Copper & Patinated Metals
Copper is a material with a unique warmth and a rich, evolving life. More than any other metal, it is a creature of its environment, its surface a constantly changing canvas that records the effects of air, water, and touch. We choose copper and other patinated metals not for a fleeting shine, but for this very capacity to change, to develop deep, complex patinas that will grow in beauty and character with each passing year.
Form Study 01
RF–01 · Archive Reference
Surface Properties
Work Hardening
TX–01
Copper is a relatively soft metal, but it undergoes a process called work hardening. When it is hammered, bent, or shaped, its crystalline structure becomes stressed and deformed, making it significantly harder and stronger. This property is fundamental to the craft of coppersmithing, allowing a skilled artisan to create a strong, durable object (like a sink or a lampshade) from a soft, malleable sheet.
Verdigris Patination
TX–02
A polished finish closes the pores of the stone and creates a near-mirror-like surface that reveals the full depth, colour, and crystalline structure of the material. We use this not to create bling, but to create a dynamic dialogue with light. A polished surface brings movement into a space, reflecting the shifting light of the day and the subtle colours of the surrounding environment, making the material feel alive and responsive.
Hot-Rolled Steel
TX–03
Hot-rolled steel is formed at a high temperature, and as it cools, it develops a dark, variable, and often beautifully textured surface called mill scale. This is not rust, but a stable oxide layer. Rather than removing it, we often choose to preserve and celebrate this raw, industrial finish, sealing it with a clear lacquer to create a surface that is both honest and full of character. It is a way of finding beauty in the industrial process itself.
Quiet Papers
Copper in an Exterior Cladding Application
A study on using pre-patinated verdigris copper panels to create a modern extension that is in beautiful, complementary dialogue with a historic brick building.
Patinated Steel in a Fireplace Surround
An exploration of using a custom, chemically patinated hot-rolled steel to create a powerful, monolithic fireplace with the surface complexity of a work of art.
Copper in a Kitchen Worktop & Splashback
A case study on using a solid copper worktop and embracing its “living finish” as a surface that records the story of daily culinary life.