EDITOR ’ S CHOICE
London ’ s densest districts , the profiled roofscape of this re-purposed urban block helps to embed it among the varied age , materiality and massing of its neighbours .” Conceived as the ‘ crown ’ of the building , the copper roof eaves sit above terraces enjoying panoramic views across Soho , with their deep overhang contributing to solar shading .
Copper is also used extensively for vertical cladding in the form of cassette panels , some perforated to provide ventilation . Rachael Owens , BGY ’ s Head of Sustainability , explained : “ Copper cladding was chosen due to its lightweight nature , as the structure at the top of the building needed to be as light as possible to prevent the need to strengthen the existing structure below . When compared with alternative metal cladding products , the copper could be specified with a reduced thickness , due to its strength , which reduced overall material use and embodied carbon emissions ”.
The Nordic Brown Light roofing and cladding , supplied by Aurubis stockist Metra Non Ferrous Metals and carefully installed and crafted by Roles Broderick , defines the regeneration of this landmark building . Nordic Brown copper is pre-oxidised in the Aurubis factory to provide straightaway the same oxidised surface that develops naturally over time externally . The lighter or darker shades of brown – determined by the thickness of the oxide layer – will continue to change in the environment and Nordic Brown Light gradually develops a stable dark chocolate brown colour .
Living Copper Surfaces Factory-applied surface treatments can also provide patination for Nordic Copper products straightaway and to a selected level . This is particularly useful for vertical surfaces which might not otherwise develop a blue / green patina . Many of the processes involved are very similar to those taking place in the environment . They utilise copper mineral compounds , not alien chemical actions , bringing forward environmental
Photo : CGS Photographers , courtesy of Blenheim House Construction Ltd
Photo : Chris Hodson
changes without taking away the integrity of copper as a natural , living material .
These surface treatments include pre-oxidisation and pre-patination , utilising the same brochantite mineralogy found in natural patinas all over the world . With Nordic Green , Blue and Turquoise , the process can be accurately controlled so that , as well as the solid colours , other intensities of patina flecks can be created revealing some of the dark oxidised background material to give a ‘ living ’ surface . Of course , copper alloys have been used throughout history too , with Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass popular for architectural applications . Another , innovative copper alloy – Nordic Royal – gives a rich golden through-colour which is retained without developing a blue / green patina .
Recyclable and Sustainable There is more to architectural copper than meets the eye in terms of performance , adaptability and sustainability . Copper is fully recyclable utilising longestablished practices – 97 % of copper in construction comes from recycling . With an unrivalled lifespan due to its integral protective patination , it requires no maintenance or decoration and with an ‘ A1 ( noncombustible material )’ fire classification to EN 13501-1 , copper is suitable for cladding taller buildings , using appropriate constructions .
www . nordiccopper . com
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