Rutland Architectural Blog - greenArchitecture

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Buildings, including residential, commercial, public, and industrial consume about one third of all energy use and about two thirds of all the electricity generated. Demand for electricity in the U.S. is increasing three times faster than new power plants and lines are being built to accommodate this rapidly increasing demand. Heating and cooling costs dominate most building's energy usage. A building's roof can have the greatest impact on the energy consumption by a building so any technological advances and improvements in roofing energy efficiency and performance will greatly affect both energy usage and consequent cost savings. Energy efficiency, durability, performance, sustainability, recyclability and life cycle costs are the focus of green building. Architects, builders and consumers have been changing the way they select building materials and designing buildings. They are increasingly shifting their focus to green building materials and energy performance with so called cool roofs becoming a key focus. Cooling costs significantly affect a building's energy consumption in most parts of the country and cooling is the predominant cost in the southern states. Cool roofs can save up to 40% in cooling energy as reported by several studies including Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Heat Island Group. Cool roofs essentially are roofs which reflect much of the sun's radiation away from a building, employ above sheathing ventilation (ASV) cooling under the roof, readily emit any heat which they do absorb back away from the building and cool quickly at night. The less solar radiation and heat entering a building's interior space through the building's roof, the lower the building's cooling costs and energy use will be.

Net Heat Flux Through Roof (courtesy coolmetalroofing.org)

Cool roofs or reflective roofs can be comprised of a variety of materials including asphalt or fiberglass shingles, clay or concrete tile, EDPM rubber or PVC roofing membrane and variety of metals as long as they can reflect away much of the sun's radiation and readily release any heat they absorb into the atmosphere. White and the more lightly colored roofing materials are the most reflective but different material composition as well as special designed and engineered coatings or paints used on them can also greatly affect reflectivity and emissivity. Some of these new coatings or paints, especially those applied to newer more advanced metal roofing, incorporate special pigments designed to provide higher reflectance of solar infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Infrared and ultraviolet radiation can contribute even more to absorbed heat energy from the sun than visible light so any type of roofing material incorporating these special reflective coatings may outperform conventional light colored materials without them. Even darker colored roofing which incorporates these special IR and UV reflective coatings will outperform older non treated darker colored roofing saving as much as 25% in cooling costs.

cool metal tile roofing shown having solar reflective coating cool roof and green roof energy saving properties

cool metal tile roofing shown having cool roof and green roof properties

Reflective Cool Metal Roofing Tile (courtesy coolmetalroofing.org)

Even with the advent of newer reflective coatings, white and light colored roofing still is the best performing cool roof providing the most energy and cost savings. Consumers, builders and architects however still like the aesthetics in having varied colors and materials and many still favor darker roofing hues. Ultra violet (UV) represents about 3% of the total solar energy striking the earth’s surface. Visible solar energy amounts to 40% while infrared (IR) energy accounts for the largest percentage 57% of the solar energy spectrum and is felt as heat. Thus roof materials which can be coated with newer UV and IR reflective coatings, even the darker shades of roof color, can now be much more energy efficient than in the past. Darker shades of roofing still won't reflect near as much of the visible solar radiation as lightly colored and white roofing. Though with engineered reflective coatings they will now block a high percentage of the UV and IR radiation which actually constitute more of the solar energy radiation and heat gain than visible solar energy. In addition to solar reflectivity, heat emissivity of roofing materials must also be considered as a large factor affecting building energy usage and possible contribution towards heat island effects. Any solar radiation which is not reflected by the roofing surface is then absorbed, converted or transferred to heat energy and some of this heat can conduct and radiate down into the interior building space affecting cooling costs. If the roof material has good emissivity much of this heat can re-radiate back to the sky in the form of IR energy especially cooling off during the night and there will consequently be less heat build up. Any concentrated heat build up, especially in tight grouped urban areas leads to heat island effects where temperatures in the air above these heat islands can be up to 12 degrees hotter than normal, leading to higher air conditioning costs, higher use of energy and higher levels of ozone and smog.

thermal image of Atlanta at night time showing warming heat island effects

Atlanta at Night Thermal (Blue=cool, green=lukewarm, red=warm, white=hot)

In addition to emphasizing high solar reflectance and emissivity properties, roofs can additionally be kept cooler, limiting or preventing heat gain or heat flux down into a building' interior space below, by promoting convection cooling underneath the roof material using above sheathing ventilation (ASV). Heat emanating from the underside of the roofing can be removed using convective air flow (balanced ventilation) moving from soffit vents or eaves up to and out a ventilating roof ridge cap. Testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory showed that by employing the natural convection of heated air below the roof covering, temperatures in an attic space are reduced. Air enters at the eave, is heated by the roof, and because hot air rises, it is naturally drawn up and vents to the outside. This natural convection controls heat gain and reduces the temperature in the
attic below. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory study found that dark-colored metal-shingle roofs using above-sheathing ventilation had similar heat energy flows compared to their lighter cooler colored counterparts. About 30 percent of measured reduction in heat gain was contributed by ASV. When a cool reflective roof surface was used with ASV, an additional 15 percent reduction in heat gain was achieved for 45% total. The improved summer performance of cooler roofs coupled with the reduced heat losses during the winter show cool roofs can both reduce energy usage in summer months while negating any supposed heating penalty in cooler months or northern heating dominated climates.
* (see http://www.metalconstruction.org/pubs/pdf/ORNL-TM-2006-9.pdf)

