Hello and welcome to the November Issue of the Materials for Architecture Newsletter

In this issue, we bring you news on the winners of the 2018 Brick Awards, a sweeping copper roof, 3D-knitted concrete shells, and more...

Copper double spiral staircase in CEBRA's Experimentarium

Danish studio CEBRA refurbished the popular science attraction in Copenhagen, doubling the centre's exhibition spaces and adding two large atriums with centrepiece staircases. Shaped like the double helix strands of DNA, the spiralling staircase is clad in panels of polished copper. It is made from 160 tonnes of steel and covered in 10 tonnes of copper. Read more...
Published 14/11/2018 via dezeem.com

Two steel black cabins form striking Quebec chalet by Appareil Architecture

Located deep in the woods of Quebec, Canadian design firm Appareil Architecture has built a pair of light-filled cabins, both clad in corrugated steel and painted black. Each cabin is linked together by a cedar decking, raised above the forest floor. Chalet grand-pic aims to create a warm space, for friends and family, where residents can breath fresh air. Read more...
Published 13/11/2018 via designboom.com

2018 Brick Award winners

Winners were crowned at the 2018 Brick Awards, a ceremony that for 42 years has celebrated the best use of brick in the built environment. Projects of the highest calibre are routinely entered by architects and contractors and this year was no exception. The title of Supreme Winner fell to the exemplary Storey’s Field Community Centre & Nursery. Read more...
Published 09/11/2018 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

‘Diminishing resources, better buildings’ – Sandy Patience

The world is running short of many construction materials we take for granted, and an energy efficient circular economy is vital to a sustainable future, says Sandy Patience of Greenspec. Speaking at UKCW, Patience told the audience of the many element shortages the world is experiencing, from rare earth elements to helium, and even water. Read more...
Published 07/11/2018 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

Gianni Botsford Architects tops House in a Garden with sweeping copper roof

A funnel-shaped copper roof and subterranean swimming pool feature in this west London home, which Gianni Botsford Architects has slotted behind a 19th century townhouse. The project – which has aptly been named House in a Garden – is situated at the back of an 1840s brick townhouse in London's affluent Notting Hill neighbourhood. Read more...
Published 08/11/2018 via dezeen.com

3D-knitted shells save on construction materials and time

With just the press of a button, ETH researchers knit a textile that serves as the primary shaping element for curved concrete shells. Now they have used the new technology to create a five-tonne concrete structure for an exhibition in Mexico City. The heart of the curved concrete shell is knitted. The formwork is a textile supported by a steel cable-net. Read more...
Published 29/10/2018 via ethz.ch

Natural slate, natural beauty

Allan Liddell of Cupa Pizarras explores the inherent beauty, as well as the environmental credentials, of natural slate. Slate is formed through the regional metamorphosis of mudstone or shale under low-grade conditions. This happens when shale or mudstone is exposed to heavy pressure and heat from tectonic plate activity. Read more...
Published 11/10/2018 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

Aluminium’s place in architecture – and human ecology

Architect Professor Michael Stacey looks at the case for aluminium, backed by ongoing research, on grounds of versatility, sustainability and durability. As a light and versatile metal, aluminium has been serving humankind. A recent exemplar is the David Adjaye-led design of the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Read more...
Published 08/10/2018 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

Galvanizing sustainability in construction

Wedge Group Galvanizing explores the key benefits galvanizing brings to sustainable construction, and highlights the growing number of techniques adopted by the galvanizing industry to further reduce the sector's environmental impact. Galvanizing is recognised as the most sustainable finishing process available to help the construction sector prevent corrosion. Read more...
Published 08/10/2018 via materialsforarchitecture.co.uk

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