EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
Photo : Maris Tomba
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE WITH NORDIC COPPER
Despite its long heritage , roofing some of our oldest buildings , copper and its alloys today are competitive cladding materials for all types of buildings , delivering high-quality architecture . But there is more to Nordic Copper than meets the eye , particularly in terms of sustainability , as Aurubis explains .
Copper ’ s unique architectural qualities are defined by its naturally developing patina – which cannot be replicated successfully using other materials with surface coatings . The patina film provides impressive protection against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged , giving its exceptional longevity .
Within a few days of exposure to the atmosphere , a copper surface begins to oxidise , changing from the ‘ bright ’ mill finish to a chestnut brown , which gradually darkens over several years to a chocolate brown . Continued weathering can eventually result in the distinctive green or blue patina seen on older roofs .
Natural Living Surfaces
The Aurubis ‘ Nordic Copper ’ range provides all these surfaces straightaway . The processes involved are generally similar to those taking place over time in the environment , utilising copper mineral compounds , not alien chemical processes .
Photo : Tom Ferguson
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