Steel

Steel frames long-span structures, supports curtain walls, and enables complex geometries in landmarks and cultural buildings. Variants like corten steel and stainless steel provide weathering resistance and durability for exposed architectural elements.

Steel production has high embodied carbon, though U.S. mills show a 12% reduction in recent EPD updates and offer 100% facility-specific EPD coverage for precise tracking. Hybrid systems with mass timber or salvaged steel can lower overall carbon compared to traditional concrete composites.