EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
All these surfaces form an integral part of the copper … not lifeless coatings or paint .
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 .
All these surfaces form an integral part of the copper , generally continuing to change over time , and are not lifeless coatings or paint . The material is easily bent and formed , and there are no limitations on the length of copper sheet or strip because whole coils are treated on the production line , not just limited size sheets .
The Nordic Copper range includes Nordic Standard ‘ mill finish ’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper , offering lighter or darker shades of brown determined by the thickness of the oxide layer . The extensive Nordic Blue , Nordic Green and new Nordic Turquoise ranges have been developed with 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 other intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material .
COPPER ALLOYS
But copper alloys are growing in popularity as well including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered . 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 has a thin protective oxide layer containing all three alloy elements when produced . As a result , the surface 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 .
All Nordic Copper products are suitable for internal applications , as well as exteriors . A wide choice of Nordic Decor mechanically applied surface treatments is also available for various surfaces and alloys , particularly suited to interior design .
Apart from traditionally-jointed , rolled material supported by a substrate , various other forms of copper for architecture are increasingly being explored by designers . For example , copper can be supplied in profiled sheets or extremely flat honeycomb panels , pressed to provide surface textures and modulation , or perforated , expanded or woven as mesh for transparency .
WHOLE-LIFE COST & CARBON BENEFITS
The lifespan of copper roofing and cladding can be regarded conservatively as 200 years , subject to substrate and structure , and this is endorsed by experience . Naturally , this longevity has a significant beneficial effect upon comparative whole of life cost and carbon assessments . Copper ’ s longevity is due to a complex patination process . It ensures extreme durability with no maintenance and resistance to corrosion in virtually any atmospheric conditions . And , unlike some other architectural metals , copper does not suffer from underside corrosion .
Photo : Tom Ferguson
In addition , copper requires no maintenance or decoration . As a lightweight and flexible covering , structural support demands are reduced , resulting in lower carbon and ‘ whole of life ’ costs . Copper is also fully recyclable utilising long-established practices – 97 % of copper in construction comes from recycling – and has other impressive sustainability and environmental credentials . And , of course , copper retains a high scrap value at eventual demolition .
FIRE-SAFE CLADDING
With an ‘ A1 ( non-combustible material )’ fire classification to EN 13501-1 , Nordic Copper is suitable for cladding tall buildings , using appropriate constructions . Low thermal movement makes it appropriate for any climates and locations , and it is non-toxic and safe to handle , as well as non-brittle and safe to work . And , importantly today , its inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces internally as well .
An expanding series of building studies showcases 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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