A convective air space below the roofing material can be easily set up by using a batten, cross batten or metal purlin framework on top of roof sheathing or a roof deck, on which sturdy roofing panels can be attached. Less sturdy roofing material can employ a 1 1/2" metal roof deck or else just a purlin spaced layer of OSB below the existing roof sheathing. Even darker roof materials such as weathered bare copper which does not have a great solar reflectance index (SRI), can provide good to outstanding energy efficiency results with the use of either an underneath or above sheathing ventilation approach. Additionally winter or cold weather heating performance is improved with the use of below or above sheathing ventilation as that convection air space between the roof material and lower roof deck or sheathing further acts as an insulative layer and helps to prevent heat loss and condensation. Ventilated cooled roofs work great and are energy efficient in any climate. They tend to last much longer too with less heat degradation.

roof deck batten - cross batten construction framework shown on top of which cool roofing will be installed

Batten - Cross Batten Above Sheathing Ventilation (ASV)

roof structure cut out showing an energy saving cooling ventilated convection space positioned below the roof sheathing of a copper standing seam roof installation

ORNL Copper Roof Ventilation Test (images courtesy CDA at copper.org)
roof heat gain chart comparing different kinds of roofing including asphalt and cool metal roofing to a ventilated copper roof

roof heat gain chart comparing different kinds of roofing including asphalt and cool metal roofing to a ventilated copper roof

* These test results reflect using a 1½” fluted metal roof deck, ¾” OSB (plywood would work just as well), underlayment and red rosin paper underneath a standing seam copper roof. The use of a fluted metal roof deck is optional; similar results can be obtained by using other designs that provide an air space below the deck. The test roof had a 4/12 slope and faces south. The ventilated copper roof system was compared with a control roof of typical black asphalt, a typical non-ventilated copper roof assembly and two very good examples of above-the-sheathing, ventilated stone-coated steel roofs using special Cool Roof reflective coating colors. The graph above shows the ceiling heat flux crossing the attic floors of the respective attic assemblies. The light gray stone-coated cool metal roof (SR246E90) dropped the ceiling heat flux by roughly 29% of that measured for the asphalt shingle roof (SR093E89). The copper roof with the fluted metal deck further dropped peak ceiling heat flux an additional 23% of that for the coated steel shingle roof, bringing the total reduction for the copper roofing system to 50% of the asphalt control. Peak heat flux dropped an additional 1.5 Btu per hour per square foot for the copper roof as compared with the stone-coated metal roof. These results show clearly that a vented copper roof assembly will greatly reduce heat gain resulting in lower energy costs for the structure. Further, it dispels the notion that copper roofing must have high reflectance and emissivity in order to be effective in saving energy. * See Copper Roofs Are Cool

Cool roofs with their large energy saving and cost saving benefits can be realized by employing light colored roofing materials with very good solar reflective properties or roof materials using special engineered reflective coatings or most any type of roofing utilizing balanced and well functioning below or above sheathing ventilation (ASV). White or lightly colored highly solar reflective roofs employing ASV still provide the greatest energy and cost savings. It must also be stated that using higher R-values for ceiling insulation or better insulation below the roof in structures without attics will also control or limit heat gain into a building interior and consequently also lessens the heat gain differential using less reflective roofing materials or darker roof colors. Adding a radiant barrier and insulation board underneath your lower roof deck and convection space can further prevent the intrusion of heat gain from roofing into attic and living space. Additional attic vents, gable vents, dormer vents and roof vents will also reduce heat gain from roofing. More sloped roofs also perform much better and have less heat gain than flat or low sloped roofs and should be considered for any new construction. Some buildings with flat or low slope (<2:12) low-rise roofs may also be candidates for retrofitting them with a lightweight sloped roofing structure framework when re-roofing them especially with lighter weight roofing such as metal roofing. That framework could simultaneously also provide a convective roof cooling space underneath the new roofing. Resulting lower energy costs, less maintenance and no roof replacement for 50 years or longer could provide a good return on that investment. The bottom line is that when evaluating roofing energy efficiency, heating and cooling costs, looking only or primarily at roofing material properties such as SRI, reflectivity and emissivity is not sufficient to see the whole picture. You have to look at what effect the entire roofing system and structure has on heat gain, cooling load, heat loss and energy usage of the building and it's systems. The performance of the whole system must be examined in totality when the end goals are reducing energy costs and going still further, in achieving the most eco-friendly green buildings. In a subsequent blog article, the green building aspects of roofing will be discussed in more detail. Then again there are specialized roof systems such as KME's Tecu Solar System copper roofs below which are expressly designed as efficient solar heat collectors for heating a building's interior space, it's hot water and even swimming pool. Where do such technically advanced roofs fit into energy efficient roofing guidelines, requirements, ratings and green design certification?

copper roof integrated solar heating collection system shown in patinated green copper finish

Copper Solar System Roofs (photos courtesy KME.com - Italy)

copper roofing solar heating collector system for heating building and hot water system - shown in new raw copper finish

