Building envelopes made from customised perforated sheet elements offer architectural sophistication and inspire experts and clients alike

Neunkirchen, 11 June 2025. With the planned completion of the major Bâtiment Police (BATPOL) construction project in Fribourg, south-west of Bern in Switzerland, the fire brigade, the local police and the Saane health network will be housed in one building. The façade design with customised perforated sheet elements from SCHÄFER Perforated Metal in cooperation with TECmetall.ch ensures harmonious integration into the surroundings and serves to regulate humidity.

The construction project essentially involves adding a storey to the fire station, which has been in existence since 2017. For the six-storey timber building, the Swiss architectural firm 2b architectes in Lausanne designed a customised building envelope made of perforated sheet elements, combined with large window areas, integrated shading technology and contrasting elements made of chrome steel.

A curtain-type, rear-ventilated façade was installed on the substructure. This means that the weatherproof outer layer of the wall allows moisture to be exchanged with the ambient air. The ability to release water vapour ensures that the thermal insulation can work effectively for decades without sacrificing performance. The Swiss metal construction company ACOMET was responsible for both the execution planning and the implementation of the work.

Structural moisture protection is of particular importance

"We are delighted that we were able to convince ACOMET of our customised production capabilities for the BATPOL façade project. A decisive criterion for our customers' business success is the reliable supply of customised perforated sheet blanks. The production of large quantities, such as for the BATPOL project, is one of our strengths. Thanks to decades of experience, we offer our customers consulting expertise for the most diverse applications in the most diverse sectors and product areas," explains Eric Diehl, Project Manager in Sales at SCHÄFER Perforated Metal.

The selected material is a double colourless anodised aluminium sheet (E6EV1 20 µm) with a protective film on one side. The width of the items supplied is a standard 850 mm, while the lengths vary depending on the item. For the façade, SCHÄFER Perforated Metal produced 14 different items with four different hole patterns (650 square metres Rv 4-6, 550 square metres Rv 6-9, 550 square metres Rv 8-12, 250 square metres Rv 10-12). A total of 2000 square metres of perforated sheeting was required. This was implemented within a tight schedule.

The four different hole patterns are matched to each other. This gives the façade a homogeneous appearance as the free cross-section gradually increases from bottom to top. In this way, the visual impression of a uniform perforation is created in accordance with the laws of perspective object perception. In addition, the larger perforations in the upper storeys support the air intake required there for comprehensive upward ventilation.

"As a medium-sized metal construction company, we must be able to rely fully on our suppliers. Our quality standards are naturally above average, but the quantitative requirements, security of supply and on-time delivery are just as important. A weak point in our supply chain would immediately discredit us with clients and architects – a risk that we, as a specialist in the development of building envelopes and the customised construction of glass and metal façades, do not want to expose ourselves to. For this reason, we work exclusively with strong, reliable partners. The cooperation with SCHÄFER Perforated Metal convinced us completely in every respect," says Benno Vogelbacher, the responsible project manager at ACOMET.

Mastering the challenges of diversity

The SCHÄFER Perforated Metal portfolio includes more than 400 hole patterns, which are produced in various shapes such as round, square, diamond, oblong or hexagonal perforations. Materials such as steel, stainless steel and aluminium, but also copper, zinc, brass and plastic are used for production. An internal design department with specialised application experts develops customised patterns and optimises even highly complex projects. This means that almost every conceivable application and design requirement can be realised.

In addition to the wide range of perforations, the company offers a comprehensive spectrum of processing services, including laser cutting, folding, notching, punching, degreasing, powder coating, painting and anodising. This enables the delivery of ready-to-install components – even just-in-time.