Perforated panels are a great way of creating original architectural designs while allowing practical benefits such as ventilation.
Perforated panels are simply panels that have been punctured to create a pattern of holes or various shapes. The two most common methods of making these perforations are laser cutting or drilling and, when brought together as a complete façade, these panels can create a continuous geometric design or an artist’s impression of an image.
Maple has extensive experience designing and installing bespoke perforated panel façades and each one has been just as unique as the last. To discover how different each perforated panel project can be, take a look at 6 of our favourites.
Over 2,000 perforated panels were installed onto the Liverpudlian car park whose design reflects the network of 200-year-old tunnels beneath Liverpool’s streets. Each panel was uniquely positioned to form the abstract image designed by KKA whose director, Kasia Borkowska, praised Maple for bringing the intricate vision to reality. “Maple have done a wonderful job of bringing our vision to life and helping to create a facility that proudly reflects the area’s rich history.”
The project, designed by architects Tonkin Liu, involved the installation of 1,900 silver-anodised perforated panels covering an area of 3,800 sqm. The panels join to create the impression of waves across the Sunderland skyline and controlled illumination also aids the façade in forming a bright urban landmark during the day and night.
Completed last summer, the 650-space car park has since gone on to win accolades such as 'Best New Car Park' at the British Parking Awards.
Laser-cut aluminium panels with an abstract pattern inspired by iconic sailing ships cloak the seven-storey car park. Together with Willmott Dixon and Leach Rhodes Walker, we established the most practical and cost-effective way to bring the design to life using a combination of early engagement and testing. Both the laser-cut and expanded mesh panels were tested in a wind tunnel, to ensure their design could withstand winds of up to 120mph. The car park hosts an extensive 1,453 parking spaces and replaced the previous car park at King’s Dock which was destroyed by fire in 2017.
In 2023, a beautiful array of perforated aluminium panels were installed onto the new research and development facility in Ebbw Vale. The panels were anodised in natural satin bronze and perforated with holes of three sizes to create an impression of the surrounding woodland. The design was envisaged by Rio Architects and enables the modern facility to blend into its historic location.
Another successful perforated panel façade installation was for the Horsham Fire and Training Centre. Maple realised HNW’s vision by arranging over 500 perforated panels, each either fully perforated, part-perforated, or solid, to create a geometric façade for the new fire station. Anodised in ‘Golden Splendour,’ the panels ensure long-term weather resistance and add a sophisticated look. The modern façade reflects the high-tech training facility within, which includes a combined training tower and live fire training area.
Since its completion, the fire station has been the recipient of ‘Building Project of the Year over £20 million' at the London and South East Constructing Excellence Awards.
Our façade installation for the new car park at North Manchester General Hospital marks one of our latest perforated panel façades. The design comprises a pseudo-random pattern of triangular panels which have been fixed to all elevations to create a bespoke geometric-style façade. Each of the laser-cut perforations are effective in creating a visual impact while encouraging light and ventilation.