6/8/2011 8:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Roof Domes

Roof domes are one of the most visually striking and appealing architectural structures around. Domes have been around for thousands of years. Ancient cultures constructed mostly corbel or arched dome dwellings using locally available materials such as mud, clay or adobe. The earliest discovered domed structures may date from around 15,000 to 20,000 years ago in the Ukraine, constructed from mammoth bones and tusks. In ancient times people lived in such domed structures and in more modern times Native Americans constructed wigwams from curved branches and hides and much farther north, igloos from compressed blocks of snow. Pygmies in Africa used mango leaves to cover their similar dome shaped structures. Ancient domes discovered in the Middle East were used for modest structures, such as tombs. The early Romans while constructing smaller domed structures for villas, palaces, baths and tombs also constructed very large, advanced true domes over large interior spaces such as temples and public buildings. True domes are traditionally considered to be a self-supporting hemi-spherical shape structure or roof. Half a hemispherical dome is called a semi-dome and other variations of that are generally called false domes. All of the different types of domes essentially still have a curving or rounded top. Over hundreds of centuries domes have been constructed from a large variety of building materials including mud, clay, stone, brick, wood, concrete, metal, glass and in recent times even plastic. Next we look at some early, historic or notable domed buildings and feature especially those with copper roof domes.

Pantheon with roof dome in Rome, Italy pictured

Pantheon - Rome, Italy
(photo credits: courtesy of uncp.edu/home/rwb/lecture_med_civ.htm)

While much earlier domed structures have been discovered as noted above, the Pantheon in Rome, Italy was one of the earliest buildings with a large roof dome, that is still in existence today, situated above ground and structurally stable. The Pantheon is considered by many to be the grandest dome in existence and still nearly as magnificent today as when it was constructed 19 centuries ago. The Pantheon at 142 feet - 43.3 meters inside diameter and height, was the largest dome ever built for about 1700 years and is still the world's largest un-reinforced concrete dome in existence. The Pantheon, originally built in 27 BC, was destroyed in both 80 AD and 110 AD and rebuilt both times. From it's last completion in 126 AD it still stands today as a monument to grand architecture. The Pantheon's concrete dome used to be covered with copper plates which in turn were finished with copper or bronze tile. The Pantheon, originally a pagan temple to all the Roman Gods, was taken over by the Catholic Church and consecrated by Pope Boniface IVI in 609 AD as a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs and informally known as Santa Maria Rotunda. The beautiful copper tiles adorning the dome's exterior were stripped off and stolen by Constans II in 663 AD to be carted back to Constantinople. Then almost a thousand years later, Pope Urban VIII had the original copper plating removed, yielding about 200 tons of copper sheets and 4 tons of copper nails, which were subsequently used mostly to construct cannon or bombards and remaining for assorted church projects. Large amounts of fine marble on the Pantheon's exterior were also unfortunately removed and used elsewhere over the centuries.

Florence Cathedral II Duomo with roof domes in Florence, Italy pictured

Florence Cathedral - II Duomo - Florence, Italy
(photo credits: MarcusObal - CCbySA, courtesy en.wikipedia.org)

The largest roof dome built in Western Europe since the Pantheon is Brunelleschi's octagonal brick roof dome for the Florence Cathedral or II Duomo in Florence, Italy, completed in 1436. This double dome, with seperate inside and outside shells, is still the largest masonry dome ever built, constructed with bricks and mortar, 42 feet from face to face. Duomo of Florence has eight vertical stone ribs with red tile roofing in between. Slightly smaller in diameter than the Pantheon and Florence Cathedral is the dome at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Italy. This double walled dome with inner hemispherical dome and outer vertically ovoid shaped dome, was completed in 1590 and remains today the tallest dome in the world, rising to a total height of about 452 feet from the ground. The drum or base of the dome alone is over 65 feet tall rising to 240 feet from the ground. The style which St. Peter's Basilica introduced became known as Baroque architecture and had a large influence on subsequent designs and buildings. St Peter's Basilica influenced other famous domed buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral in London, which in turn heavily influenced the United States Capitol Building dome, which similarly inspired many subsequent state capitol domed roof buildings. Mounting a cupola or lantern on top of the dome became popular in medieval times to admit light, provide venting and also serve as added visual interest on both the outside and inside.

St. Peter's Basilica with roof dome in Vatican City, Rome, Italy pictured

St. Peter's Basilica - Vatican City - Rome, Italy
(photo credits: Wolfgang Stuck, courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org)

Modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Basilica of St. Josaphat shown below is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin landmark, featuring one of the largest copper dome roofs in the world and is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Another Basilica, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels, Belgium had it's initial construction begin in 1905, then was interrupted by two world wars and was not completed until 1969. This church with it's sturdy brick and concrete reinforced structure, features a large copper roof dome and two slender towers with smaller copper roof domes. A landmark in the Brussels skyline, the apex of it's green patinated copper dome roof rises up to 292 feet - 89 meters above the ground.

Basilica of St. Josaphat with large copper roof dome in Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA pictured here

Basilica of St. Josaphat - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(photo credits: Sulfur - CCbySA, courtesy en.wikipedia.com)

Basilica of the Sacred Heart with large copper roof domes in Brussels, Belgium pictured here

Basilica of the Sacred Heart - Brussels, Belgium

(Markus Koljonen - CCbySA, courtesy commons.wikimedia.org)

For thousands of years, architects have designed domes made from a wide variety of materials and colors. No other style of roof creates such a feeling of openness, spaciousness and attractiveness. Copper has been the metal most frequently specified by architects. Copper domes make a most memorable and visually arresting statement in any building design, whether it is governmental, religious, commercial, residential, cultural, industrial or institutional. Copper roof domes add an unsurpassed air of richness, sophistication and natural beauty, while also providing more than a century or even centuries of durability along with very low required maintenance. A sampling of buildings with copper dome roofs from around the world continues below.

