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design & TRENDS
Luxury metal fabrication on high end architectural homes.
George Hayden
9/07/24FOCAL recently had the pleasure of working on a beautiful high-end architectural project in Queenstown. Have a read to find out about the project and see images.
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How to Specify Architectural Metalwork on a High-End Residential Project
FOCAL
22 March 2026A practical guide for architects and designers on specifying custom metalwork — materials, finishes, tolerances, and what to get locked in before fabrication starts.
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Patagonia- high end commercial shop fit-out.
George Hayden
5/07/24A write up on a recently completed shop fit-out for Patagonia clothing company.
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Metalwork Lead Times: What Builders Need to Know
FOCAL
22 March 2026Custom architectural metalwork takes time. Here’s what drives lead times on staircases, balustrades, cladding and gates — and how to programme it so it doesn’t hold up your project.
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3D modelling for decorative and bespoke metal work.
George Hayden
22/05/24In-house 3D modelling by FOCAL for all decorative and bespoke metal products.
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A Custom Steel Staircase for a Queenstown Residence
FOCAL
22 March 2026A look at the design, fabrication and installation of a custom mild steel staircase with integrated oak treads for a high-end Queenstown home.
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How to Prepare DXF Files for Laser Cutting
FOCAL
22 March 2026A practical guide to setting up DXF files for laser cutting — line types, layers, tolerances, kerf allowance and common errors that slow down your quote or cause problems in production.
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Choosing Metal Finishes for Interior Architectural Metalwork
FOCAL
22 March 2026A guide to selecting metal finishes for interior architectural elements — powder coat, patination, brushed, polished, and raw — and how each performs in a residential context.
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Different metal types that FOCAL can work with
George Hayden
14/05/24A write up on the differences in materials available from FOCAL.
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CNC press brake folding capabilities
George Hayden
5/02/25FOCAL's folding capability with our 5 axis CNC press brake
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Antique and patina finishing on metals
George Hayden
9/04/24A quick write up on how we antique finish or force rust some of our products.
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How to Get Laser Cutting Quoted at FOCAL
George Hayden
5/3/2025Email us a DXF with the material, thickness and quantity, and we aim to have a quote back within a week.
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