The Nordic Brass Weathered copper alloy provides a rich, naturally varied brown surface with a high quality, timeless character. The surface is created by burnishing at the Aurubis copper mill, providing straightaway the same oxidised brown surface that otherwise develops over time in the environment. Lead architect Louise von Bahr said: ‘We wanted the cladding to have a contrasting mix of qualities. It should have personality but at the same time be subtle. And we wanted to create a modern look but also matching the Cathedral next door. We decided to use Nordic Brass Weathered cladding designed in a way that picks up on the historical context – but in a refined and minimalistic way. In the end we are very happy with the results.’

The Nordic Copper alloy cladding also adds to the building’s ‘LEED Platinum’ certified sustainability agenda. Nordic Copper architectural products and alloys are manufactured using 100% recycled raw-material, and copper’s ability to be recycled repeatedly – without any loss in performance – is an important sustainability benefit. Copper is a natural element within the earth’s crust which has been incorporated into living organisms throughout the evolutionary process. It requires no decoration, maintenance or cleaning, saving resources, cleaning chemicals and cost, and its lifespan can be regarded conservatively as 200 years, subject to substrate and structure.