Berliner Dom Am Lustgarten with large copper roof dome in Berlin, Germany pictured here

Berliner Dom Am Lustgarten - Berlin, Germany

(photo credits: Von Schrader Bernd, courtesy fotocommunity.de)

Opera Garnier with large ornate copper roof dome in Paris, France pictured here

Opera Garnier - Paris, France

(photo credits: courtesy wikimediacommons)
Perth Museum and Art Gallery with large copper roof dome in Pert, Scotland UK pictured here

Perth Museum and Gallery - Perth, Scotland

(photo credits: Paul McIlroy - CCbySA, courtesy geograph.org.uk)

Waterfront Hall with very large copper saucer roof dome in Belfast, Ireland pictured here

Waterfront Hall - Belfast, Ireland (large copper saucer dome)

(photo credit: Architect Robinson and McIlwaine, courtesy copperinfo.co.uk)

Macon Auditorium with world's largest true copper roof dome in Macon, Georgia USA pictured here

Macon Auditorium with world's largest true copper roof dome in Macon, Georgia USA pictured here

Macon Auditorium - Macon, Georgia (largest true copper dome)

(photo credit: Architect Robinson and McIlwaine, courtesy copperinfo.co.uk)

While domes have historically been seen on government capitols, courthouses, churches, temples, museums, auditoriums and stadiums, roof domes have also found favor on many types of commercial buildings including hotels, resorts, pavilions and farm structures and ever increasingly in residential architecture as well. Roof domes continue to be featured and incorporated into modern architectural design as dome roofing provides both functional and visual benefits. Roof domes provide a feeling of spaciousness, allow high sculpted ceilings and a distinct feeling of sophistication, elegance and luxury. Dome roofs will elevate and distinguish a building's appearance and directly increase it's value as well. Many different styles of roof domes can readily be adapted and incorporated into modern homes and commercial properties of quality and distinction.

The Rainbow Torquay with copper roof domes in Torquay, Devon Great Britain UK pictured here

The Rainbow Hotel Domes - Torquay, Devon UK

(photo credits: Derek Harper, CC-by-SA courtesy of geograph.org.uk)

Copper roof dome residential from late 1800's home in Logansport, Indiana USA pictured

Late 1800's Dome Roof Home - Logansport, Indiana

(photo credits: labontebuddy43, courtesy esperanto.wunderground.com)

Rancho Adolfo Camarillo Gazebo with large copper roof dome salvaged from Mary Magdaline Church pictured here

Rancho Adolfo Camarillo - Gazebo Copper Roof Dome
(Salvaged from Mary Magdaline Church)
(photo credits: CA1S.org, courtesy pbase.com)

Copper roof domes, copper dormer and copper flashing on residential construction pictured here

Residential Copper: Dome Roofs, Dormer Vents, Flashing

(photo credits: Union Jobs Clearinghouse, unionjobs.com)

Polygonal copper roof dome - domical vault with copper roof cupola in new architecture being installed by Rutland Architectural Copper pictured here

Copper Dome Roof - Domical Vault - Rutland Construction

Sandals Resort with copper roof domes in the Caribbean with roof dome done by Rutland Architectural Copper pictured here

Sandals Resort Caribbean - Dome Roof Work by Rutland

Copper roof dome on residential home being constructed on waterway by Rutland Architectural Copper Work pictured here

Residential Copper Dome Roof - Construction by Rutland

Hexagonal copper roof dome with custom diamond copper roof tile being constructed by Rutland Architectural Copper Work pictured here

Copper Dome - Hexagonal - Under Construction - Rutland
Hemispherical roof dome frame construction with plywood sheathing shown before copper roof tile are attached by Rutland Architectural Copper pictured here

Hemispherical roof dome frame construction with plywood sheathing shown before copper roof tile are attached by Rutland Architectural Copper pictured here

Frame Construction for Copper Tile Dome Roof - Rutland
Copper roof dome polygonal style with copper pineapple finial on top constructed by Rutland Architectural Copper Work pictured here

Copper roof dome polygonal style with copper pineapple finial on top constructed by Rutland Architectural Copper Work pictured here

Copper Polygonal Roof Dome - Pineapple Finial - Rutland

Large copper roof dome, pyramidal copper roof turret and conical copper roof tower on spectacular residential estate home constructed by Rutland Architectural Copper Work pictured here

Conical Roof - Large Copper Dome Roof - Pyramidal Roof
(all constructed by Rutland Architectural Copper Work Craftsmen)

Rutland Architectural Copper will custom build or fabricate any style of metal roof dome, including hemispherical domes, semi-domes, arched domes, corbel domes, polygonal domes, octagonal domes, hexagonal domes, ovoid or oval domes, saucer domes and other dome variations to architect's, builder's and customer's specifications. Rutland fabricates roof domes from heavy weight copper panels, custom copper tile and copper sheets. When a copper tile roof dome is desired, Rutland will construct sturdy framing including a layer of waterproof membrane over the sheathing. Rutland can custom build roof domes from a variety of metals including pure or coated copper and produce polished, very strong TIG welded joints or seams for a very attractive seamless look. Rutland also fabricates ancillary roof dome accessories such as cupolas, finials and vents. Copper is the ideal metal for roof domes and other architectural metal structures due to copper metal's excellent workability, very long life, durability, natural corrosion resistance, weatherability, environmentally friendly, recyclability, green building material, sustainability, natural beauty and timeless elegance. Rutland Roof Domes

