COPPER IN ARCHITECTURE Facts on Characteristics and Usage of Copper for Architects COPPERCONCEPT.ORG 1 INTRODUCTION CONTENTS Copper was one of the first metals used by Visually, the aesthetic qualities of copper materials In these days when ecological considerations in INTRODUCTION 2 mankind and has a very long tradition in add character and quality to any project, whilst relation to the choice of construction materials architecture – the Romans used golden bronze to lightweight nature of their structure permits have joined aesthetic and economic aspects, CHARACTERISTICS cover the roof of the Pantheon and many of the creative and cost-effective structures to be the impressive sustainability and environmental great churches of medieval Europe were covered designed. credentials of copper have been clearly • Natural Occurrence of Copper and its Role with opper. Its distinctive green patina still plays a demonstrated. Copper products include high in Human Health 4 major part in the skylines of most European cities, The natural development of a patina, with colours levels of recycled materials, saving on energy and • Longevity 6 demonstrating timeless and enduring qualities. changing from red to chocolate brown, and greenhouse gases, and contributing to the circular • Physical and Mechanical Properties 8 eventually to the distinctive light green, is a unique economy. In addition, copper scrap can be re-used • Sustainability and Green Credentials 10 Nowadays, copper can provide a complete external characteristic of copper. Prefabricated systems ad infinitum without any loss of performance or • Compatibility of Copper with Other skin, wrapping around complex building forms with offer a wide variety of solutions, while perforated qualities. Building Materials 14 material continuity. Surfaces can be flat, curved or and expanded copper sheets add new possibilities faceted and used at any inclination or pitch, and in for transparency. ARCHITECTURAL QUALITIES any environment. But also, many designers have been keen to explore new manifestations of copper. WHY COPPER? • Colour and Patina 16 In addition, there is growing interest in the use of • Copper Alloys Used for Architecture 18 copper for interior design. 1. natural material STRUCTURE AND INSTALLATION 2. environment-friendly There are many reasons to consider copper and copper alloys for architectural projects and not 3. maintenance-free • Roofing Systems 20 simply because their unique properties make COPPERCONCEPT.ORG 4. durable, long lasting • Façade and Wall Cladding 26 them extremely malleable and versatile building 5. 100% recyclable • Drainage Systems 36 materials to work with. The broad range of Copper is introduced worldwide as • Substrates 38 modern material for roofing and cladding 6. corrosion-resistant architectural possibilities offered by this natural 7. non combustible • External Climatic Effects 40 material and its alloys allows for singular design, applications. Some of the world’s most • Thermal Movement 41 and conventional thinking to be challenged. distinguished modern architects have relied 8. waterproof on copper including Frank Lloyd Wright, 9. proven architectural material INTERRELATIONS WITH BUILDING PHYSICS Alvar Aalto, Renzo Piano, Herzog & de • malleable, not rigid Meuron and Foster & Partners. To see copper Maersk Building, Copenhagen, Denmark • lightweight • General Considerations 42 Front Cover: The Christie, Manchester, UK Architect: C.F. Møller references in contemporary architecture visit • Evaluation 45 copperconcept.org or scan QR code. • homogeneous material AFL Architects Photo © Adam Mørk • timeless, living surface INTERIOR DESIGN 46 • colorful and varied Back Cover: Novotel Paddington, London, UK The facade is built up in the form of a grid Dexter Moren Associates comprising storey-height window fields that • creative and unique break up the building’s large scale. 2 COPPER IN ARCHITECTURE 2019 COPPERCONCEPT.ORG 3 CHARACTERISTICS NATURAL OCCURRENCE OF COPPER AND ITS ROLE IN HUMAN HEALTH Copper exists naturally in the environment, being Copper sheet exposed to atmospheric conditions It is estimated that only 1% of the overall amount an essential trace element for all living organisms. gradually form a protective surface layer, also of copper that enters into the environment from Copper is needed for growth, development and known as patina, that extends the service life of anthropogenic sources can be attributed to functioning of the human body and must be the material. This surface is complex, very durable copper from architectural surfaces. Research obtained from food and water as part of a balanced and stable. So stable that only a very small amount also shows that the bioavailable portion of copper diet. It is regulated by homeostasis and does