Corten, the special super-strong designer steel
As reiterated on several occasions, Corten is an indestructible to self-healing material.
It “lives” and protects itself: if the surface is scratched, it oxidizes again and gives birth to a patina that regenerates it. It is an infinite process, destined to leave a trace in time.
Corten steel, short for the Anglo-Saxon terms “CORrosion restistance” and “TENsile strength,” is a low-alloy material patented in 1933 by the American company United States Steel Corporation (U.S.S.).
Once used as a protective coating for freight train cars or “containers,” it has always stood out for superiority in the mechanical field over traditional carbon steel.
The first major application as structural steel in construction was in 1964 with the construction of the Management Center of John Deere and Co, Illinois.
Today it is used in construction as a design finish.
advantages and colors of cortenn
Under normal environmental conditions, this coating forms in about 18-36 months, and its color varies from an initial orange to a reddish-brown shade, the typical rust coloration that gives the material not only an aesthetic but also a protective effect.
Corten is called a living metal because if the surface patina is nicked or nicked, the oxidation process starts again until a new protection is built up.
Under normal environmental conditions, this coating forms in about 18-36 months, and its color varies from an initial orange to a reddish-brown shade, the typical rust coloration that gives the material not only an aesthetic but also a protective effect.
Corten is called a living metal because if the surface patina is nicked or nicked, the oxidation process starts again until a new protection is built up.
APPLICATIONS
The contexts in which corten can be applied are varied.
It is distinguished by the originality factor for all those projects that integrate architecture and landscape.
An interesting example, in this regard, is Cuadra’s work within the “Brisighella Nuova 2.0 – Comunità Ospitale” project: the goal is to create an urban space capable of making life better for citizens and enhancing, from a smart perspective, all the excellence of the small town in the province of Ravenna.
In fact, Cuadra’s signature corten metal planters have been placed in Marconi Square, the main square of the Borgo brisighellese, and are integrated with the surrounding space by binding and pandering to the balance between aesthetics, functionality and architecture. Every inch of the square thus acquires its own value and becomes “green for living.”
Its enormous expressive value for design objects is also well known.
A clear example is the Centrino Style collection with which we have brought to life exclusive and architecturally valuable lamps and furnishings.
Find out more: www.centrinostyle.it
Leave a Reply