29 Copper – the inside story
Graeme Bell of Aurubis says that copper has a wide range of uses in architectural interiors alongside external applications, and explores the various surface treatments available
thoroughly modern external skin for contemporary architecture. And its role as an interior surfacing material is growing as well, with a surprising diversity of natural colours, patterns and textures, inviting innovation from architects, blurring distinctions between inside and out. Copper and its alloys – such as brass and bronze – enjoy unique characteristics, particularly in terms of safety, sustainability and long-term performance, wherever they are used. Copper is also safe to handle, as well as being non-brittle and predictable to work. With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, copper is inherently fire-safe and suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions. It is also, therefore, rated ‘Class 0’ for surface spread of flame, making it suitable for wall and ceiling surfaces in communal areas. Particularly important today, copper is non-toxic, its inherent antimicrobial qualities making it ideal for touch surfaces.
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Performance Copper’s exceptional longevity – it’s conservatively regarded as having a 200 year life – is due to the patination process which ensures extreme durability without maintenance and resistance to corrosion in virtually any atmospheric conditions. This natural development of a distinctive patina when used externally defines the material, with colours changing over time dependent upon local environmental conditions, including rainfall and air quality. Within a few days of exposure to the atmosphere, the surface begins to oxidise, changing its colour from a ‘bright’ mill finish to chestnut brown, which darkens over several years to a chocolate brown. Continued weathering can eventually result in the distinctive green or blue patina seen on older roofs. Obviously, copper used
ADF DECEMBER 2020
opper has seen a dramatic change from its historic role in roofing prestigious buildings to a
internally or sheltered from rainfall will not change and develop in this way.
A ‘living material’
Modern factory-applied surface treatments can provide ‘straightaway’ oxidisation and patination of copper surfaces to a selected level – and these can also be used internally. 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 in the environment and utilise copper mineral compounds, not ‘alien’ chemical actions. These processes can enable designers to determine both the colour and intensity of patina 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.
MUSÉE ATELIER AUDEMARS PIGUET
In this museum in the Swiss Jura by architects BIG, thin brass ribbons interlace to protect a double-spiral of structural glass from the sun; the suspended ceiling is formed from perforated brass panels
Particularly important today, copper is non-toxic, its inherent antimicrobial qualities making it ideal for touch surfaces
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