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Prevention of Velocity Effects - Erosion Corrosion and Cavitation

PROJECT: Shaw Festival Theatre
LOCATION: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
APPLICATION: Cladding
ARCHITECT: Lett / Smith Architects, Toronto, Ontario
CONTRACTOR: Schreiber Brothers Limited, Hamilton, Ontario
METAL SUPPLIER: Canadian Brass & Copper, Concord, Ontario



DESCRIPTION:
A major new addition to the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake was completed in2004 in a re-organization of the entire Theatre complex. The 36,000 square foot (3,350 m2) Production Centre addition echoes the vision of the original Theatre architect, noted Canadian architect Ron Thom. It is a wonderful complement to the original design and integrated seamlessly into the entire Theatre campus.

One of the featured elements of the exterior of the addition is the use of long pan copper cladding. 13,000 lbs. of 16-oz. sheet copper was used in 18-in. (46 cm) wide pans, installed in a regular pattern of 8-foot (2.4 m) and 18-foot (5.5 m) sections. These dimensions were carefully controlled to reflect other elements of the structure in an especially rhythmic composition.

The copper cladding will slowly age to a green/grey patina, taking longer than a typical roof due to its vertical orientation. It also compliments the other materials used throughout the structure, the sturdy red brick, glass, and cedar. It will also, as it ages, provide many years of trouble-free service. Like the works of Shaw himself, it will endure well into the next century.


Adapted from Canadian Copper, No. 152





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