Creativity – Shanghai Metal Corporation

The coolest student-dorm is made of CONTAINERS!

No doubts! The coolest dormitory of all time is located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Why this student-dorm is so unique? Because is made from old silos and shipping containers! The project was recently realized by the full service management company Citiq Property Services (PTY) Ltd. Here is how the company displayed this amazing idea.

“Citiq recently purchased two sets of the disused grain silos in Newtown, Johannesburg. Through creative design and leading edge architecture, the plans are to develop energy-efficient buildings that are both contemporary in design and contribute to the urban regeneration of Newtown. Conversion of Mill Junction, the first set of silos, to student accommodation started at the beginning of 2013 and was completed in early 2014, just in time for the new student intake.”

(from citiqproperty.co.za)

Mill-Junction-07 — from http://www.domusweb.it/en

As it was stated by DomusWeb website, the five silos used to build the dormitory were abandoned and grain was once stored there. Recycled containers were then placed, one on top of the other or one next to the other, both on the side and on top of the five silos. The dormitory can today host about 400 students enrolled in different school or universities thanks to the strategic location of the dormitory. This is for sure one of the most extraordinary example of how shipping containers can be used in a very fashionable way for a worthy purpose.

If you wonder how a single/double room looks like FastCoexist website provides you with the answer! How you can see from the pictures below, living in a container house/room looks exactly the same of sleeping in a ‘tradition’ house.

Not only! This amazing dorm partially made from recycled shipping containers offers numerous common areas to students such as game and computer rooms, libraries, gym and kitchens, and even a climbing wall!!

Untitled design (2) — from http://www.fastcoexist.com/

Wondering container-house might be the perfect solution for you and your family? Shanghai Metal Corporation provides you with a great selection of container houses. Visit our website and do not hesitate to contact us.

Scan the QR code below and stay informed about our latest updates:

Stefano// SMC Editor

Illuminating a Container Cave With Improvised Narrative

Holdup Architecture‘s artwork for 2011 Kobe Biennale competition is one of those examples that show how creativity and shipping containers are a match. We previously discussed the competition’s container guitar and container kaleidoscope, but this is something far beyond!

When a user enters the chalkboard-like container cave, there is nothing but darkness. It’s only when she approaches the center of the room, when the container’s UV start activating making one’s clothes glow in the darkness. The glow grows stronger as the user approaches a drawing board. The light become the brightest when the user draws patterns.

This work called “Off To On” that cost the artists $6000 was awarded with honors. The interior part was equipped with steel gratings, mesh sheets, rubber rolls and other below shown materials that enabled this self-made exhibition. They also utilized a special software for this purpose.

The users are controlled only to the drawing interface. What the users draw is not controlled except by the surrounding intense darkness. What kind of story the visitor tells through her drawings tells a lot about the visitor herself. It is the surrounding that prevails her inner thoughts.

The company has described the Off to On as a setting where the visitor is assimilated to a speleologist discovering a primitive cave with prehistoric drawings painted on the rock, except that drawings are not relics from past ages. Basically, the whole space is dark until he draws on the table. Drawing is the only way to be involved and visualize the «self-made exhibition». (via HoldUp Architecture)

There are no words to describe this experience. You should try it yourself. If you are a container artist, you can always contact us in Shanghai Metal Corporation to find the necessary material. Our wide variety of shipping containers can be seen here. Check also our social media sites for future updates.

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Pictures and original articles: Holdup Architecture, Inhabitat

Please use the the social media boxes below to SHARE this article to reach all the container artists everywhere.

Dream Home Furnishing With IKEA’s Very Affordable Little Helper

If you ask any present college student or graduate where they bought their furniture while at school, odds are IKEA is high up on that list. As of January 2008, IKEA became the world’s largest furniture retailer thanks to their product management, placement and quality given to their customers. IKEA’s product lines range from your everyday table spoon and doorknobs to larger media furniture, sofas, and full furnished kitchens. With style and functionality at it’s forth front, IKEA needed a material that would both look aesthetically pleasing with their items and durable-stainless steel was the answer.

Using China as the main example; out of their 2615 products on sale, 544 have in one way shape or form stainless steel. With over 20% of their products in China containing stainless steel, it’s a great thing that most of IKEA’s stainless steel articles are sourced from Asia, including China at 90%, Taiwan and Korea with the final 10%. The ability to adapt stainless steel on their existing products gave them that hint of style they needed.