9/8/2010 3:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Sunday, August 29, 2010

European Copper In Architecture Awards

The European Copper in Architecture Awards are biennial awards which recognize excellence in design for European architectural projects incorporating copper roofing, copper wall cladding and other copper architectural design elements. The 15th iteration of the awards will officially be launched in September 2010 for architectural projects completed between April 2009 and May 2011 with the judging and presentation of awards occurring in 2011. The previously concluded 14th European Copper in Architecture Award competition celebrated the use of copper in architecture in all of it's forms and selected the best in contemporary copper architecture from across Europe. Some of the European Copper In Architecture award winners are described and shown below.

Archeology Museum of Vitoria Spain European Copper in Architecture Award Winner street view pictured here

Archeology Museum of Vitoria Spain European Copper in Architecture Award Winner courtyard view one pictured here

Archeology Museum of Vitoria Spain European Copper in Architecture Award Winner courtyard view two pictured here

Archeology Museum of Vitoria Spain European Copper in Architecture Award Winner corner view pictured here

Archeology Museum of Vitoria, Spain -Overall Award Winner
(photo credits www.copperconcept.org and www.copperinfo.co.uk)

The Archeology Museum in Vitoria, Spain was overall European Copper in Architecture Award 14 winner. The Archaeology museum shares a courtyard with the historic Palace of Bendana. The building facade is comprised extensively of copper alloy cast bronze and glass. The effect has been characterized as an ageless fortress in an urban setting which reveals more of itself as you enter the courtyard. The architects of the project Mangado y Asociados S L describe the building as "a compact jewel box concealing the treasures that history has entrusted to us".

Mediacomplex 22@ Barcelona,Spain is highly commended European Copper In Architecture Award winner pictured here

Mediacomplex 22@ Barcelona,Spain is highly commended European Copper In Architecture Award design winner tower view pictured here

Mediaplex Complex 22@, Barcelona, Spain
(photo credits Alejo Bagué, courtesy www.copperinfo.co.uk)

The Mediaplex Complex 22@ in Barcelon, Spain was a highly commended award winner and is comprised of two contrasting main elements. The factory is a horizontal block adjoining a 19th century factory building and is comprised of smooth, opaque, perforated panels of copper. The tower utilizes copper faced screens over it's vertical grid of glazing providing shade. Both architectural elements make extensive use of copper, use copper as a unifying material and share common proportions.

Housing at Frederikskaj Copenhagen, Denmark a European Copper In Architecture Commended Design Award winner pictured here

Housing at Frederikskaj Copenhagen, Denmark a European Copper In Architecture Commended Design Award winner side view pictured here

Housing at Frederikskaj Copenhagen, Denmark
(photo credits www.copperconcept.org and www.copperinfo.co.uk)

Housing at Frederikskaj Copenhagen, Denmark was a commended award winner and is a residential project of 152 light, airy and spacious owner occupied apartments or condos located directly on the harbor. The architect who see the building akin to a luxury ocean liner docked at port, used materials with a nautical heritage including textured and smooth copper, hardwood windows and glass in a thoroughly modern design. The beautifully detailed but understated copper cladding provides solidity in concert with the concrete frame and blends well into the nearby commercial area.

8/29/2010 12:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Sunday, August 22, 2010

Copper Architecture Awards

Each year the North American Copper in Architecture Awards acknowledges and spotlights selected North American building projects for innovative and exceptional use of architectural copper. The architectural copper awards program highlights a wide scope of projects which highlight craftsmanship, attention to detail, and architectural vision. Copper has historically long been used for its great natural beauty and finish, it's durability and performance, copper's long service life and recyclability. Copper is still today a superior building material and also one of most eco-friendly and green building materials, which is being utilized and adapted for an ever wider variety of contemporary and cutting edge building and architectural applications. Three of the twelve copper in architecture award winners are described and shown below.

Waipolu Gallery and Studio,Oahu,Hawaii with copper wall cladding and copper roofing pictured here
Waipolu Gallery and Studio, winner of North American Copper in Architecture award pictured here
Waipolu Gallery and Studio, Oahu, Hawaii
(photo credits Nic Lehoux, Vancouver, BC - Courtesy Copper.org)

The Waipolu Gallery above uses copper wall cladding and copper roofing which were chosen for this project as copper will perform well over a very long time and with very little maintenance in a very corrosive ocean side location. Copper's beauty and fluidity compliment the modern art contained within the structure. The copper provides a softer contrast to the other more linear materials used. Excellent workability or malleability of copper was advantageous allowing easy re-working or shaping on site. The building architects also like there will be changes in copper's patina or color over time, producing an ever evolving work of art. The studio with it's stainless steel, glass and concrete linear space is joined by a floating glass bridge to the copper clad gallery. The glass bridge rises above a limestone staircase which connects the building's three levels.

