It is remarkable how well corten steel holds up even in harsh environments, including rain, snow, ice, and fog. Its vibrant orange hue contrasts beautifully with the greenery of many landscapes and harmonises with the umber tones of deserts. Due to its suitability for simple, geometric building shapes, it often appears in modern architecture.
Generally, steel does not rust, but that only applies to some types of steel. There are also cases where rusting is encouraged and appreciated. We're talking about corten steel, also called weathering steel. The purpose of this alloy is to create a rust-like appearance after several years of exposure to the elements in order to form a protective coating. This layer develops and regenerates continuously when exposed to the elements.
Cor-ten steel stands the test of time and rugged conditions like few other materials. Often called Weathering Steel, this oxidised steel alloy eliminates the need for painting and is ideal for exterior surfaces and buildings in harsh climates.