CONTEMPORARY BUILDING

MATERIALS
CASE STUDIES

SRI KAVIYA S | 2018701033| SEM X

 LAHTI TRAVEL CENTER- MILL FINISHED COPPER
The new Travel Centre is located at the heart of the city of Lahti

next to the existing, historical railway station. It forms a public

transport hub connecting the rail network to the long-distance

and local bus lines. The new Travel Centre consists of a 60-meter

long canopy for the bus terminal, enclosed elevator structures, local

bus stops, and supporting landscape elements. There is also a

cladding for the 80-meter long tunnel space underneath the new

deck that forms a platform for the canopy.Together these elements

create an easily perceivable and high quality entity in a complex

city environment in various levels.

The main materials, copper, glass and
aluminium, were carefully chosen to meet
requirements of the surrounding milieu. The
canopy and columns are clad in perforated
copper.

Inside the glass shell is the elevator shaft, covered in copper

and copper wire mesh. It is an elegant counterpart to the
powerful and streamlined silhouette of the canopy. The two
other elevator towers, also made of glass and copper, are
located in the northern part of the area.
WHAT IS MILL FINISH COPPER

Mill finished copper is a type of copper that has gone through the process of
milling, which is the final step in the manufacturing process of copper
products. It is also sometimes referred to as "bare copper" or "unfinished
copper."

During the milling process, copper is rolled into large sheets or coils and then
cut into the desired size and shape. This process also involves a final
cleaning step to remove any impurities or residues from the copper surface.
 PROPERTIES OF MILL FINISH COPPER
1. Aesthetic appeal: The smooth, shiny surface of mill finish copper has a bright, coppery color that gives it a
distinctive and attractive appearance. Over time, it will develop a natural patina that can provide a unique,
weathered look.
2. Durability: Copper is a highly durable material that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. It is
resistant to corrosion, weathering, and UV radiation, making it a suitable choice for use in exterior applications.
3. Malleability: Copper is a highly malleable material that can be easily formed and shaped into various shapes and
sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of design applications.
4. Lightweight: Copper is a relatively lightweight material, which makes it easy to handle and install. This can help to
reduce installation time and costs.
5. Low maintenance: Once installed, mill finish copper requires very little maintenance to maintain its appearance
and performance. It does not rust or corrode, and its natural patina can provide an attractive, low-maintenance
finish.
6. Sustainability: Copper is a sustainable material that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. It is
also a highly energy-efficient material, which can help to reduce the environmental impact of building
construction and operation.
 MANUFACTURING PROCESS
1. Mining: Copper ore is first extracted from the earth using various mining methods, such as
open-pit mining, underground mining, or block caving.
2. Processing: The extracted copper ore is then processed to remove any impurities and produce
copper concentrate. This is typically done through a series of crushing, grinding, and flotation
steps.
3. Smelting: The copper concentrate is then smelted in a furnace to produce molten copper. This
process involves heating the copper concentrate to high temperatures to melt it down and
separate it from any remaining impurities.
4. Refining: The molten copper is then refined to remove any remaining impurities. This process
typically involves electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to separate the copper from any
other elements or impurities in the molten mixture.
5. Rolling: Once the copper has been refined, it is then rolled into large sheets or coils using a series
of rollers. This process involves passing the copper through a series of rollers at high
temperatures and pressures to create a uniform thickness and smooth surface.
6. Cutting: The rolled copper sheets or coils are then cut into the desired size and shape using
cutting tools, such as shears or saws.
7. Cleaning: The final step in the manufacturing process involves cleaning the surface of the copper
to remove any impurities or residues that may be present. This is typically done using chemical
treatments or mechanical cleaning methods.
 USES OF MILL FINISH COPPER
1. Roofing: Mill finished copper is often used for roofing applications due to
its durability and ability to withstand exposure to the elements. It is also
valued for its aesthetic appeal, as copper roofing can develop a natural
patina over time that gives it a unique, weathered appearance.
2. Facades: Mill finished copper is sometimes used for building facades or
cladding. It can be installed in a variety of configurations, including
shingles, panels, or sheets. Copper facades can be left unfinished to
develop a natural patina over time, or they can be treated with various
coatings or finishes to maintain their bright, shiny appearance.
3. Ornamental elements: Mill finished copper can be used to create a
variety of ornamental elements, such as decorative moldings, weather
vanes, and other architectural details. It is often chosen for these
applications due to its malleability and ability to be shaped or molded
into intricate designs.
4. Gutters and downspouts: Mill finished copper is also used for gutters
and downspouts due to its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand
exposure to the elements. Copper gutters and downspouts can be left
unfinished to develop a natural patina over time, or they can be treated
with coatings or finishes to maintain their bright, shiny appearance.
5. Flashing: Mill finished copper is commonly used for flashing, which is a
thin strip of material used to prevent water from penetrating a building's
exterior. Copper flashing is valued for its durability and ability to resist
corrosion, making it an ideal material for this application.
MILL FINISH COPPER PANEL SIZES
Mill finished copper panels are available in a variety of sizes, depending on the manufacturer and supplier.
Standard panel sizes typically range from 2 feet by 4 feet to 4 feet by 10 feet, although larger sizes may be
available upon request. The thickness of the panels can also vary, with common thicknesses ranging from 16
ounces per square foot (or 0.0216 inches) to 24 ounces per square foot (or 0.0320 inches).
SHENTON WAY- STRUCTURAL ENGINEERED
BAMBOO (SEB)
SOM and DCA Architects have unveiled new
plans for a supertall skyscraper in Singapore
which features a 305m stepped structure
rising from a plant-filled base with a series of
voids along the facade that was designed to
resemble a “bamboo forest.”