Mark Olsen Project,Holladay,Utah with copper roofing, copper gutters, downspouts, conductor heads and copper finials pictured here

copper gutters and downspouts with copper conductor heads, copper finials and copper diamond shaped roof tile shown with copper patina pictured here

Mark Olsen Project, a residential winner of North American Copper in Architecture award pictured here

Mark Olsen Residential Project, Holladay, Utah
(photo credits David Daniels of David Photography - Courtesy Copper.org)

The Mark Olsen Project exhibits excellent old world craftsmanship, with a copper roof and other architectural copper features such as copper finials, copper gutters and ornamental downspouts with copper conductor heads, copper crown molding, fascia and soffit, copper chimney top shroud and extended copper window box. This stately home has exquisite detailing and exudes quiet elegance from it's naturally weathered copper features. 16,000 pounds worth of hand crafted architectural copper work are used for this home's architecture. The copper roof is comprised of diamond shaped interlocking copper shingles, copper ridge vents and flashing. Of note, no sealants were used, only traditional craftsmanship and installation techniques were employed along with some soldering work on the copper gutters providing very long term durability with little to no maintenance required.

closeup of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, South Carolina copper arches, copper spire and copper finials pictured here

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, South Carolina side view with copper arches, copper spire, copper cross, copper finials and stone veneer tower pictured here

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, South Carolina front view with it's stone veneer tower, copper arches, copper spire, gold leaf copper cross and copper finials pictured here

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Charleston, SC
(photo credits Steven of the Churches of Charleston Project
& Jeni Rone of Sea Star - Courtesy Copper.org)

One hundred fifty years in the making, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, South Carolina has at long last been restored after being completely destroyed by fire in 1861. A soaring neo-gothic style copper spire, which had long been planned, was finally realized this past spring. The stunning beauty of the copper spire with it's gold leaf finished copper cross can be seen across the Charleston skyline and out to Sullivan Island. The cathedral's tower was finished with a stone veneer and at it's top there are four copper clad archways with copper torch finials. The copper spire with gold-leaf copper cross finial is perched on top at center of the copper arches. The 200 square feet of gold leaf which covers the cross will last at least 40 years without touch-up while the crowning copper art work comprised of arches, finials, spire and cross at the peak of the cathedral will last and stay beautiful for generations to come.

8/22/2010 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Architectural CAD Drawings

CAD is an abbreviation for computer aided design and is sometimes also referred to as CADD, or computer aided drafting and design. CAD is used to create technical drawings for printed distribution or electronically by computer file. CAD is used in many industries to design almost any kind of product, proving very useful in rendering different shapes and configurations for new product concepts from perfume bottles to automobiles to space ships. CAD is also being used to create computer animation or special effects for movies, web sites and advertising. Architectural CAD drawings provide multiple or three dimensional views of individual architectural structures or whole buildings. Construction, engineering and architectural CAD show multiple views or images of objects exactly to scale and like manual drafting they may specify dimensions, materials, tolerances and attachments. Architectural CAD working drawings provide useful, detailed information for all phases of architectural design, planning, building material requisition, construction details and installation.

copper finial - roof finial architectural CAD drawing and specifications pictured

copper chimney cap architectural CAD drawing and specifications pictured

leader head - conductor head architectural CAD drawing and construction specifications pictured

Rutland regularly works with architects, builders, general contractors, designers, renovators and LEED green builders to supply them with CAD drawings and specifications of Rutland products and also to create custom designs for their building projects. Many of Rutland's wide array of architectural products already have an architectural CAD drawing PDF file available for viewing, downloading or printing. Architectural CAD drawings may be requested for any of Rutland's other products or for custom architectural designs based on your own requirements and specifications. Rutland is also able to work from your own building CAD drawings or blueprints to design custom gutter systems and architectural features such as cupolas, chimney caps, finials, spires, copper domes, turret roofs, gazebo roofs, dormers, roof vents, wall vents, louvers, chimney pots, awnings, deck railings - widow's walk, fire pits, copper kitchen hoods, sinks, canopies, leader heads, historical restoration work, etc. View some of the over 250 Architectural CAD Working Drawings and Construction Details already available from Rutland, manufacturer and wholesale supplier of architectural copper work, gutter supplies, building decorative metal fabrication, roof structures, copper kitchen decor, copper sculpture, copper home decor and natural stone products.

8/10/2010 12:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Green Building Materials - Copper - Natural Stone

Copper and natural stone make ideal green building materials for both the exterior and interior of all buildings, including commercial, public and residential buildings. What is green building? Simply put green building means the construction, renovation or remodeling of houses, public and commercial buildings so they are more durable, environmentally responsible, energy efficient and healthier for their occupants throughout the building's lifespan or life cycle. This is basically accomplished by designing and constructing buildings that last a long time, are more efficient, use less energy and water and are healthier spaces to occupy and live in. Historically, well designed and constructed buildings have delivered short term goals of utility, economy, durability and comfort. Green building really just takes the next step in building even better homes, commercial and public buildings by improving on their long term durability, quality, efficiency, high performance, human health, environmental impact, life cycle cost and sustainability. A building's total life cycle cost includes it's design, siting, construction, operation, maintenance, repairs, replacements, renovation, deconstruction, salvage, disposal and recycling. Green building materials typically include: renewable plant materials such as quick growing straw, bamboo and wood from sustainably managed forests; materials which are non-toxic, reusable and recyclable such as dimension natural stone, recycled stone and recyclable metals. Eliminating construction materials and interior finishes which have emissions of toxic gases such as formaldehyde and VOC's improve a building's indoor air quality and is healthier for occupants. Moisture control and eliminating biological or organic sources of mold, bacteria, fungi and pathogens will also promote healthier air and living space. Implementing green building techniques reduces negative impact on human health and the environment during multiple phases including the production of building materials, building construction, occupation, building operation and maintenance of a green design building. While many green buildings cost a premium which averages just less than two percent initially, green building will typically yield a financial return or savings of over ten times that initial premium during the life of the building. Green building simply saves money, protects the environment and provides healthier living spaces. The strong case for green building is abundantly clear considering the positive impact on human health, our environment and our finances.