With IKEA’s popularity at a world’s recognition, they have attracted new and modern designers. The ability for these designers to use stainless steel in their products has helped promote IKEA product as not just functional but stylish, as well as potentially raise their revenue. With some products, consumers have a choice of whether or not to include stainless steel in their product. For example, you could buy a bed frame and keep the wooden legs that it comes with, or opt to spend $20 more on those stainless steel legs which makes your bed look better. At the end of the day more people choose to spend just a little bit more to make their bed look sleeker and better looking.

The example of the bed legs is just one small one, but it shows the significance a small change can make. Stainless steel has absolutely helped IKEA pave the way to different markets with their high quality and affordable products.

It is this same idea of affordability and quality that we here at Shanghai Metal Corporation bring to the table with your stainless steel needs. To find out more, please visit our Website or send your inquiry here. Our English speaking personnel will be more than pleased to help you. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code.

Sources: Ikea, Stainless Steel Report SMC stainless steel pipe

Mario B.//SMC Editor

Juice Up Your Phone At Social Solar Charger While In NYC

Solar energy is known as the future in power generation, commonly present in solar-powered roofs as an alternative to conventional electricity or in more sophisticated applications such as solar charging cars through a combination of photovoltaic cells and carbon fiber rods.

Now you can add social solar charger to the list. CityCharger is a social solar charging station located at Bryant Park in New York City, which enables “on-the-go” users to charge their devices. Powered entirely by solar energy, it comes equipped with a solar panel that can be manually rotated to point South, six charging cables and a communal table that encourages social interaction while the users wait for their devices to be charged. Each small round table has an internally illuminated power-icon that indicates when the unit is turned.

CityCharge is the result of two years of product development collaboration between, Bryant Park Corporation, Green Barrel Energy Inc., a New York City based solar company, and Landscapeforms, USA’s leading manufacturer of high quality street furniture. With plans to expand around New York City and other areas in the US, CityCharge is an ideal choice for any public space manager, allowing easy relocation in case of events and maintenance activities, and no need of storage during rain or snow. The carbon steel with an electro-coated and polyester powder-coated finish provides incredible protection against rust and UV degradation and is easy to clean.

CityCharge doesn’t let down when it comes to its anti-scratch experience. The soft blue polycarbonate table takes easy on users’ phone casings, whilst “visually connects the product to the sky and nature, where the power comes from”, says Ignacio Ciocchini, the designer behind CityCharge.

Shanghai Metal Corporation manufactures a wide range of Solar panel aluminum extrusion widely used in solar panels and tin coated/plated copper strip used in solar panel batteries. For our full list of products that we offer check out our website. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or you could try our new mobile app by scanning our QR code. Moreover, we sell directly from Alibaba , EC21 ,Tradekey or directly at sales@shanghaimetal.com.

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Source and pictures: yankodesign.com, blog.bryantpark.org, weburbanist.com

Camilla G.//SMC Editor

Coated and Colored: Your guide to Metal Roofing

Whilst many materials can be used to provide protection as a roof for homes and other buildings such as stainless steel and galvanized steel the preferred material due to cost and durability is Galvalume. Galvalume is a patented product which is essential regular steel that has been galvanized using a 55% zinc-aluminum coating.

This can be installed unpainted in its natural appearance either in standard round corrugations or nearly any profile to suit the design and/or functions of the roof in question. It doesn’t even have to be in sheet form as straight from the factory you can order metal roofing tiles to recreate the appearance of cement or terracotta tiles but with the durability and flexibility of Galvalume steel.

But the beauty of this product is the array of prepainted colours that are available which can really enhance the aesthetics of your home; we have chosen some examples to illustrate the unique nature of this product. The colored finish is actually powder coated and baked on to the steel coil, adding another layer of protection to the inner steel which is why this is one of the most durable products to use ; after being tested for effectiveness in both coastal locations and even the Australian desert this product has proven its effectiveness.

As a licensed supplier of Galvalume materials SMC is able to offer this product either in coils or sheets (in any profile) and either painted or with the natural metallic appearance. Should you have any queries, request or customizations please do not hesitate to visit our website Here. For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin. Or by using your smart device, scan the QR code below!

