EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
COPPER INSIDE AND OUT
Copper has seen a dramatic change from its traditional place in roofing historic buildings to a thoroughly modern external skin for contemporary architecture . But its role as an interior surfacing material is growing as well , with a surprising diversity of natural colours , patterns and textures .
Copper and its alloys – such as brass and bronze – enjoy a long heritage as the metals of choice for interior design , contributing a distinctive tactility to door furniture and handrails , and a visual richness to lighting and other fittings , championed by leading designers . But , increasingly , they are being applied as high-quality finishes for walls , doors , ceilings , stairs and elevators , highlight surfaces , bars and counters , exploiting the materials ’ unique performance characteristics .
Alloys of copper have also grown in popularity . They include Nordic Bronze , an alloy of copper and tin which gradually changes to a dark chocolate brown when used outside , and Nordic Brass , which can also be supplied pre-weathered . An innovative alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc – Nordic Royal – enjoys a rich , golden through-colour which remains very stable , just developing a matt surface , but no patination , over time .
Particularly important today , copper ’ s inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces .
SAFE SURFACES
Particularly important today , copper ’ s inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces . It is also non-toxic and safe to handle , as well as non-brittle and predictable to work . With a melting point of 1083˚C and ‘ A1 ( non-combustible material )’ fire classification to EN 13501-1 , copper is inherently fire-safe and , therefore , rated ‘ Class 0 ’ surface spread of flame , making it suitable for wall and ceiling surfaces in all areas . But there is more to architectural copper than meets the eye , particularly in terms of recyclability , sustainability and long-term performance – wherever it is used .
Examples of Nordic Décor
Surfaces
LIVING MATERIAL
Modern factory-applied surface treatments can provide straightaway the natural oxidisation and patination of copper surfaces that develops over time in the external environment to selected levels , and these can be used internally as well as outside . Essentially , they bring forward the environmental changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural , living material and are not coatings or paint . Some of the processes involved are very similar to those taking place naturally outside and utilise copper mineral compounds , not alien chemical actions .
These processes enable designers to determine both the colour and intensity of Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper or Nordic Green , Nordic Blue and Nordic Turquoise patinas for each project from the start . As well as a solid patina colour , other intensities can be created revealing some of the dark oxidised background material as ‘ living ’ surfaces .
SURFACE TREATMENTS Most recently , these copper surfaces and alloys have been made available with the Nordic Décor range of mechanically applied surface treatments , adding an extra dimension . These latest developments in abraded and embossed surface treatments are particularly suited to interior design , adding another level of close-up visual richness , texture and tactility .
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