Façade Solutions champions COR-TEN for green projects

COR-TEN steel, a corrosion-resistant, high-tensile steel alloy recognised for its striking weathered appearance, is gaining popularity as a material of choice for distinctive architectural projects across the Middle East region. Combining long-term durability with a naturally warm, organic aesthetic, it offers an appealing solution for contemporary, low-maintenance façades, according to Façade Solutions.

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COR-TEN is a trademarked brand name for steel that was developed by the US Steel Corporation in the 1930s.

“COR-TEN steel, also known as self-weathering steel, is increasingly seen as a desirable material in modern architectural projects due to its distinctive rust-like appearance and inherent strength,” Asif Kibria, Managing Director for Façade Solutions, tells Gulf Construction in an exclusive interview. “Its natural oxidised patina provides a warm, contemporary aesthetic that blends well with both modern glass façades and traditional stonework.”

APPEAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST CLIMATE

Asif emphasises that, in the Middle East, where design often seeks to leave a bold and lasting impression, COR-TEN steel offers multiple advantages, including its low maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and inherent strength.

He points out, however, that its application must be well planned. “COR-TEN steel can be a very desirable choice in the Middle East when used thoughtfully – ideally in controlled environments or inland projects – delivering both iconic aesthetics and practical durability,” he says.

The key to the material’s performance is its self-weathering property, a process that differentiates it from ordinary steel. “Unlike ordinary steel, COR-TEN develops a stable oxide layer, or patina, when exposed to alternating cycles of wet and dry conditions,” Asif explains. “This patina acts as a protective barrier: it resists further corrosion and gives the material its distinctive rust-like appearance, which deepens in colour over time.”