Stainless innovation in Building

Within the last 2 years, we noticed erratic fluctuations of raw materials such as nickel entering into our main stainless grade chemical composition. The substitution of stainless by other material was a threat due to a loss of price advantage and the problem of fluctuating price while Construction and Building projects ask for a stable price. Stainless Europe turned this situation into an opportunity and developed new alternatives solutions: ferritic offer KARA, linking technical performance and price benefit.


In Brazil, we associated our ferritic grade KARA with architectural work of great impact: the newest landmark of Sao Paulo city The Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge project. This is a 138-metre tall cable-stayed bridge and the only one in the world that has two transverse curved tracks supported by a single concrete mast. Approximately, 1.800m² of stainless steel grade K44, 1,2mm thick and brushed finishing was used. Stainless steel was specified for cladding the friezes, upper mezzanine, knot, rings and caps and for the mast connections (photograph above). "Stainless steel is a material that highlights the importance of the construction design and its aesthetic portliness", affirms the project architect, João Valente.


The importance of construction design


More than aesthetics, stainless was preferred for its excellent oxidation resistance, flexibility and versatility on transformation process, lightness and longevity of service life.


In Europe, our Stainless unit has signed a sponsorship agreement for the ArchiHome project. The project, developed by architect firm archi5 and manufacturer Isoris, consists in building houses from recycled shipping containers. The houses offer vast adjustment and customisation possibilities thanks to the use of prefabricated containers covered with a stainless steel envelope.


The first of these modern, adjustable and environmentally-friendly houses was presented on the occasion of the Summer Festival at the well-known Forum des Halles shopping centre in Paris, as the first prize of a big competition launched on July 6, 2009.


ArcelorMittal's Stainless Europe unit provided the steel used for the building envelope, that is, the façade and roofing. To build this cost-effective architect house, ArcelorMittal selected its K36 steel grade, which presents several assets including price stability, a good resistance to corrosion, excellent shininess and a reduced thermal dilatation.


The name of the lucky winner of the stainless steel house (delivery only in Metropolitan France) will be soon revealed !


Want to know more? Go to Archihome


More innovations are possible with stainless in the Building and Construction market, please have a look on:


- TOPALI Hut with UGITOP® facade


- Stainless steel swimming-pool in Paris: Alfred Nakache and in Vichy


- Constructalia


Our Product Developers and Commercial teams already look beyond today to envision the stainless solution of tomorrow : it is our reactivity to adapt our offer to market demand to face the context that will be key to our future success.


Image credit: ArcelorMittal - Inox Brasil
Authors: Amelie Tregouet and Claudia Iacopini Acorsi