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Colorbond; Industrial Galvinizers Corp.; Galvalume

Furniture Trend Alert

Trending currently around the world is the increase in popularity of galvanized furniture; prized for its often industrial look, adaptability and durability (especially in outdoor settings) consumers are updating their homes with these trendy pieces. Pictured below is a striking outdoor setup where a selection of galvanized pieces has made a particularly striking impression on an already stellar location.

Complementing this galvanized furnishing trend is the addition of industrial fittings to the home and bare walled rooms to give the impression that one is in a warehouse. This has the effect of opening up a space and also allowing the resident of the dwelling to have a unique living perspective. This ideal is emphasized below, where galvanized furniture is complemented with galvanized steel bars to create this aesthetic but also a bonus practical foot rest.

Further tapping into this trend is our example below, which goes one step further by incorporating the use of reclaimed timber scaffolding along with galvanized piping to emphasize the urban rival and reclamation that this trend emphasizes.

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers galvanized steel in a multitude of forms that can be used to satisfy the applications mentioned above. These include piping, galvanized steel coils, strips, sheets, plates, wire, pre-painted steel, roofing material (in a number of profiles) as well as steel grating.

To find out more about these products or to discuss customization and individual requirements please visit our website Here. For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin. Or by using your smart device, scan the QR code below!

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Groundwork, Coroflot

For Our French Readers: Métal léger, décoratif, et respectueux de l’environnement

Pourquoi faire lourd quand vous pouvez faire la leger?

Pourquoi faire polluant quand on peut faire ecologique?

Pourquoi faire ennuyeux quand on peut faire original?

Le métal est partout. Si je vous dis qu’il est un moyen facile d’utiliser de métal de la même manière qu’il est utilisé nos meubles de tout les jours, mais économiser jusqu’à 70% de la quantité de metal utilisée, qu en penseriez vous?

Il n’ya pas de tour, ce dont je vous parle est tout simplement d’utiliser de l acier perfore et pas plein.

Que pouvez y gagner? Eh bien, tout d’abord, les sociétés leader dans cette activité vous permettent de choisir parmi une grande variété de motifs de trous, ce qui signifie que vous pouvez personnaliser le matériel. Deuxièmement, vous obtenez un rapport poids solidite tres interessant, ce qui signifie que vous obtenez un mobilier à la fois très solide et léger. Troisiemement vous économiser de l’argent, du matériel et faites moins de pollution. Last but not least, en fonction de votre créativité, vous pouvez trouver un moyen très décoratif et artistique de l’utiliser.

Reston sur ce dernier point. Voici un truc que je peux vous conseiller de faire, très abordable et vraiment cool. Tout d’abord, obtenir une feuille de métal perforé, avec un motif de trou que vous aimez.

Deuxièmement, ayez une lampe a lumière concentrée (comme lampe de bureau) et un miroir (il est beaucoup mieux si sa taille correspond avec le métal perforé) Troisièmement, créer un jeu de lumiere personnalisé unique en plaçant la feuille de métal perforé juste à côté du miroir et illuminer l ensemble avec votre lampe!

Si vous cherchez à décorer votre habitation plus originalement, laisser Shanghai Metal Corporation vous aider. Si vous êtes dans le secteur des meubles / construction, et envie d économiser de l’argent, d etre plus ecologique, d améliorer votre rapport poind resistance et d’évoluer dans l’originalité de vos matériaux fournis, s’il vous plaît jeter un oeil sur notre site here, et assurez-vous de joindre à la conversation dans nos pages Linkedin group, Facebook, Twitter, et Instagram. Vous pouvez aussi essayer notre nouvelle application mobile en scannant le code QR juste en dessus avec votre smartphone.

#BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

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Source: architonic.com, christinelholmes.wordpress.com, indesignlive.sg, gizmag.com, architizen.com, dezeen.com

Arthur P.//SMC ecrivain en herbe

Architectural Triumphs With Galvanized Steel

Corrugated and sheet metals such as galvanized steel have come a long way in the architectural and construction communities from when they were simply a strong and effective material used as roofing. It has come to the point now where they can be the feature of a home or building and used both inside and out.

