Options for cladding steel beams and column

[SBMS]

Our architect has designed an open canopy structure that will have a glass/plastic roof and open sides. The beams and column are steel. We’ve had a price to clad these in aluminium which is very expensive. We might have to end up with this as an option but wondered if anyone has any ideas for alternatives? Potentially using composite cladding or anything similar? Be interested if anyone has a similar design. Steel bits numbered in red:

 

[bmj1]

Could be stunning clad in stone. Won't be cheap.

[SBMS]

1 minute ago, bmj1 said:

Could be stunning clad in stone. Won't be cheap.

Stone slips? Just trying to visualise that.. we are using stone copings on top of the flat roof area..