Material choice and architecture have gone had in hand for thousands of years. An example of this from the 19th century was the redevelopment of Paris by Baron Haussmann. The low slope roofs and mansards were perfectly suited to the relatively local and at the time fairly new metal, namely zinc. The zinc roof tops of the city are now as much of what makes Paris, Paris as the Eiffel tower is. Over the following decades VMZINC continued to work hand in hand with architects.

To highlight this interaction, in 1997 VMZINC launched the first Focus on Zinc magazine which covered 12 projects from 10 countries. Over the years the magazine has shown a wide range of architecture, project size as well as featuring many VMZINC systems and finishes. 25 years on, Focus on Zinc 19 was launched at the end of 2022.

Whilst Focus on Zinc takes the audience all around the world, VMZINC wanted to specifically show their readers some of the ways UK and Irish architects are working with the material. They began with their first Gallery brochure in 2014 and the 2022 edition is now available both online and in a paper format, including in Architecture Today`s October edition. Gallery 22 covers 20 projects from across the UK and Ireland and includes roofs and walls on both large and small projects in almost all VMZINC finishes.

Whilst the aesthetics of VMZINC are vital as can be seen in the Gallery, the low maintenance of VMZINC coupled with its durability of up to 100 years and 100% recyclability are equally as important and more information can be found on their website in the sustainability section. This also includes Environmental Product Declarations based on the EN15804 standard.

The Gallery also highlights the need for correct installation. VMZINC has a partnership program called VMZINC&WORK. These companies have a proven track record of successfully installing VMZINC and as such can offer a 50 year material warranty – VMZINC@WORK

An example of a project where a number of these elements have been combined is the Martello Park Café in Felixstowe, Suffolk. VMZINC assisted the architects Plaice Design Company by supplying technical details for both the Adeka roofing shingles and the standing seam panels on a building with quite a complex design which followed three strong coastal themes, a shell, a boardwalk and fish scales. The architects chose to mix two finishes, namely pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC and PIGMENTO blue so as to create the dynamic two-tone wrapper, animating the facades and roofs. A VMZINC@WORK partner then installed the zinc.

If you would like further information including samples or an online or office based RIBA accredited CPD please do not hesitate to contact VMZINC.