The red metal is used for its intrinsic qualities of electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance and workability in the building construction sector. In Copper Forum 34, you read that environmental reporting requirements in the building sector are also steadily increasing. One of the real sustainable benefts of copper is that many of the copper and copper alloy products used in plumbing, heating ventilation and cooling, solar thermal installations and architectural applications, can be produced with 100 % recycled content.
This issue invites comparisons – both of how architects go about designing their buildings and of their attitude to copper as a modern architectural material.
From 18th – 21st September, 100% Design, will host the Copper in a Box exhibition as part of London Design Week, underscoring the growing importance of copper in contemporary design. Dozens of objects will be exhibited on Stand L170, created by renowned international designers including Tom Dixon, Voon Wong & Benson Saw, Ilse Crawford and Ingo Maurer.
An international team of architect judges has shortlisted ten projects for the 2013 European Copper in Architecture Awards, a celebration of the very best in contemporary architecture. The winners will be announced at a dedicated event during the international BATIMAT show in Paris, with an exhibition of entries throughout the show from 4th to 8th November.
First prize in the international Copper and the Home 2012 design competition has been awarded to Francesco Morackini of France for his project: Prohibition Kit. The jury’s unanimous decision was based on the graphical care of Francesco’s design for an alcohol distillery disguised as a collection of everyday objects – a playful reference to the Prohibition Era, when alcohol was banned. The presentation of prizes was made at a ceremony at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.
Chris Hodson discusses the transparency and materiality of the Deptford Lounge facades with Hamish Kilford-Brown, Project Architect at Pollard Thomas Edwards architects.
The "CopperConcept in Europe" Google Earth tour highlights some of Europe's most remarkable and interesting contemporary architectural designs that feature copper or copper alloy roofing, cladding and other architectural elements. See the list of fantastic 'copper' buildings below. Each of the buildings featured in the tour also appears in more detail in the References section of our website.
What do architects need to know about the patination of copper on buildings and its effect on rainwater runoff and the environment? Architect Chris Hodson asks a leading expert for some straightforward answers.
Winners of the European Copper in Architecture Awards 15 were announced at a presentation ceremony in Brussels on 27th September. With 66 entries – the highest so far – and generally exhibiting a high standard of design, the Awards are a celebration of the very best in contemporary European architecture and recognition of the influence of copper in modern design.
Two new contemporary interventions within the courtyards of an important health building incorporate distinctive copper slatted facades to maintain both transparency and architectural independence.
Copper cladding plays an important role in a new 8,800 m2 regional office for the Welsh Assembly Government at Llandudno Junction, recognised as the ‘greenest’ public building in Wales last year.