The 63-story skyscraper, when completed in

2028, will be the city’s tallest surpassing
Guoco Tower currently being the tallest
standing at 283.7 meters.
The tower is inspired by bamboo forests—a
biophilic design that echoes vertical
elements found in nature. Materials are
chosen to minimize both embodied and
operational carbon, from the zero-waste
manufacture of terracotta to the use of
engineered bamboo. Targeting Building
Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA)
Green Mark Platinum
Certification—equivalent to a 55% energy
reduction compared to the benchmark—8
Shenton Way is seeking the highest
sustainability certification in the region.
WHAT IS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERED BAMBOO

Structural engineered bamboo is a type of building material that is made

from bamboo that has been processed and engineered to improve its
strength and durability. Bamboo is a highly renewable and sustainable
material that is known for its strength, durability, and versatility. By
processing and engineering bamboo, it can be used as a viable alternative to
traditional building materials like steel, concrete, and timber.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Engineered bamboo is made from raw bamboo
culms, which through pressure and heat form a
laminated composite that is then glued together to
form structural parts. In Renüteq's case, the slat
preparation process and the finished product are
patented specifically for structural building
applications, called Radial Laminated Bamboo.It
optimizes the highest performance fiber of the culm
by removing the lower strength fibers from the inside
of the culm slat before lamination takes place, while
increasing the efficiency during production by
reducing waste.
 PROPERTIES OF SEB
● From a structural standpoint, SEB is much stronger than any Mass Timber on the market.
● The Modulus of Elasticity of ReNüTeq’s SEB is more than 4 million PSI, which is more than
twice the strength of any engineered or glulam timber product.
● In tension, it is more than 10 times stronger due to the continuous silica fiber content
throughout bamboo.
● The higher density of SEB is ideal for connection design as timber fiber will crush within
bolted connections, whereas this maintains its form under higher compression.
● Because it is 40% denser than engineered wood, it also means that bamboo structures
have significantly better fire performance than wood, because its carbonization rate is much
slower.
● Bamboo, at its cellular level, is more closed than timber fiber which makes it much more
stable in moisture and temperature changes.
● SEB is more than 28% more stable than Mass Timber in volatile conditions, making it
optimal for both structural and glass systems.“
 ADVANTAGES OF SEB
Structural engineered bamboo has several
advantages over traditional building materials. It
is lightweight, strong, and durable, and has a high
strength-to-weight ratio. It is also highly
renewable and sustainable, making it an
eco-friendly alternative to materials like steel and
concrete. Bamboo is also highly resistant to
pests, fungi, and rot, which can help to extend the
lifespan of buildings constructed with bamboo.
 USES OF SEB
Structural engineered bamboo can be used for a wide range
of building applications, including

● Flooring
● Wall panels
● Roofing
● Beams
● Columns.

It has been used in a variety of building projects around the

world, including homes, commercial buildings, bridges, and
other structures.