Metal Panel Innovations

ATAS has introduced horizontal metal panel elements. Both linear metal panels are rainscreen systems with the Versa-Seam being the plank-reveal look and - more exciting - the Versa-Lok being the shingle look. Versa-Seam comes in different widths and Versa-Lok comes in different widths and lengths that can be randomly mixed for a dynamic effect. I wasn't able to find information on their website (though they have plenty other products to check out) but did find a few articles.

Even more exciting is Dri-Design's Ombrae panels. These panels use computer technology to turn images - photos, logos, graphics - into "pixels" in the panel. These pixels are incomplete perforations that could change in size and angle in order to reflect light differently. The effect is a large scale "mural" or digital graphic that interacts with the sun or the artificial lighting. There are a few photos and a video here but it looks like it hasn't been used too much yet. Such great possibilities!