We have seen a dramatic change from copper’s traditional place in roofing historic buildings to a thoroughly modern external skin for contemporary architecture. But the role of Nordic Copper products from Aurubis as an interior surfacing material is growing as well, with a surprising diversity of natural colours, patterns and textures.
Increasingly, copper and its alloys are being applied as high-quality finishes for walls, doors, ceilings, stairs and elevators, highlight surfaces, bars and counters, exploiting the materials’ unique performance characteristics. Copper’s inherent antimicrobial qualities make it ideal for touch surfaces and it is non-toxic and safe to handle, as well as non-brittle and predictable to work. With a melting point of 1083˚C and ‘A1 (non-combustible material)’ fire classification to EN 13501-1, copper is inherently fire-safe and, therefore, rated ‘Class 0’ surface spread of flame, making it suitable for wall and ceiling surfaces in all areas.
Living Surfaces
Modern factory-applied Nordic Copper surface treatments provide straightaway the natural oxidisation and patination that develops over time in the external environment to selected levels – and these can be used internally as well as outside. They retain the integrity of copper as a natural, living material – not coatings or paint – and are very similar to those taking place naturally outside, using copper mineral compounds, not alien chemical actions.
Designers can determine both the colour and intensity of Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper or Nordic Green, Nordic Blue and Nordic Turquoise patinas for each project from the start. As well as a solid patina colour, other intensities can be created revealing some of the dark oxidised background material as ‘living’ surfaces. Alloys of copper have also grown in popularity including Nordic Bronze and Nordic Brass, which can also be supplied pre-weathered. An innovative alloy of copper with aluminium and zinc – Nordic Royal – enjoys a rich, golden through-colour which remains very stable, just developing a matt surface, but no patination, over time.
Extra Dimension
Most recently, these copper surfaces and alloys have been made available with the Nordic Décor range of mechanically applied surface treatments, adding an extra dimension. These latest developments in abraded and embossed surface treatments are particularly suited to interior design, adding another level of close-up visual richness, texture and tactility.
Nordic Décor includes embossing to provide regular patterns of raised or recessed forms, some also abraded to reveal highlights of the base material colour for additional design effects. Grindings are also available with linear, cross-hatched or curved-swirl hairlines to give distinctive matt surfaces. These surface treatments, combined with the natural living colours of Nordic Copper and its alloys, offer real design freedom, adding a richness and opulence to any interior design.