ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATION -
COMMENDED |
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CODELCO BUILDING, CHILE Architect: San Martin y Pascal Architects Owner: Codelco |
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Photo: Guy Wembourne |
This corporate HQ for a copper mining company in northern Chile is arranged in three similar five storey blocks around a courtyard. Its desert location demands solar shading which is provided by a copper mesh skin positioned some 3m away from roofs and external facades on a steel structure to maintain ventilation. Expanded-metal copper sheets were developed with slots angled to oppose the 60 degrees average solar altitude, maximising shading during the hottest hours while maintaining 55% transparency. |
| A deceptively simple concept, the
use of expanded copper sheet tailored exactly to optimise protection in a specific,
challenging location impressed the judges. Special quality of light into, and shaded
views from the building via the copper screen were also anticipated.
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