When some architects tell me why they ignore considering natural metals when designing projects, I usually discover their decisions are based on misconceptions. There are in fact several compelling reasons why you should consider zinc, copper, stainless steel and other similar natural metals for your interiors and exteriors, many of which will save you time and money if used properly.
Affordability and Endurance
Under any cost analysis or other reasonable means of measurement, investing in natural metals for construction makes good financial sense in the long term. The life span of natural metals is almost always longer than other building materials. Depending on the metal, building envelopes can last anywhere from 75 to 200 years without needing replacement or even renovation in some cases.
Low Maintenance
Many natural metals such as zinc and copper naturally form their own protective layer, called a patina. Patinas redevelop or self-heal any imperfections to decrease ongoing maintenance needs. These protective patinas increase natural metals’ ability to withstand harsh elements as well as lengthen their life span. Because of this protection, zinc and copper tend to be the most desired materials for high-caliber roofing and wall cladding.
Ecological Impact
As both zinc and copper are recyclable when they reach the end of their life, from a LEED standpoint, using them as building materials is fairly green. Architectural zinc in particular is fully recyclable, from construction scrap to end of use, which lowers the energy required for manufacturing. Zinc develops a protective layer, called zinc hydroxyl-carbonate, which blocks moisture and chemicals from penetrating it. If that protective layer is ever scratched, the hydroxyl-carbonate will reform over time (typically taking two to five years, depending on the climate), making zinc naturally resistant to corrosion and benefiting the environment in the process. To show clients you truly design with green in mind, natural metals are the natural answer.
Interaction
Some natural metals work well with nearly all materials, making them ideal for extensive use. For example, zinc is known to interact well with materials such as wood, brick and glass, and is suitable for all types of architectural needs. This capacity to highlight other materials, and to heighten their minerality, their natural aspect or their industrial dimension, is a key benefit of using natural metals.
Durability
Natural metals offer great scale and texture for you to manipulate in any project in whatever fashion you need. They are very malleable-you can bend them to form whatever shapes you desire, making them equally strong for designing distinctive roofing as well as stylish curved walls. Many natural metals are lightweight yet very strong at the same time, making them useful for a variety of architectural considerations.
Installation
Many natural metals used in construction today come as complete, out-of-the-box systems. The panels and fasteners are shipped together, meaning that installers have all of the materials for installation on hand in one shipment. Many panels can typically be installed more quickly and easily than alloys and other materials that are composed of many smaller parts. With natural metal panels ranging in length from smaller dimensions up to 10 to 12 feet long, you can easily create small or large scale aesthetics. You can also perforate the panels without having to paint to cover connections due to the natural patina, which leads to my final point.
Color
The colors provided by natural materials are outstanding. They do not change on the whims of the latest styles for colors on paint palettes. The colors of natural materials are time-tested and pleasant to the eyes since they were built back to the 1800s. Just look at historic buildings made of natural metals from centuries ago, and you will see colors whose beauty still endure today.
With zinc and a few other natural materials, there are different options of natural color available in these products to use for building. Just think, by using these products, you not only have colors that last longer than painted metals, but also avoid having to calculate the time and money needed to paint interiors and exteriors.
Some architects find natural metals intimidating because they are different from other alloys. Indeed, you can say that natural metals have their own language, but it is one that emphasizes longevity, durability and minimal maintenance as key benefits. By using natural metals, you are showing your clients that you are forward-thinking and ready to address their concerns about your projects being resilient and cost-effective over the long term.
Expand your repertoire of building materials. Incorporate natural metals as part of your designs. I have a strong feeling you will find that their many benefits will be worth your investment in them.
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Daniel Nicely is managing director at VMZINC-US and Umicore Building Products USA Inc. VMZINC is the international brand name of rolled zinc products manufactured and sold by the Building Products unit of Umicore. VMZINC offers a range of roofing products and systems, façade cladding, rainwater systems and ornaments. To learn more about VMZINC-US, visit www.vmzinc-us.com.
Photo: Gilbertson Photography