COASTAL GEM

Copper has been used for centuries as a cladding material, but not quite like this. A new copper-alloy cladding material with a gold sheen was specified for the tower's vertical blade and the pool house. To date, Jade is the largest project worldwide to use this new material, TECU gold, which is suitable for exterior and interior applications and will keep its gold sheen over time.

Craft Metals provided initial advice to the design team and supplied the copper alloy tiles, including the steel substructure. The new material was chosen for its resistance to the maritime climate, malleability and distinctive gold hue, says Thomas Brenner of Craft Metals.

"The TECU gold will maintain its colour over time, rather than weathering to the green patina normally associated with copper," he says.

The copper alloy was laid over a curved wall, which has a tapered shape from top to bottom. The panels were then installed with concealed fixings, forming the outer skin of the constructed sandwich elements. All the elements were prefabricated and pre-clad in Sydney, while the builder was still pouring the concrete slabs. The prefabricated panels were then transported onto site and craned into position.

"Due to the tapered shape of the blade, the radius of the cladding is changing continuously, which adds to the complexity of the steel substructure," says Brenner.

For details, contact Craft Metals, Unit 6, 39 King Road, Hornsby, NSW 2077, phone (02) 9482 4166, fax (02) 9476 1366. Email: info@craftmetals.com.au. Website: www.craftmetals.com.au.

Or contact Architectural Roofing and Wall Cladding, phone (02) 94824461, fax (02) 94824177. Website: www.arcroofing.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas