The Aurubis copper theft, in which $198m worth of metal was stolen, is a reminder to us all of the importance of keeping construction sites protected. As metal inflation rises, criminals know they can sell things like copper for much more money, making them prime targets for crime. Not only that, but nights are getting darker, protecting criminals from being seen. Construction projects are naturally exposed and vulnerable. So, how can you keep your site protected? Alexis Potter, MD at site security specialist BauWatch, investigates.
Copper is one of the most versatile materials on the planet and has played a key part in bringing about change, inventions, and new opportunities across society.
This contemporary cottage, built in a stunning seashore location on the Lyngen peninsula – a protected heritage area well within the Arctic Circle and one of Norway's National Parks – is defined by its respect for nature and restrained material palette of Nordic Green copper clad walls and roofs, seamless glazing and timber.
Nordic Copper offers an extensive range of natural surfaces and alloys that can be applied in numerous ways to clad a wide variety of building types from major public buildings to distinctive individual homes.
Although one of our oldest building materials, traditionally covering the domes and spires of our city skylines, copper also offers limitless possibilities for contemporary architectural design. The numerous natural surfaces and alloys available today, deployed in various forms and systems, give copper timeless qualities, particularly suited to juxtaposition with historic buildings. Here, copper specialist Aurubis explores how innovative architects optimise the potential of this intriguing material.
Two important public buildings, defined by Nordic Copper cladding, have recently received accolades following previous awards.
A striking rooftop extension, clad in Nordic Copper from Aurubis, announces the new teaching and learning centre for Birkbeck, University of London, housed in a prominent, refurbished corner building. Architectural practice Penoyre & Prasad, a studio of Perkins&Will, discusses its design.
For one New Zealand family, ‘forever home’ meant just that when they and their architect chose Nordic Copper for the external skin of their new house on the foreshore of Cass Bay, near Christchurch. The house’s organic design is an exemplar for copper in contemporary architecture while celebrating a strong tradition of craftsmanship.
Although copper was one of the first metals used by man and one of our oldest building coverings, it has been rediscovered by architects as a thoroughly modern material.
