Shadow-Gap Stainless Steel Cladding System

A stainless cladding system where the joint is deliberately open. Instead of a sealed butt joint, a defined gap casts a shadow line, which reads as a drawn grid across the elevation and makes the panel module legible.

Why an open joint

An open joint absorbs tolerance instead of accumulating it. Small movements in the structure, and small variations in panel size, are taken up by the gap rather than pushing the module out of alignment. It also gives the elevation a scale that a sealed surface lacks.

Gap width

Gap width is chosen with the module: too narrow and it reads as a defect, too wide and the backing becomes visible. On a large field the gap is usually the smallest dimension that still reads at the intended viewing distance.

Detailing

Behind the gap sits a controlled return or backing so the shadow is consistent and no substrate shows through. The return is part of the panel scope rather than an on-site addition.

Sampling and quotation

An A4-size project sample is available within 3 days so the material can be judged under real light before it is specified. Initial quotation response is provided for qualified project inquiries, and MOQ with lead time is confirmed against the confirmed project scope rather than assumed from the product type.

See the wall and partition systems page or discuss a shadow-gap detail.