Nordic Copper from Aurubis offers an extensive range of natural surfaces and alloys that can be applied in numerous ways for architectural cladding and roofing on any building typologies.
Copper’s unique architectural qualities are defined by its naturally developing patina – which cannot be replicated successfully using other materials using surface coatings. The patina film provides impressive protection against corrosion and can repair itself if damaged, giving exceptional longevity.
With exposure to the atmosphere a copper surface begins to oxidise, changing from the bright ‘mill finish’ to a chestnut brown, gradually darkening over several years to a chocolate brown. Continued weathering can eventually result in the distinctive green or blue patinas seen on older roofs.
Natural Living Surfaces
With the ‘Nordic Copper’ range all these surfaces are available straightaway. The factory processes involved are similar to those taking place over time in the environment, utilising copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical processes.
So, all these surfaces form an integral part of the copper, generally continuing to change over time, and are not lifeless coatings or paint.
The Nordic Copper range includes Nordic Standard ‘mill finish’ and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper offering lighter or darker shades of brown. The extensive Nordic Blue, Nordic Green and Nordic Turquoise ranges have 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 patina colours, ‘Living’ surfaces are available for each with variable intensities of patina flecks revealing some of the dark oxidised background material.
Copper Alloys
Copper alloys are also growing in popularity, including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass – which can also be supplied pre-weathered. In addition, the innovative Nordic Royal, an alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc, provides a rich golden through-colour that is very stable.
All Nordic Copper products are suitable for internal applications, as well as exteriors. Apart from traditionally-jointed, rolled material supported by a substrate, various other forms of copper for architecture are increasingly being explored by designers. For example, Nordic Copper can be supplied in profiled sheets or extremely flat honeycomb panels, pressed to provide surface textures and modulation – or perforated, expanded or woven as mesh for transparency.
Fire-safe Cladding
With an ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, Nordic Copper is suitable for cladding tall buildings, using appropriate constructions. Low thermal movement makes it appropriate for any climates and locations, and it is non-toxic and safe to handle, as well as non-brittle and safe to work. Importantly today, its inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces internally as well.
In addition, Nordic Copper requires no maintenance or decoration. As a lightweight and flexible covering, structural support demands are reduced, resulting in lower carbon and ‘whole of life’ costs. Copper is also fully recyclable utilising long-established practices – 97% of copper in construction comes from recycling – and has other impressive sustainability and environmental credentials. And, of course, copper retains a high scrap value at eventual demolition, ensuring recycling.
An expanding series of building studies showcase the diversity of surfaces, forms and applications available with Nordic Copper today. Visit: www.nordiccopper.com or email: NordicCopper(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)aurubis.com