies Luxury and Modernity in its Crispness
Sleek Spanish Galleries
The El Greco Museum Work with an Antiquated XVI Century Home
Blood Vessel Buildings
The El Raval Performing Arts Center Will Bring New Life into a Neighborhood
Timeless Stone Residences
The Cassell Street House is Inspired by Byzantine Buildings
Modern Modular Abodes
The El Viento Residence Madrid By Otto Medem is Awe-Inspiring
Skeletal Ripple Structures
The Mosque Amir Al-Momenin is Designed with Sustainability in Mind
Eternity Puzzle-Inspired Architecture
The Perth Arena is Futuristically Faceted
Bulbous Rooftop Installations
Artist Tomas Saraceno's Met Exhibit is Curved
Rooftop Hot Tubbed Resorts
The L’Apogée Courchevel Luxury Ski Resort is Charming and Lu
Hill-Swallowed Homes
The Cesky Raj Family House Seems to Sink into its Surrounding Landscape
Staircase-Inspired Residences
The Gershwin (Plot 14) in Amsterdam Has a Stepped Silhouette
Mini Mountainous Sculptures
Networktopia by Kim Harty is Made Out of Hot Strands of Glass
Hexagonal Supplement Logos
Bioheal Vitamins Packaging Embraces the Basics of Minimalist Motifs
Mod Mediterranean Villas
Relais Blu Belvedere Offers Contemporary Amalfi Accommodations
Brick-Accented Walkout Lofts
The Apartment Canongasse by Raumkunst is Gorgeously Modern
Color-Changing Architecture
This Building in Seoul has Light Up Windows That Change Color
Upcycled Umbrella Artwork
The Stunning 'Harvest Dome 2.0' Floats Along the Water in New York City
Seamless Ambient Televisions
The Phillips DesignLine Televisions Blends Seamlessly with Any Decor
Stacked Literature Installations
The Biografias VI by Alicia Martín Sculpture Embraces Knowle
Timber Shed-Inspired Homes
MR House Was Inspired by Local Chilean Sheds Placed Against Each Other
Modernized Winter Footwear
The Fimbulvetr Snowshoe is Sleek and Functional
Colorful Stick Architecture
The Ekoda Sugamo Shinkin Bank is Cheerful and Playful
Sharply Mountainous Structures
The Chongqing Greenland Clubhouse by PURE Design is Nature-Inspired
Golden Undulated Galleries
The Islamic Art Galleries at the Louvre Museum are Covered in Curves
Vintage-Styled Winter Footwear
Diemme’s Fall 2014 Collection Features Stunning Winter Shoes
Minimalist Church Designs
The 'St. Moritz Church' is Now Sporting a Glorious Minimalist Design
Eco-Friendly Temporary Libraries
The 'SUTD Library Pavilion' is Recyclable and Modern
Luxury Cubic Constructions
The Wheeler Kearns Architects 'Lake Shore Drive House' is Symmetrical
Contemporary Barn Homes
This Modern Barn Design is Calming and Warm
Sustainably Luxurious Residences
Andrea Castrignano Designs an Impressively Eco-Friendly Home
Panoramic Seaside Abodes
WE Design Studios Captures a Chic Breathtaking View in Alibaug, India
Inflatable Furniture Installations
Designer Kamps' Series is a Fun and Interactive Hiding Place
Protruding Window Architecture
The Shipara Office Building Slopes Like a Vertical Skate Park
Plant-Powered Architecture
Splitterwerk's Algae-Powered Building is Truly Green in its Design
Mountain-Mounted Tea Houses
This Mountain Tea House Adds an Aspect of Danger to Afternoon Tea
Honeycomb Dessert Trays
This Honeycomb Cake Pan Creates Unique Baked Goods
Luxurious Tweed Blankets
These Luxury Throw Blankets by Roros are Beautifully Designed
Layered Geometry Structures
The M House by Marcel Luchian Displays Overlapping Elements
Honeycombed Organizational Tools
This Drawer Organizer is Fit for the Queen Bee
Retractable Wood Housing
Osumi Yuzo Creates a One-with-Nature Abode
Floating Cloud Architecture
This Arthur Kupreychuk Design Looks Like it’s Under a Dark Cloud
Slender Space Abodes
The Osaka House by Ido Kenji Architectural Studio Optimizes Spacial Capacity
Glass-Encompassing Abodes
Apollo Architects's House Has Huge Skylights That Reach the Basement
Multi-Angled Roof Architecture
