Features of Aluminum Construction: Supporting Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Architecture

What are the features of aluminum construction? In construction applications, aluminum stairs structures can weigh 35 to 65 percent less than steel but still provide equivalent strength. Because of that now, skyscrapers must be built by including aluminum in their construction. Aluminum was first used for building and construction in the 1920s. The use of aluminum is oriented towards decorative details and art deco structures. The breakthrough came in 1930 when the main structures within the Empire State Building were constructed of aluminum (including the famous spire and interior structure). Today aluminum is one of the most energy-efficient and sustainable construction materials. It is currently estimated that 50 to 80 percent of buildings worldwide use recycled aluminum building materials. Some of the aluminum-intensive LEED-certified buildings have won Platinum, Gold, and Best Worldwide awards for their sustainable application.

Built-in 1930-1932, the Empire State Building was the first building to utilize aluminum components and fabricated structures. The use of aluminum helps build projects that qualify for green building status under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard. Corrosion-resistant aluminum bridge decks require no painting, minimal maintenance and, unlike concrete, require no additional framework or workmanship time. Aluminum can provide insulation and allow sunlight and fresh air to enter the building. The alloy that escapes can support large glass structures and solar panels. Aluminum fixtures material requirements for architecture. Besides being able to adapt to an architectural theme, aluminum also has advantages in color quality. Until now, the use of aluminum in the Empire State Building shows how durable and strong aluminum is as a building construction material. In 1994, 5,460 windows in the historic building were replaced with aluminum frames because the steel frames had deteriorated, fearing to freeze to air and air leaks. Also, through chemical analysis, the original paint color on the aluminum turned out to match the color of the Empire State building so that the restoration received approval from the Landmark Preservation Society.