In its latest form, the BRE Green Guide to Specification includes misleading assessments of longevity for copper facades and roofs, despite allocating high environmental performance ratings for the material. Sandy Harrison, Chairman of the Copper in Architecture Campaign, explains.....
The Clip House in Madrid, Spain - designed by Bernalte-Leon y Asociados - is a highly sculptural design defined by sinuous curving bands of copper cantilevered from a vertical concrete spine and enveloping the main spaces. The design concept reflects the international lifestyle of its owner rather than making any response or concessions to its suburban setting. Internal spaces for living, work and sleep flow freely, served by top-lit circulation within the concrete spine.
The second invidual home to be shortlisted in the European Copper in Architecture Awards - the Ticino House in southern Switzerland - couldn't be more different. Davide Macullo Architetto's sensitive design responds to its beautiful rural setting and makes the most of a sunny hillside with outstanding views.
The Archaeology Museum of Vitoria in Spain shares a courtyard with the historic Palace of Bendana, closing off the space and replacing the backs of other buildings. The design makes extensive use of cast bronze elements to create contrasting elevational treatments.
In Copenhagen, Denmark, the Frederikskaj Housing project makes the most of its harbour-side location with 152 light and spacious apartments overlooking the regenerated canal district.
Winners of the 14th Awards were announced at a presentation ceremony in London in September 2009. With almost 50 entries from 16 countries, the Awards revealed an exceptional diversity of projects representing the very best in contemporary European architecture.
In Copper Forum issue 24/2008 architect Chris Hodson reported on sustainability considerations for building construction in the UK. Since then, there has been a rush of developments which impact on the environmental credentials of copper in architecture, with important lessons for other countries as well.
Copper is one of our oldest architectural materials but designers are now using it as a thoroughly modern cladding and roofing medium, making the most of new surfaces and techniques. And the impressive environmental credentials of copper are proving important alongside its exciting architectural characteristics, as Sandy Harrison, Chairman of the UK's Copper in Architecture Campaign, explains.
Winners of the 2007 Copper in Architecture Awards have been announced at a presentation ceremony in London on 25 September. The Awards revealed an exceptional diversity of important buildings from around Europe – many not widely known or published – amongst the 74 entries.
At an event in London judges of the 2005 COPPER IN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS have announced the results or this design-led competition, which now includes two separate awards for the best recently completed buildings in the UK and in other participating European countries.
