Form and function are foremost in an architect’s mind when he approaches a project. For the property owner or occupant, however, how the building looks may matter more.

But good, workable designs and beauty are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can connect and inspire architects to build a beautiful, practical home or office and spaces within which one feels secure and protected — whether awake, asleep or at work.

NS BlueScope Malaysia, a leading supplier of premium steel building products, places another pillar alongside architecture — aesthetic possibilities.

Sector expectations are high and the company is ready with steel in diverse forms and colours to give buildings new and beautiful finishes.

Advanced manufacturing technology drives NS BlueScope’s product range, crafted in response to the growing demands of a changing environment. What does not change is its promise of durability, reliance and sustainability, which gives customers the confidence to construct buildings using steel that lays the foundation for the future.

Since the 1960s, its COLORBOND® steel has built its name on innovative, multipurpose and quality products. The brand’s ZINCALUME® aluminium-zinc alloy-coated steel substrate, with a proprietary paint system technology exclusive to NS BlueScope, is available in diverse colours and finishes. It is ideal for roofing and walling systems that demand design flexibility.

The company’s COLORBOND® steel uses formulas and pigment blends that give it long-term colour stability and protection against paint weathering and UV penetration.

If comfort and sophisticated designs are what you want for your condo unit or workplace, COLORBOND® Matt steel is the solution. Its matt finish has a gloss unit of less than 10 to reduce specular reflection, resulting in a softer, subtler look. Specular reflection occurs when light is reflected in a concentrated, mirrorlike manner — unlike diffuse reflection, which is scattered and unfocused.

If your goal is to design an imposing structure that stands out for enduring aesthetics, the Spectrum Series of NS BlueScope’s COLORBOND® steel contains high-performance metallic pigments that can make it happen.

Light washing over the mica particles — or shiny mineral flakes — in this steel series creates a perception of depth, enhancing its metallic beauty. And, depending on the varied lighting and viewing angle, the pre-painted steel surface changes, adding subtle but remarkable effects to the building.

Ask anybody and they will say having a solid roof over one’s head is key to a home. But more and more, those who are building houses tailored to their individual needs want their properties to say something, too: about style, design, trend and lifestyle.

Build your roof with NS BlueScope’s VERMOE® steel and you will surely make a statement about urban dynamism in architecture. The material is visually stunning, with clean and simple lines and a textured look that lifts roofing to an inspiring new level. On a roof or wall, VERMOE® steel also projects a combination of strength, robustness and elegance without any need for words.

For more information, and to follow NS BlueScope Malaysia, go to nsbluescope.com/my