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Collection by Luke Hopping

Facade Focus: Cor-Ten Steel

Whereas other exterior metals grow unsightly marks of wear with exposure to the elements, Cor-Ten thrives on oxidation. Culled from our archives, here are a few steel facades that become more distinguished with each new coat of rust.

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The woven wire steel mesh presents a semi-transparent sheath to the interiors.
The woven wire steel mesh presents a semi-transparent sheath to the interiors.
Architect Andrew McAvoy created an earth-sheltered house in Scotland for Gavin and Angelique Robb and children Scarlett and Gus.
Architect Andrew McAvoy created an earth-sheltered house in Scotland for Gavin and Angelique Robb and children Scarlett and Gus.
From a distance, the rusted Cor-Ten facade looks to be an extension of the rocky terrain. Photo by Rory Gardiner.
From a distance, the rusted Cor-Ten facade looks to be an extension of the rocky terrain. Photo by Rory Gardiner.
The Treehouse, also part of the Post Ranch Inn, features Cor-ten panels.
The Treehouse, also part of the Post Ranch Inn, features Cor-ten panels.
Tuned into its sylvan setting, this affordable green home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a modern take on the surrounding centuries-old structures. photos by: Richard Leo Johnson, Atlantic Archives
Tuned into its sylvan setting, this affordable green home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is a modern take on the surrounding centuries-old structures. photos by: Richard Leo Johnson, Atlantic Archives
The fire-resistant structure is clad in corrugated Cor-Ten steel that has been left to rust for easy maintenance. Instead of fussy landscaping, the family spread seed for native grasses and wildflowers that they let fill in naturally.
The fire-resistant structure is clad in corrugated Cor-Ten steel that has been left to rust for easy maintenance. Instead of fussy landscaping, the family spread seed for native grasses and wildflowers that they let fill in naturally.