[bruce_bell]

durability is a key consideration - that can be how easy it is to replace parts over time but also the choice of materials. i personally love Corten steel (weathering steel) for external cladding - not only can it be digitally manufactured, but it gets better over time with its patina, as opposed to most other finishes that degrade in some way.

[skybrian]

There are some high-profile failures for Corten steel documented on Wikipedia so it seems you have to know local conditions well?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel

[efnx]

You're right - I love the look of weathering steel, but it looks like it would be a bad choice for where I live in New Zealand, which is humid subtropical.