ROOFING , CLADDING & FACADES
The fact that copper is a natural material and , of course , 100 % recyclable are for me important factors – and certainly its longevity is often overlooked .
Stone paved steps set in the ground lead along the creek and amongst the trees , past the annexe to the entrance . A continuation of the entrance , and just over the creek , lies the central outdoor terrace , positioned between the kitchen / dining room and the living room , below the main roof . The creek continues its flow just beyond the concrete terrace floor with its own distinct contribution to the sounds of nature .
ANGULAR COPPER CANOPY
Conceptually , the design is based on a natural platform in the landscape providing a continuous floor for the main building , both internally and externally . This platform is then protected by an angular canopy , forming the eastern wall and roof – clad entirely in Nordic Green copper – providing high indoor ceilings .
The copper enclosure contrasts with wide-open views of the surrounding nature – including the northern lights in winter – through extensive , seamless glazing . The same approach is taken with the two outbuildings , also enveloped with Nordic Green copper . Careful detailing and installation have resulted in graceful transformations between copper planes .
In terms of materiality , Snorre Stinessen explained : “ Copper was chosen for its durability – particularly close to the sea and with air salinity – but also for its permanence , quality and beauty . The fact that copper is a natural material and , of course , 100 % recyclable are for me important factors – and certainly its longevity is often overlooked . The Nordic Green pre-patinated copper colour is intended to blend with the natural surroundings but is also a nod to how we most often see copper in Norway : on historic buildings ”.
NATURAL COPPER MINEROLOGY
The extensive Nordic Green , Nordic Blue and Nordic Turquoise ranges offer patinated copper surfaces straightaway that would otherwise take many years to develop in the environment . They have properties and colours based on the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world . As well as the solid patina colours , ‘ Living ’ surfaces are available for each , with variable intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material .
Copper alloys are growing in popularity as well , including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied preweathered . The innovative Nordic Royal is an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc , giving it a rich golden through-colour and making it very stable . It retains its golden colour and simply loses some of its sheen over time , as the oxide layer thickens with exposure to the atmosphere to give a matt finish . A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available for various surfaces and alloys , particularly suited to interior applications .
OTHER COPPER FINISHES
The Nordic Copper range also includes Nordic Standard ‘ mill finish ’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper , which offers lighter or darker colour shades . Snorre Stinessen added : “ We are just about to start another new building in the same area as Aurora Lodge , although in somewhat different surroundings . Here , we are still using Aurubis copper – but this time Nordic Brown ”.
A growing series of on-line ‘ copper stories ’ exemplify the best in contemporary architecture and showcase the diversity of surfaces , forms and applications available with Nordic Copper today . For more information visit : www . nordiccopper . com or email : NordicCopper @ aurubis . com
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