not of material is lost over a long period of years of in the runoff is quickly and considerably reduced accumulate in the food chain. exposure to rain and other forms of precipitation. as copper ions react with the environment – for example, in contact with solid surfaces such as As a naturally-ocurring element, copper can be pavement, limestone or rainwater pipes – forming found in the Earth’s crust – at a concentration non-available complexes and compounds in the of about 67 parts per million – as well as in immediate proximity of the roofs and facades. freshwater and seawater, from minute trace Reactions with organic matter, such as decaying element levels through to rich mine deposits. It leaves, could reduce the bioavailable portion even is not persistent, bio-accumulative or toxic to the more. environment and should not be mistaken with artificial chemicals or toxic heavy metals, which This is indicated by the fact that runoff and can accumulate in humans, sea life and plants. discoloration appear always on a relatively short Copper is heavy by its density (8,94 g/cm3), but this length, after rain water from gutter touches has nothing to do with hazard or environmental pavement, following the direction of the water. properties. Where copper content of rainwater run low, these strips end, because water doesn’t transport copper anymore. FIND OUT MORE ON THIS TOPIC Most copper is produced from open-pit mines and Another important source of copper is recycled European copper products for architectural https://copperalliance.eu/about-copper/ The copper compounds that form the patina Much scientific research has demonstrated are poorly soluble and very different from water that extensive use of copper to clad buildings is reserves are plentiful with deposits worked in all scrap. Copper is one of the few raw materials applications are produced including high levels soluble copper salts. As a consequence of this environmentally safe. In addition, studies evaluating five continents. Usually, mines operate with copper which can be recycled ad infinitum without any loss of recycled materials, typically 85% or more with concentrations of between 0,2 and 1%, although of performance; there is no difference in the quality scope up to 100%. As well as helping to satisfy the While copper has always been naturally present low solubility, a very small fraction of the patina the dermatological and oral effects of a number of is released from the copper surface during copper compounds have also demonstrated that some of the richest ore bodies can contain 5-6% of recycled copper (secondary production) and annual demand, recycling copper is a highly eco- in all environments, anthropogenic (man-made) copper. Copper is extracted from ore, mainly mined copper (primary production). efficient way of reintroducing a valuable material emissions have been added in the last centuries precipitation. This is called the runoff. See more in copper roofs and facades do not pose any harm to colour and patina chapter. human health. In conclusion: copper runoff from copper sulphides, and transformed through various back into the economy, saving energy and reducing – for example through the wear of brake pads or processes into high-purity copper (99,99%). CO emissions. the use of salts in agriculture – and it is necessary roofs should not be a matter of concern. 2 to know whether these „new” additions of copper could be a matter of concern. 4 COPPER IN ARCHITECTURE 2019 COPPERCONCEPT.ORG 5 SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN CREDENTIALS European copper products for architectural The copper industry – from mining to fabrication – For simplification, too many tools have used applications are produced according to EN 1172 spends in the region of 30% of capital expenditure non-robust and unfair assumptions, resulting in The Eden Project: The Core, UK specifications in world class plants with strictly on improving environmental performance. extremely misleading comparisons. Easy mistakes Architect: Grimshaw Architects monitored environmental performance and well- The processing of copper is on a „Continuous to make include: Photo © Peter Cook established recycling routes. They include high Improvement Program” to service customers and levels of recycled materials, typically 85% or shareholders, and comply with current market • comparing energy and cost per tonne rather It is the education centre for the largest plant more with scope up to 100%, saving on energy and policy needs. The industry is responding to the than per m2 of material, thus misrepresenting enclosure in the world, built in the lightest and and greenhouse gases, and contributing to the European Commission circular economy initiative thinner, lighter materials such as copper most