The Koda Estonia Pavilion by KUU Architects Embraces Geometry
Prismatic Data Visualization Art
The Keiichi Matsuda Prism Displays Information About London
Undulating Eatery Facades
The Yufutoku Restaurant by ISSHO Architects Evokes the Machiya Style
Bumble Bee-Themed Bracelets
The Jason of Beverly Hills Honeycomb Cuff is Covered in Sweet Bling
Cubed Ivory HillsideTowers
The Mountain Cabin by Marte Marte Architecture is the Perfect Retreat
Boxy Cantilevered Cabins
The Compact Cliff House Affords a Remarkably Expansive Experience
Metal-Encased Skyscrapers
The M9D4 Apartments by Architectures Anne Démians Filter Urban Spac
Porcelain Architecture Exhibits
The Ceramica Cumella: Shaping Ideas Show Celebrates One Studio
Life-Contemplating Sustainable Architecture
This Waste Treatment Plant Has a Mesmerizing Structure
Residential Oasis Abodes
The Desert House by Lake Flato Architects Might be Mistaken for a Mirage
Eerie Travel Fog Photography
The Dora Kontha Photo Series Wanderlust is Whimsicle
Abstract Wave-Inspired Architecture
The Hyundai Pavilion by Unsangdong Architects Mimics Motion
Angular Plywood Abodes
The Ant House by Ma-Style Architects Reveals Hidden Surprises
Compartmentalized Sporting Centers
The Diving Centre by Moko Architects Boasts Distincitve Design
Sting Ray-Inspired Floating Museums
The Pingtan Art Museum Can Only be Accessed by Bridge
Symbolic Generational Housing
Studio_Gaon Completes the 'House for Reunion' Near Seoul
Jigsaw Tower Installations
The Marble Curtain by Jeanne Gang is Made Out of 620 Slabs of Stone
Mirrored Canopy Structures
The Port Vieux Pavilion is Reminiscent of Chicago's Cloud Gate
Forest Art Galleries
Makoto Yamaguchi's Lustrous Villa and Art Gallery Sits in a Scenic Forest
Hidden Courtyard Complexes
Romera y Ruiz Arquitectos' Design Conceals a Stunningly Secretive Abode
Cat-Eared Cabins
The Pedervegen 8 Residence Features a Pair of Curious Rooftop Protrusions
Crystallized Angle Abodes
The Under the Moonlight House Displays Complex Geometries
Repurposed Tin Shacks
The Artport TLV is Now a Communal Space for Artists in Residence
Boisterous Avant-Garde Arenas
The Barclays Center Arena is Truly a Stunning Sight
Revamped Seaside Villas
House N by Maxwan Brings a Structure into the 21st Century with Style
Intricately Joined Seats
The Mimicry Chairs by Nendo Boasts a Simplistic Aesthetic
Upside-Down Pyramid Furniture
The Lythos Table by Toni Grilo Impossibly Balances on Its Peak
Undersea-themed Carousels
The Battery SeaGlass Trades Ponies and Unicorns for Sea Creatures
Polygonal Brick Abodes
The Shirasu House Has a Flat Top and Whimsically Angular Walls
Pristine Snowboarding Photography
Leysin by Olly Burn Captures Sporty Snowy Scenes
Multifaceted Metallic Furnishings
Tom Dixon's New Home Decor Collection Plays with Texture
Cityscape Screen Installations
Pretty Vacant by Rietveld Landscape is Elaborately Toy-Like
Iconic English Swimming Holes
Studio Octopi Designs Public Pools in the River Thames
Suggestive American Internet Infographics
This Chart Explores Why American Internet Lags Behind
Sinuous Desert-Like Pavilions
The UAE Pavilion Mimics Sand Dunes
Abstract Architectural Paintings
Artist Cecile Van Hanja Finds Muses in Concrete Structures
Romantic Architecture Projects
Nick Olson and Lilah Horwitz Quit Their Jobs to Make a Dream House
Stark Seafaring Towers
The 'Step Tower' Imitates a Ship with Clean and Elegant Curves
Target-Tracking Tripods
The SoloShot Tripod Stays Focused on the Action No Matter What
Surfing Forecast Apps
The Tide Sweet Swell Surf Guide Keeps You in the Loop with Local Waves
Athletic-Themed Acadamies
The UNO Elementary School Soccer Academy Maintains High Attendance Rate
Massive Miniature Train Attractions
Northlandz is the World's Largest Miniature Train Escapade
Travel Time-Lapse Videos
This Video Lets You Experience the Czech Republic in a Whole New Way