This idea of galvanized steel as a universal building material is shown below where the house features has used it for both a roofing material and as exterior wall cladding. This industrial appearing material, when combined with the natural aesthetic of wood creates a juxtaposition between man and nature, especially given the lush backdrop of rural Australia.

From an interior perspective there is an increasing trend to use both corrugated, flat and shaped galvanized steel for both ceilings and walls. The remarkable example below featured in the master bedroom of a modern home show how the metallic surface of galvanized steel can add a touch of modernity to a design, with the corrugated sheeting offering a texture rarely seen in the interior of a home.

The versatility of this material is undeniable, with designers stretching their imagination to previously-thought impossible lengths. As is witnessed in the examples below; the ability to bend, shape, curve and erect this material at extreme pitches can lead to some outstanding design possibilities. The home on the left features a nearly 100% external composition of pre-painted corrugated galvanized steel proving the residents with high bush-fire protection, energy efficiency as well as a remarkable aesthetic!

In contrast to these curves seen above the design featured below presents an opposing dynamic of this material. With its sheer pitched sides, long straight lengths and intense angles it is hard not to appreciate the capabilities this material offers to architects and the remarkable results that are left for the eye to enjoy.

Shanghai Metal Corporation is a world leader in innovative metal manufacture and will strive to meet all of your building and design specifications.

To find out more about galvanized steel or to discuss customization and individual requirements please visit our website Here.

For more updates on this and other exciting developments follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin, you can also scan the QR code below to aceess theres mediums through your smart device.

Dominick F.//SMC Editor

Sources: Ral Homes, Colorbond, ArchiExpo & Freshome

For Our Brazilian Readers: Cooperativa Brasileira “Escama Studio” Transforma Anel De Latinha De Alumínio Reciclado Em Moda

Cooperativas de artesanato, também conhecidas como empresas sociais, agora estão encontrando novos meios para capacitar os membros de suas comunidades a ganhar dinheiro.

“Escama Studio”, o que significa escamas de peixe em Português, é uma cooperativa brasileira de arte que oferece mulheres das “cidades satélites” de Brasilia práticas de negócios a seremempregadas na produção manual de bolsas usando anel de latas de alumínio reciclado como matéria-prima principal.

As artesãs recebem formação profissional e são pagas por seutrabalho por peça, cujo preço é fixado pela cooperativa. As bolsas da Escama Studio são éticas e ecologicamente corretas, uma vez que são produzidas inteiramente a partir de materiais reciclados – há bolsas que utilizam mais de 700 anéis de lata de alumínio reciclados partir de latas de refrigerante no Brasil. Cada peça vem com a assinatura da pessoa que a fez. No site da cooperativa os perfis de artistas e imagem são disponibilizados ao público, onde você pode deixar uma mensagem para a artesã. Além disso, Escama Studio doa 3% do produto interno bruto das vendas anuais diretamente à cooperativa.

bag8 — Bolsa da Escama Studio e nome das artesãs

A maioria dos anéis de alumínio usados na produção das bolsas ecológicas são feitos de alumínio (75%). Outro material mais raro que também é usado para produzir lingüetas é aço galvanizado, que representa o restante da produção mundial de anéis (25%). Esses anéis de alumínio são conhecidos como “stay-on-tab”, inventado por Ermal Fraze e Omar Brown. A versão “stay-on-tab” representa o fim da versão ecológica “easy-open”, substituindo a antiga tampa lisa (conhecida como concha), a fim de reduzir as lesões e lixo em beira de estrada devido aos separadores removíveis. O novomecanismo utiliza um guia separado ligado à superfície superior como uma alavanca para comprimir uma parte marcada na tampa, esta se dobra para baixo do topo da lata e para fora do caminho da abertura.

A produção mundial de todas as latas de bebida é de aproximadamente 475,000 milhões de latas por ano em todo o mundo, 100 bilhões por ano em os EUA, 52 bilhões por ano na Europa, crescendo cerca de 3% ao ano.

A reciclagem dos anéis de alumínio é definitivamente uma maneira inteligente e muito criativa que realmente faz você se sentir como se estivesse fazendo algo de positivo para o planeta.

bag7 — Versão “Stay-on-tab” para anel de alumínio

Shanghai Metal Corporation não leva vantagem na compra e venda de bolsas. Orgulhamo-nos das iniciativas como a da Escama Studio, uma cooperativa de empoderamento que traz esperança e felicidade para a comunidade e a sociedade como um todo.

