22 Educational copper
Copper has seen a dramatic change from its historic place in roofi ng to a leading role in today’s facades, particularly for academic structures. Here Chris Hodson from Aurubis provides some striking examples
The centre for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education is a state-of-the-art structure at the heart of the school campus. WilkinsonEyre’s design develops
Gresham’s School, Norfolk. Photo © Peter Landers W
ith an exceptionally long life, copper requires no maintenance or decoration.
As a lightweight and fl exible covering, structural demands are reduced with lower carbon and ‘whole of life’ costs and copper is also fully recyclable utilising long-established practices. Traditionally, copper cladding and
roofi ng utilise thin sheets with formed joints and fully supported by a substrate. But other techniques are also growing in popularity, such as copper shingles, panels and cassettes. One of the most exciting developments being explored by innovative designers is the diversity of forms of copper including surface textures and perforated, expanded or woven mesh material for transparency.
Modulated facades
The architectural clarity of a new teaching facility at Gresham’s School in Norfolk – with facades combining pre-oxidised copper and full-height glazing – typifi es an innovative approach to school design.
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and refi nes the evolving STEAM building typology, and follows a modern aesthetic integrating industrial components with landscaping and low energy systems. The two-storey exposed steel frame envelopes a mixture of large panels: some glass and others pre-oxidised copper – either opaque or with square perforations adding transparency while screening glazing behind. The architects commented: “This building will provide contemporary teaching spaces for the investigation of the sciences and the arts simultaneously, enhancing critical thinking and promoting innovation. The building itself – through the clarity and honesty of design and construction – becomes a teaching tool in its own right.”
Oxidised & patinated copper Pre-oxidised copper provides – ‘straightaway’ – the same oxidised brown surface that otherwise develops over time in the environment. The thickness of the oxide layer determines the colour and the darkening oxidisation process continues to develop naturally in the environment. Pre-patinated surfaces have also 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 green or blue patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each colour with other intensities of patina fl ecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.
This technology is exemplifi ed by bespoke perforated solar screen facades, formed from pre-patinated copper, defi ning the Senior Learning Centre building at Ravenswood School for Girls in Gordon on Sydney’s North Shore. Architects BVN’s design for the multifunctional Senior
ADF MAY 2023
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