copper mining quarry in Chile pictured here

natural stone quarry shows dimensional stone from mined natural stone deposits in Beijing, China pictured here

Copper Mining Quarry and Natural Stone Quarry

Natural resources such as copper and natural stone are mined or quarried and minimally processed natural materials as opposed to artificially manufactured materials, faux or simulated materials. Pure copper and natural stone share many green building material qualities: they are mined or quarried directly from the earth and minimally processed using environmentally conscious techniques; all waste material can be used or recycled; they require no external finishes or chemical treatments; they generate no harmful emissions or byproducts; they do not promote growth of mold, germs or other harmful pathogens; they are healthy, hygienic and non-toxic; they promote more even indoor temperature and healthier indoor air quality; they are moisture and corrosion resistant; they weather extremely well naturally; they are not flammable materials; they are not damaged by water; they do not break down, decompose, decay or deteriorate like previously living organic materials and most man made materials; they age beautifully and gracefully as natural patina formation, discoloration, pitting, dents or cracks enhance character and natural appearance; they require little upkeep or maintenance; they are extremely durable, outlasting the owner's lifetime and the building's lifespan; they are salvageable, reusable, absolutely recyclable and retain their value extremely well. Copper and natural stone are two of the oldest, most durable building materials used by mankind and countless buildings and structures incorporating natural stone and copper architecture stood for centuries. Copper and natural stone were used because they were abundant resources found directly in the natural environment, required minimal processing and were fairly easy to work with. Today spending even a little more for natural, earth friendly, durable materials has proven cheaper in the long run because they won’t have to be replaced as often, maintained as much and can be recycled. Considering on building materials life-cycle cost, rather than focusing solely on initial cost can yield some eye opening results.

green building Sala at Penn State with Gold LEED certification pictured here

City Center building with Gold Leed certification in Las Vegas pictured here

LEED Gold Penn State SALA and City Center LEED Gold in Las Vegas

We spotlighted the Penn State Sala building above in a previous blog for it's heavy use of copper (over 80,000 pounds) helping it achieve it's U.S. Green Building Council Gold LEED certification and remarkably at no additional cost over conventional building. The recent City center in Las Vegas also received LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for six of it's buildings, including Aria, Vdara, Crystals, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers. That made City Center one of the largest sustainable green building developments in the entire world. The immense project entailed collaborative involvement by eight renowned architecture firms. Green building material selection, included extensive use of natural stone for interior spaces and exteriors of the buildings. While other green materials were considered, natural stone provided the architecture with a natural textured, tactile feel and the richness, warmth, comfort, earthy look and colors they sought. The Aria building encompasses 70,000 square feet of natural quartzite stone cladding in a varying thickness mosaic pattern on it's exterior walls. Inside the buildings, different uses of natural stone were employed including a mosaic stone, stacked stone, flat honed or polished stone, to provide contrasting looks and changes in texture. Everyone involved with the project was happy with the results and the buildings continue to garner positive feedback and compliments. See additional pictures of City Center and information on it's green building features in the Stone World article Stone Contributes to LEED Certification for New Las Vegas Landmark

architectural copper work and natural stone masonry on home pictured here

natural stone wall cladding and copper gutters on house pictured here

Architectural Copper Work and Natural Stone Wall Masonry

View additional natural stone pictures of genuine natural stone installations at the Rutland Minstone website, encompassing natural stone tile flooring, natural stone walls, natural stone patios, garden stone paving, landscaping, slate roofs and stone columns. Slate, travertine, quartzite, limestone, sandstone and flagstone tiles, wall veneer panels and pavers are some of the featured natural stone applications. With large advances in mining, processing and shipping technology, use of natural stone has grown from use primarily only in major buildings and large expensive estates to becoming a staple in homes and buildings of every size and budget today. There has been a drastic reduction of genuine stone prices over the last decade or so. Around the world there is now an enormous inventory of natural stone and even more is being discovered every day. A combination of many technological advances and this very plentiful supply have combined to make natural stone very affordable and price competitive with man made materials, while having better green building characteristics and life cycle cost benefits. People have embraced the beauty and elegance of this unique, all natural material for their floors, wall coverings, kitchens, baths, outdoor landscaping and paving. Consumers prefer natural stone because it is the real thing which can not be duplicated in a laboratory or factory but is nature's very own genuine product. Natural stone is created by nature in many thousands of color variations with no two natural stone pieces exactly the same. Nothing approaches the uniqueness, durability, wide applicability of genuine natural stone and pure copper. From the beginning of time to far into the future, copper and natural stone have always been excellent green building materials while having natural beauty, grace, warm richness and timeless elegance.

