Jonathan Lowy, Operational Marketing Manager at VMZINC, explores natural zinc’s aesthetic and performance benefits, and why the company is supporting the Architecture Today Awards.

It is a bit of a cliché to say that zinc matures like a fine wine, but the rooftops of Paris and many other cities prove it to be somewhat true. Natural zinc, which is sometimes referred to as mill finish zinc, forms an attractive patina caused by water and CO2, but this takes several years to form. For this reason VMZINC has been producing pre-weathered zinc since 1978 and its range now extends to 10 standard pre-weathered finishes.

Alex Monroe Studio, London, by DSDHA

While aesthetics are a fundamental reason for using zinc on a roof or façade, they are not the only one. Durability, which can extend beyond 100 years, and 100 per cent recyclability at the end of the life of the zinc roof or wall are also key. It is for this reason that VMZINC is supporting the Architecture Today Awards for buildings that have stood the test of time. In the first edition of the awards, the Alex Monroe Studio by DSDHA (completed in 2012 and winner of the mixed use and retail category) features VMZINC as one of the project’s key materials. The extensive upward extension includes a delicate rainscreen façade in PIGMENTO red zinc, which evokes the nature of the jewellery work that takes place within the building.

Utopia pavilion, Lisbon, designed by SOM Architects and Regino Cruz

Going further back in time to a project that is still going strong is the Utopia pavilion that was designed by SOM Architects and Regino Cruz. The building, which was part of Expo 98 in Lisbon and is now used as a multipurpose performing arts venue, is located on an exposed site in the Tagus Estuary and shows how well pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC standing seam panels perform over time.

One Eagle Place, London, designed by Eric Parry Architects

Slightly closer to home is Eric Parry’s, One Eagle Place in the heart of Piccadilly, London. Completed in 2013, the project involved new-build and renovation within a conservation area, and includes a ceramic façade with an ANTHRA-ZINC standing seam mansard roof.

Magdalene College, Cambridge, by Niall McLaughlin Architects

Finally a project that has a planned life of 600 years, and will likely be an Architecture Today Awards entry for ‘buildings that have stood the test of time’ award, is Niall McLaughlin’s Stirling Prize-winning New Library at Magdalene College, Cambridge. The scheme includes a highly impressive QUARTZ-ZINC standing seam roof with a non-vented BBA-certified structural roof that incorporates a Brooft4 fire test. Our warranty cannot quite match the hoped lifespan of the building, but a 50 year material warranty is available for projects installed by VMZINC@WORK partners.

Contact Details
If you would like further information, including samples or an online or office based RIBA accredited CPD, please do not hesitate to call 01992 921 300, email, or visit the VMZINC website.