Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) - Understanding the Basics

January 23, 2025

Elegant, exposed structural steel solutions are possible with Walters Group, a leader in Canadian steel fabrication. We have been creating beautiful and functional steel structures for decades and have helped to make our world a better place to work and play in.


What is Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS)?

Architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) refers to visual steel elements that showcase a unique aesthetic for a building’s structural design.

These beautiful custom-fabricated steel components are meant to be seen and appreciated while also playing a crucial functional role. They support structures or provide framework in prominent places like airports, bridges, museums, stadiums, canopies, and atriums.


Walters Group is Canada’s AESS Leader

Each AESS project begins with collaboration with Walters Group’s team of innovators alongside clients, architects, engineers, general contractors, fabricators, detailers, and erectors. This early partnership ensures that goals are clearly defined while the function and aesthetics of the components are prioritized from the very start. 

During AESS design and fabrication, Walters Group takes special care to ensure tight tolerances in every architectural steel structure and that the AESS’s finish remains undamaged during the fabrication, transportation, and erection processes.


AESS is Influenced by Form, Fit and Finish


Walters’ Expertise Shines in Five AESS Categories

Whether your desired look is rustic, elegant, modern, industrial or anything in between, Walters Group provides the custom steel frame solution for your North American project.

AESS Category 1 includes basic architecturally exposed structural steel elements that require enhanced work. Category 1 is often found in roof trusses for arenas, warehouses, and retail stores. For more AESS 1 project examples click here.

Photo: Walters Group Head Office Hamilton, Ontario

AESS Category 2 represents feature elements that form an important part of the design, to be viewed at distances greater than six metres. This category of structural steel can be typically found in retail and architectural applications where there is a combination of bolted and welded connections. Explore our AESS 2 projects here.

Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field

AESS Category 3 requires a more precise structural steel finishing effort as the viewing distance of the piece is less than or equal to six metres and allows the guest to touch the steel. AESS 3 can typically be found in airports, shopping centres, hospitals, and hotel lobbies. For more AESS 3 project examples click here.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

AESS Category 4 includes showcase elements, which can be described as dominant steel pieces to be featured. Explore more AESS 4 project examples here.

Category C highlights how customizable AESS can be if required. AESS C consists of a custom selection of any characteristics or attributes used that have been highlighted in the sections above.


How Can Your Next Build Benefit from AESS? Ask Walters Group!

Our in-house team of engineers, project managers, and visionaries will work with you to bring your AESS vision to life. Bring us onboard as early as possible so we can contribute to the preconstruction phase and better understand your AESS idea and how we can work together to increase your efficiencies.

Contact our team right now!