Prevention of Velocity Effects - Erosion Corrosion and Cavitation

PROJECT: Artists Lofts
LOCATION: Vancouver, B.C.
APPLICATION: Cladding
ARCHITECT: Stephen Hynes, Vancouver, B.C
CONTRACTOR: Benkin Sheet Metal, Coquitlam, B.C.
METAL SUPPLIER: Copper & Brass Sales, Langley, B.C.



DESCRIPTION:
This project on West 6th Avenue is a variation of the traditional use of copper for roofing typically found on older installations throughout North America. Traditional standing seam installation methods were adapted for installation of the vertical wall cladding.

Some of the reasons for choosing copper for this application include its long service life (usually over 100 years), plus its great natural appearance. In this case, because of its vertical orientation, the copper will patinate more slowly than a sloped roof. It will also be less uniform, with many places, such as under overhangs and other protected areas, showing a dark brown/black tone for longer periods. The overall effect is one of slow constant change, emphasized by the light and shadow of the sun.

For this project 20-oz. copper, instead of the more common 16-oz., was used to minimize any movement or “oil-canning” that may occur, especially in areas where the copper sheet was suspended as a ceiling treatment.

Many of the large one- and two-storey lofts are designed as live/work spaces. The copper cladding identifies the building as a landmark, initially because of its metallic copper colour and later as the structure takes on a varied appearance, due to its slowly evolving patina.


Adapted from Canadian Copper, No. 144.










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