Copper Blog

Copper has been used for many purposes through man's history. In our modern day, however, the use of copper has evolved as architects have discovered new ways to use this metal, both indoors and out. One recent example of cutting-edge copper design is the use of copper as an interior design accent. Copper can be chemically fashioned into different color shades to accent a home's palette as shown above.  

As interior use of copper has grown, so has exterior architectural use. In 2009, the winner of the European Copper in Architecture Awards was the Archaeology Museum of Vitoria, Spain shown below. This copper building was designed by the architectural firm of Mangado Y Asociados. The use of bronze to create an openwork design displays a contrast of styles.

Copper can also be used as an exterior surface for residential properties as seen in the Clip House from Spain shown below. This building's exterior combines copper, concrete and glass to create a concept home composed of two separate levels attached to a flat concrete wall. The levels are covered with copper sheets that also serve as walkways, allowing residents to walk between the levels to get a view of the neighborhood.

As copper ages, it develops a patina of blue-green over the metal. A notable example of this process is the Statue of Liberty which is made of copper but has since turned entirely green. Designers are also making use of this naturally occurring process for architectural purposes. Some architects are chemically prepatinating copper to create this blue-green color themselves instead of letting the metal age. This chemically-altered surface is then used as the exterior for residential and commercial buildings as seen on the U.K. building below. 

Another striking example of copper architecture is the Yapi Kredi Bank Academy Building located in Turkey seen here.

This concept building has a copper facade over two rectangular sections. These copper-covered columns contain the academy's classrooms. This design was invented by John McAslan, an English architect.  

All it takes to create your own outstanding combination of copper architectural elements is a good manufacturer. Crescent City Copper is one such manufacturer specializing in copper awnings, copper windchimes, copper weathervanes and more.

Images c/o: coppercanada.ca, bustler.net, trendir.com, hoponbaby.com, architeria.com

 What Is a Louver? A louver is a type of blind, window or shutter that has horizontal slots to prevent rain, direct sunlight and noise. The slats are tilted just right so that fresh air and light can sneak through. Practical and attractive to a home, louvers feature adjustable slats so that you can angle them as you wish. In today's modern homes, louvers are generally seen on walls and roofs. They serve the same purpose of letting fresh air in and keeping water out. They can be triangular or domed depending on your own architectural preferences. Louvers are available in a variety of shapes and can be installed so that they are flush with the wall or connected to an air duct to allow hot air to escape.

History of Louvers: Louvers were used in kitchens during the Middle Ages in order to let the hot air exit, while keeping out the rain and snow. Instead of being the attractive window-like units they are today, the louvers were positioned on top of roof holes and were made out of wood. After some time, they were redesigned using pottery and had an art-deco influence. For example, some louvers were constructed in the shape of a face and the smoke would escape through the mouth. Today, louvers primarily have a functional use and are not a design element in modern-day architecture. There are however, some notable architects that use louvers to enhance their homes and buildings. Made from wood and carefully constructed, the louvers add an old-world character to these structures, while serving as a usable device.

Advantages to Copper Louvers: There are a variety of materials that louvers are made from, including wood, metal, glass and copper. The materials differ on functionality and aesthetic appeal, but many people agree that copper brings the best of both worlds. First, copper is environmentally friendly and stands as one of the most recyclable metals. Copper is also long-lasting and ages much better than other types of metals. If you choose to have copper louvers installed in your home, you can expect them to last a lifetime. And, if the louvers need to be replaced for any reason, the copper can be recycled and reused again. Second, copper has a beautiful, natural look to it that allows it to complement any ordinary home. The patina that forms into copper has a timeless appeal that gives it a traditional and authentic appearance. No matter how much water, rain and snow the copper is exposed to, you can expect the patina to exude its originality. If you prefer the shiny look however, the copper can be polished, retaining its "newness". Finally, copper louvers require very little maintenance. You can expect them to be installed permanently, without needing routine work to keep them looking their best. Even more valuable is that your home will have a unique appeal that many modernized homes lack. Copper louvers from manufacturers such as Crescent City Copper come in many different varieties. You can expect to find A-Frame, Octagonal, Round, Angle, Rectangle & other options to allow you to select a shape that complements your home perfectly.

Check out some examples of copper louvers.

References: Wikipedia
Image c/o: Crescent City Copper