7/23/2010 9:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

LEED Certification Green Building

LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environment Design is a third party certification and building rating program for building performance across several key areas. LEED attempts to measure a building's performance and sustainability across such areas as: optimizing energy efficiency as well as use of renewable energy; efficient and sustainable use of building materials and resources, including reuse, renewability, recycling and durability; innovation of design, incorporation of high recycled and regional content; water conservation; ensuring infrastructure and limiting neighborhood and environmental site impact; indoor air and environmental quality, including occupant comfort; reduction in CO2 emissions; efficient operation with low or reduced maintenance and energy costs. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a voluntary certification which strives to verify and promote sustainable high performance buildings or communities with less environmental impact, improved livability and long term savings. While LEED is still evolving, incomplete and not nearly perfect, building rating systems, certification and verification are raising our awareness and expectations for building performance and helping shift the construction market and demand toward healthy sustainable building, our long-term well-being and environmental responsibility.

copper cladding exterior walls are recycled from regional sources in Penn State's SALA green building shown here

Penn State SALA Building - Recycled Copper Cladding

Copper used in green building materials and strategic building components contributes to high environmental and building performance in many areas, most of which qualify for credits towards LEED certification of a building. For example Pennsylvania State University's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) used over 80,000 lbs (35,000 kgs) of copper in its construction and it was the first building to achieve a gold LEED certification at no additional cost. Most noticeable is the pre-patinated, 95% recycled copper cladding used for the exterior walls as shown above. This green building project used copper extensively for copper's green properties: high recycled content; local or regional availability; durability; high rate of recyclability at end of building's useful life; low or non-existent maintenance costs for copper; workability of copper. To maximize these benefits, in addition to wall cladding, copper was used for all soffits, sun shading and even on ceilings of large atriums. Looking at long term cost factors also ensured copper's prominent role in this green building project. Copper's legendary durability is measured in generations rather than years or decades with little to no maintenance required throughout it's lifetime. Virtually 100% of the copper can be recycled upon eventual demolition or replacement of the building and recycled copper maintains 95% of the value for new mined copper. Copper also has the best heat and electrical conductive properties of any viable metal as well as superior resistance to corrosion. Copper's many attributes are reflected in copper's contribution to green building high performance with 13 possible LEED credits across 3 performance areas. Copper's aesthetic qualities also ensure green building architects achieve attractive, visually appealing green LEED designs without sacrificing any efficiency, performance or environmental objectives.

Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center shown here with extensive use of copper throughout and in sweeping copper roof design

Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center - Extensive Copper

Copper, Green Building and Green Certification Links:

Building Green: How Copper Can LEED the Way
http://www.copper.org/environment/green/casestudies/building_green.html

Canadian Copper Association – Green Building
http://www.coppercanada.ca/greenbuilding.htm

North American Copper in Architecture Awards
http://www.ccbda.org/NACIA2009/main/naciamain.html

North American Initiative on Copper Architectural Applications
http://www.ccbda.org/architectural.htm

European Copper in Architecture Awards
http://www.copperconcept.org/

Copper Building Products – International Site
http://www.copperinfo.com/cproducts/building.html

U.S. Green Building Council – LEED Certification
http://www.usgbc.org/

Green Building Rating Systems - Worldwide
http://www.worldgbc.org/green-building-councils/green-building-rating-tools

BREEAM: Environmental Assessment Method for Buildings Around The World
http://www.breeam.org/

Reference Source for Environmental Products and Services
http://www.greenbooklive.com/

Green Guide to Specification - Best Environmental Performance with Life Cycle Analysis
http://www.bre.co.uk/greenguide/podpage.jsp?id=2126

Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features

EPA Indoor Air Quality - Indoor airPLUS Program
http://epa.gov/indoorairplus/construction_specifications.html

12/16/2009 10:21 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Friday, December 11, 2009

Green Home - Copper Building

Green, green home, green building, going green, sustainability and LEED are all catch phrases that seem to be catching steam and quickly building momentum these days. What does go green and green building specifically mean? Green building is the philosophy, design and implementation of the most efficient use of resources, that are both environmentally responsible and positively affect our health throughout the building's entire life cycle. The building's life cycle starts with siting, includes design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and then finally demolition. The total long term environmental cost of all building components is calculated and factors into green building design. Green building extends traditional building's short term concerns of economy, utility, durability and comfort with long term goals of sustainability, high performance, human health and environmental impact. The environment is impacted by the production and consumption of materials, natural resources, energy, water and land. Our environment is adversely altered by the building's inhabitants generation of waste products, water pollution, air pollution, heat and noise. Ultimate effects may include harm to human health, degradation of the environment including the atmosphere and loss of natural resources. Green building's goal is to reduce or eliminate any adverse health and environmental impact for every kind of building including residential, public, governmental, religious and commercial.

Copper Mining

The whole field of green building is literally exploding and there is so much information already available out there on many of the aspects involved with green building. Today's blog is just an overview that defines what green building is and there will be a subsequent series of articles that will cover in more depth the many aspects involved. We will also closely examine and feature the role of copper in green building and green homes. Copper homes, copper building and copper architecture play an important part in virtually all green building designs, including some or all of the following: plumbing, wiring, solar panels, windmills, tankless water heaters, external wall siding, roofing, guttering, roof structures, flashing, chimneys, fascia, vents, duct work, healthier copper kitchen designs, even outside door and window cladding. Copper usage in fact can contribute upwards of 13 points in various areas towards LEED green building certification.