We see them and they have an effect on us.
We feel them and they trigger something.
We design them and they stay in our memory.
Surfaces made of HFX stainless. Diverse like no other.
More variety than a shiny industrial product
Stainless steel is undergoing an increasing transformation: away from "purely functional railings, lifts and kitchen worktops" and towards genuine aesthetics. The number of architects, designers, builders and fabricators who see HFX stainless as a versatile and rewarding design material is increasing - especially as a surface material for roofs and facades.
Stainless steel is one of the most universal materials of our time
HFX stainless is more than just practical, durable, strong and rustproof. It is sustainable, easy to work with and aesthetically pleasing. Today, HFX stainless is far more than just a shiny industrial material. Stainless steel has managed to become one of the most universal metals of our time.
Stainless steel surfaces and their properties
The majority of all stainless steel goods are still produced using the cold rolling process: Depending on the setting and equipment, the stainless steel becomes more or less shiny. Examples include classic 2B surfaces (mechanical engineering, kitchen worktops), 2D surfaces (surfaces for further processing) and 2R surfaces (stainless steel sinks, dishwashers, washing drums). In the end, 2R has more lustre than 2B, 2D is less shiny and reflective in direct comparison to these mirror-like surfaces, but still too strong for architectural applications.
In terms of the ROOFINOX range, CHROMA has the highest gloss level. CLASSIC has an ultra-matte surface and is four times more matte than industrial grade 2B.
The matte electro-coloured surfaces DURA-matte and PYRA-matte are even more matte than CLASSIC.
The design of HFX stainless is versatile and therefore perfect for architectural surfaces. The fact that the material is corrosion-resistant, high-strength and very solid rounds off the profile. HFX stainless is also particularly easy to solder, specially designed for demanding craftsmanship and 100% UV-resistant - for lasting beauty.
Aesthetics through materiality: stainless steel design options
HFX stainless surfaces are available in smooth or rough finishes, also reflective or matte, and silver-metallic or coloured, as well as patinated or non-patinated.
Other surface features are homogeneous or inhomogeneous, embossed or non-embossed. It is precisely this variety in surface characteristics that creates aesthetics.
But what does it look like? How are these properties achieved? And what effect do they have?
Smooth vs. rough stainless steel and reflective vs. matte stainless steel
The smoother the HFX stainless, the more shiny it is. Conversely, the rougher the surface of the HFX stainless, the more matte it appears. The reason for this is light reflection: smooth surfaces reflect incident light specularly, i.e. focussed in one direction. Matte surfaces reflect diffusely, i.e. scattered in several directions. This property is measured using a reflectometer - the higher the measured gloss units, the shinier the HFX stainless. CHROMA, for example, achieves > 90 % gloss level, whereas PEARL is ultra-matte with a gloss level of less than 4 %.
Gray-metallic vs. colored HFX stainless
Stainless steel is no longer just gray. HFX stainless is colorful - to your liking, of course. In addition to the all-rounder ROOFINOX CLASSIC in the familiar silver-grey shade, ROOFINOX also offers electro-colored surfaces with DURA, PYRA and PROTON. The coloration is achieved without paints or dyes: Depending on the exposure time in the electroplating bath and the resulting thickness of the chromium oxide self-healing layer, this HFX stainless appears in different colors from bronze to gold or anthracite to red, blue or green. The interference effect also provides an additional shimmer depending on the viewing angle. Alternatively, the plasma coloration of HFX stainless in gold is achieved by bombardment with ions transferred into the gas phase.
Patinating vs. non-patinating HFX stainless
Patinating HFX stainless from ROOFINOX is subject to a natural change that has its origin in natural weathering. The metal with an applied tin coating reacts with moisture. Usually, patination over a period of around 3 years results in a relatively even surface. At the end of the patination process at the latest, the vibrant HFX stainless TIN (TERNE) also appears in a homogeneous tone - this requires professional processing during installation. Patinating surfaces are only recommended for use on roofs, where relatively uniform and rapid weathering is to be expected.
Homogeneous vs. inhomogeneous HFX stainless
HFX stainless is a natural material whose surface - similar to wood and regardless of whether it is patinated or not - always looks a little different. The CLASSIC, PEARL, CHROMA, PLASMA and DURA surfaces are very uniform in terms of color and texture. But there are also irregular designs, such as ROOFINOX PROTON: the surface appearance is irregular and therefore looks particularly lively. Unlike TIN, the inhomogeneity of PROTON is permanent. This means that even after a long period of time, there is no uniform, homogeneous appearance.
Embossed vs. non-embossed HFX stainless
Ribbed embossing is another optional feature of HFX stainless. The advantages of the associated reduced waviness are: Increased stability, special insensitivity, maximum resistance, best solderability and 20 % price savings due to material savings. ROOFINOX PLUS combines all of this with other unique characteristics, giving it a different appearance to other HFX stainless surfaces.
Folded, scaled, dynamic, pointed - standing seam, shingles and attractive trapezoidal profiles
In addition to the gloss level, embossing, patination, etc., HFX stainless surfaces on roofs and facades also have an effect due to the way they are laid and folded. Small-format shingles have a different effect to large-format and rectangular profiles, for example. Uniform, scale-like TARTAN square shingles embody something different from dynamic METRO rhombus shingles. Delicately structured MANSARD pointed diamond shingles evoke different associations than dynamic AXIS design shingles. What appeals to you and why?
HFX stainless from ROOFINOX is beautiful and works in any design and profile. The combination with its functional advantages makes it incomparable. Like no other. See for yourself.
What does HFX stainless feel like?
Why not consciously touch the surfaces around you again? Close your eyes and notice how your surroundings feel.
What is it made of? What is its structure? What feelings does it evoke? What do you have to think about when you take a closer look at the facades in your surroundings? And does this fit in with the usage concept and design idea of your project?
Surfaces are always present and yet rarely the focus of attention. They don't have to be. But they have an effect, whether we consciously realize it or not. They create an atmosphere and we move in this atmosphere. Architects, designers, fabricators and building owners can influence this through the conscious selection of their project materials.
"There is no architecture without a surface and
no architectural surface without architecture."Marion Wohlleben
(Architectural historian, building researcher, monument conservator)
Want, can and do surfaces - with HFX stainless from ROOFINOX
Surfaces made of HFX stainless in particular have potential and make quite an impression. They are durable, lively and flexible to design. They can be used to set effective accents, create timeless and modern buildings and realize your own ideas. You can use them to create design, architecture and art. With expressiveness, character and durability.
HFX stainless from ROOFINOX blends into its surroundings as if by itself.
HFX stainless is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
HFX stainless will surprise you in a completely positive way. Like no other.
And how does it feel?
Define your architectural surface in HFX stainless
From super matte to mirror finish and everything in between. Our surfaces for your ideas - we support you in your selection!
Project environment
Is it a residential area, an airport site or an open plot of land with no direct neighbors? Depending on the situation, a special degree of reflection or mattness may be essential.
Weather and climate
Does the stainless steel surface have to withstand extreme conditions or other meteorological requirements, such as particularly corrosive atmospheres (near the sea/ground/urban areas)?
Pattern and feel
What is the aim of the project? What effect should it have? Does the surface need a certain design pattern or a special feel?
Technical criteria
Is there a need for maximum optimized solderability, or are there other processing criteria that the HFX stainless must meet for the architectural surface?
Discover our facade products here
Discover our roof products here
Discover our roof drainage here
