‘We consider copper’s natural surface development outside, reflecting the local environment, to be one of the material’s key attributes.
A strong, decorative approach to copper cladding for both internal and external surfaces – combining three different Nordic Copper products from Aurubis – defines the redevelopment of Onslow House, a prominent commercial headquarters building in the heart of Guildford.

Interior design and external alterations, designed by architects AWW, sought to add value to letting space and bring the 90,600 ft² building up to date. The updated massive, glazed entrance atrium incorporates feature walls – including inset doors – faced with horizontal copper panels, alternating in three different surfaces: Nordic Standard bright ‘mill finish’, Nordic Brown Light and Nordic Brown pre-oxidised copper. The Nordic Brown range offers lighter or darker colour shades determined by the thickness of the oxide layer.

Main entrance of the Onslow Building. Big glass windows are surrounding the entrance doors. Copper frame extrudes around the entrance windows. Frame has copper panels alternating in three different surfaces; Nordic Standard and two shades of Nordic Brown. Different shades form a checkboard like pattern.

Photo: CGL Facades

Main entrance of the Onslow Building. Big glass windows are surrounding the entrance doors. Copper frame extrudes around the entrance windows. Frame has copper panels alternating in three different surfaces; Nordic Standard and two shades of Nordic Brown. Different shades form a checkboard like pattern. Parking lot is front of the building.

Photo: CGL Facades

Interior of the Onslow Building. Big glass windows are illuminating the area. Chairs and tables are located next to the escalator. In front of the escalator is receptionist counter with wood and copper elements. Copper is Nordic Standard.

Photo: CGL Facades

Main hall of the Onslow House just after the main entrance doors. Entire wall is covered with copper panels alternating in three different surfaces; Nordic Standard and two shades of Nordic Brown. An escalator is in the middle of the main hall.

Photo: CGL Facades

Onslow Building interior. Wall on the opposite side of the windows is covered with copper panels alternating with three different surfaces; Nordic Standard and two shades of Nordic Brown. Wooden angular counters are located in the space. In front of the windows is a copper pillar which is also covered with similar tiled copper panels. Ceiling, floor and other parts of the walls are light, almost white in colour.

Photo: CGL Facades

Copper panel covered wall inside the Onslow Building. Panels are alternating with three different surfaces of Nordic Standard and two different shades of Nordic Brown. Other side of the room can be seen slightly reflecting from the panels.

Photo: CGL Facades

Material Continuity with Diversity

Structural columns are similarly enwrapped with alternating finish copper bands and the copper detailing is even continued into elements of bespoke furniture . The internal copper cladding had a post-lacquer finish applied to arrest further oxidisation, so retaining the three colours and protecting the surface. This creates a reflective surface, mirroring and enhancing the lightness of the atrium space. The same horizontal copper panel composition of three surfaces continues past the external glazing to the outside. Here, the building’s entrance has been transformed with new copper-clad canopies to create a strong, easily recognised identity, with minimal work to the existing building envelope.

Externally, the copper has not received a lacquer finish, as AWW explain: ‘We consider copper’s natural surface development outside, reflecting the local environment, to be one of the material’s key attributes. An attractive, gradual weathering and softening of the differentiation between the three Nordic Copper surfaces on the canopies has already begun – and will continue over time – as we anticipated.’

Fabrication and installation of the Nordic Copper panels was carried out by specialists CGL Facades.

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