Industrial Tech, Minimalist Design: Meet The Next Generation of Architectural Screens

For more than 150 years, the Putsch® Group has pushed the boundaries of industrial design, consistently introducing innovations that leap from one industry into entirely new fields.

Initially known for manufacturing sugar refinery equipment, the company steadily expanded into panel processing, bioenergy, glass manufacturing and filtration, demonstrating an insatiable drive to evolve.

Today, Putsch® is bringing its expertise to a new frontier: architecture.

This venture was born from a challenge in its own construction projects, sourcing high-performance screening materials that met both technical and budgetary demands. Instead of compromising, Putsch® turned inward, leveraging its legacy in filtration and precision manufacturing to develop tailored solutions for architectural applications.

Using technology originally developed for high-end industrial separation systems, these architectural screens are unlike anything currently on the market.

“Initially developed for demanding industrial environments, these screens are now tailored for architectural applications such as façades, parking structures, rainwater management, enclosures and sun shading systems,” explains Philippe Radinger, Sales Manager and fourth-generation member of the family-owned business.

Highly customizable, the screens are designed to meet the specific requirements of each project. Their versatility makes them just as effective on a modern building façade as they are in functional roles like gutter protection.

Here, the screens’ filtration heritage becomes a key advantage. As the company explains: “The precise perforation and open-area manufacturing used for industrial applications ensure excellent separation results, making Putsch screens ideal for leaf guards and other drainage systems.”

It’s a benefit the company’s CEO personally experienced when using the screens to achieve a functional yet visually appealing upgrade to the leaf guards on his own residence.

Beyond function, the design has been equally considered. The mesh is carefully calibrated to balance light, shade and airflow, providing protection and ventilation with virtually no upkeep.

“Putsch screens are designed to accommodate a wide range of requirements,” says Henning Wedemeyer, Production Manager, “including sun control and glare reduction, ventilation for parking structures and industrial buildings, security and privacy solutions, enhanced façade aesthetics and interior visual applications.”

Importantly, these screens are not purely utilitarian. While rooted in industrial performance, they also offer minimalist, contemporary aesthetics. Available in materials such as stainless steel, copper and brass, the panels bring a refined industrial elegance that works in both interior and exterior settings.

Their subtle perforations add texture and rhythm to surfaces without overpowering the overall design, offering a striking contrast to typical cladding materials, which often appear bulky or heavy. In this way, Putsch screens become more than a construction solution; they’re an asset to an architect’s creative toolkit.

Lightweight and highly adaptable, the screens integrate with ease into nearly any façade system, whether in new builds or retrofit projects. As with its precision components, Putsch® designed these screens with versatility in mind. The company notes: “Multiple mesh sizes, perforation options, panel shapes and mounting configurations are available for seamless integration.”

But these screens aren’t just about aesthetics; they enhance building performance too. By reducing solar heat and glare while allowing natural light to pass, they function as passive sunshades that contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability.

When it comes to protection from the elements — especially moisture — Putsch’s track record in industrial filtration speaks volumes. Earlier generations of these screens were engineered to endure harsh, high-demand factory conditions, environments far more punishing than most outdoor architectural applications.

Often, the most innovative designs are deceptively simple. Think of the Eames chair or the iPhone — both objects that integrate function and beauty so seamlessly that their complexity feels invisible. Putsch’s architectural screens follow the same philosophy. They blend effortlessly into almost any project, delivering shade, ventilation, protection and visual interest with understated confidence.