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in need of replacement. A combination of tapered batten cap and standing seam panels in pre-weathered zinc were used to cover the elegant dome, and now the reading room should be protected from all of the elements – well into the 22nd century. The project in York is quite
contemporary whilst the Liverpool library is more traditional, but Niall McLaughlin’s 2022 Stirling Prize-winning project in Cambridge combines both. The New Library at Magdalene College replaces the old library, but is next to the Grade I listed 17th century Pepys Library, hence the need for a building that honours the site. The interior of the building creates various sized spaces allowing different forms of study. The exterior uses a combination of elegant brickwork and a gabled pre-weathered zinc standing seam warm roof system. The result of this fabulous project is a building that is designed to serve the university for the next 400 years.
Moving forward and into healthcare, Ripple Retreat is a purpose built sanctuary for children affected by cancer and their families. This tranquil space is connected to the surrounding nature; the roof refl ects the ripples of the nearby Loch. The blue pre-weathered zinc standing seam panels not only beautifully follow the geometry of the roof but they also refl ect the ever changing light. The building is also a model of sustainability, using a heat pump and natural ventilation.
Last but not least (and back to a very contemporary building), is the Space Park Leicester by Shepheard Epstein Hunter architects. The project is built on a former contaminated brownfi eld site but also alongside the Grade II listed Abbey Pumping Station, and creates a community of industry, academia and students driving world-leading research. The facade combines dark grey pre-weathered and lighter engraved zinc using various sizes and shapes of fl at lock panels.
These projects not only demonstrate the incredible variety of fi nishes and systems that are available when using zinc roofs, facades and indeed rainwater systems but also the wide range of building typologies that can use zinc as a building envelope. In addition to the aesthetics, durability and recyclability is the certifi cation that is available whether it be BBA system certifi cates for warm roof construction, or Brooft4 fi re tests. Another aspect of zinc roofi ng that is critical is the installer
ADF MAY 2025 Liverpool Central Library
network. Across the UK and Ireland almost 200 contractors regularly install zinc roofs and facades and are able to offer material warranties of up to 50 years. Finally, at the end of 2024 zinc roofers and ornamentalists received cultural recognition from UNESCO. On 4 December 2024, in Asunción, Paraguay, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO added the ‘Know-how of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists’ to the indicative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This craftsmanship, which originated in the 19th century, is passed down from generation to generation through roofi ng training centres in Paris, across France and other countries including the UK. The material also aligns with projects that are looking to the future, contributing to the fi ght against climate change through the installation of insulation and the implementation of effi cient air circulation systems. It is hoped that the UNESCO recognition will raise awareness of the professions of zinc roofers and ornamentalists, as well as inspire a new generation of craftspeople to embrace the material within the industry.
Jonathan Lowy is operational marketing manager at VMZinc
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Education and Healthcare infrastructure generally requires buildings to be extremely durable while not requiring excessive maintenance
Space Park Leicester
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