Shanghai Metal Corporation oferece uma grande variedade de folha de alumínio (placa de alumínio) utilizado na produção de latas de bebidas, tampas e anéis. Para a nossa lista completa de produtos que oferecemos, confira o nosso site aqui. Certifique-se também de participar da conversa em nosso grupo LinkedIn, Facebook, eTwitter. Experimente o nosso novo aplicativo móvel digitalizando o código QR abaixo.

Você também pode ler mais artigos por nossa equipe no SMC:

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FOR OUR SWEDISH READERS: TRÖTT? ANVÄND RULLTRAPPAN!

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FOR OUR CHINESE READERS: 日本不锈钢产业进口

SMC #BuildingValueAcrossTheGlobe

Fonte: inhabitat.com, Wikipedia

Fotos: escama.com

Camilla G.//Editora da SMC

Recycled Aluminum Pulltabs Made Popular By The Brazilian Cooperative “Escama Studio”

Craft cooperatives, also known as social enterprises, are now finding new means to empower members of their communities to earn money.

“Escama Studio”, which means fish scales in Portuguese, is a Brazilian craft cooperative offering women in the ‘satellite cities’ of Brasília business practices in hand production of bags using recycled aluminum pulltabs as main raw material.

The craftswomen receive business training and are fairly paid for their piecework with a price set by the cooperative. Escama’s purses are as ethical and eco-friendly as they are made entirely from recycled materials – some of the bags uses over 700 aluminum pull-tabs recycled from soda cans in Brazil. Each piece comes with a hang tag bearing the signature of the person who made it. On their website the artist profiles and picture are made available to the public, where you could leave a message to the artist. In addition, Escama donates 3 percent of gross annual sales directly back to the cooperatives.

The majority of the beverage cans’ pulltabs used in the production of the eco-friendly handbags are made of aluminium (75 percent). Another more rare material used to produce pulltabs is tin-plated steel, which accounts for the rest of the worldwide production of pulltabs (25 percent). These pulltabs are known as “stay-on-tab”, invented by Ermal Fraze and Omar Brown. The “stay-on-tab” version features the “easy-open ecology end” which replaced old plain lids (known as shells) in order to reduce injuries and roadside litter caused by removable tabs. The mechanism uses a separate tab attached to the upper surface as a lever to depress a scored part of the lid, which folds underneath the top of the can and out of the way of the resulting opening.

Worldwide production for all beverage cans is approximately 475 billion cans per year worldwide, 100 billion per year in the US, 52 billion per year in Europe, growing about 3 percent annually. Recycling the aluminum pulltabs is definitely a clever and very creative way that actually makes you feel like you are doing something positive for the planet.

Shanghai Metal Corporation does not take any part in the handbag purchase. We are proud of initiatives such as Escama Studio as an empowering cooperative bringing hope and happiness to the community and the society as a whole.

Shanghai Metal Corporation offers a wide array of aluminum sheet (aluminum plate) used in the production of beverage can, caps and ring-pull. For our full list of products that we offer check out our website here. Be sure to join the conversation in our LinkedIn group, Facebook, and Twitter. Try also our new mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

You can also read more articles by our team at SMC:

NEW IPHONE6 CASES LEAKED BY A SMARTPHONE DESIGN COMPANY

INSIDE ROCKETS: THE ROLE OF ICE AND ALUMINUM

ALUMINUM EXHIBITION ENCOURAGES IMAGINATION IN ENGINEERING

THE NEW RECLOSABLE SCREW-TOP ALUMINUM BOTTLE FOR YOUR BEER

GIVE A LOOK OF LUXURY TO YOUR BEAUTY PACKAGE

LIQUID PACKAGING MADE FAMOUS BY A WATCH COMPANY

5 MODERN INNOVATIVE PACKAGING CONCEPTS

WORLD’S MOST ICONIC SPORTING VENUES UTILIZE ALUMINUM TO PORTRAY MODERN FEEL

FOR OUR SWEDISH READERS: TRÖTT? ANVÄND RULLTRAPPAN!

TIRED? USE THE ESCALATOR!

ALUMINUM ENSURES SMOOTH SAILING AT SEA