As OPN Architects, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, set out to design a new library for the residents of Moline, Ill., they acknowledged the library as an institution has evolved from a traditional space reserved for individual reading and research into an energizing, interactive, technology-based community resource.
OPN envisioned a design that reflected the library’s modern role in society, while remaining true to its traditional character. The firm concluded that a building of contemporary design featuring time-honored building materials would best achieve their design aesthetic. Hallmarks of conservative design, brick, stone, glass, and copper were selected.
OPN saw an opportunity to break copper away from its conventional use and employ it in an innovative, fresh manner--as a building material. They envisioned using decorative copper panels to create the look of a heavy plate copper shingle. The design objective was impressive, but OPN Architects knew using copper in this unique fashion presented two significant challenges: cost and durability. They turned to ALPOLIC Materials for a solution.
OPN Architects recognized that ALPOLIC’s copper composite material offered five significant benefits:
- The use of genuine copper
- Significant cost savings over the use of copper sheets
- The appearance of heavy-gauge copper in a light-weight material
- Durability
- Reduced production and fabrication time
Another challenge of working with copper is the “oil can effect”--the slight undulations that can occur if the copper is not of sufficient gauge. Due to the rigidity of the ALPOLIC panel, the “oil can effect” problem was eliminated.
Project Summary: Moline Public Library
BUILDING TEAM
Owner/developer: City of Moline, Ill.
Architect: OPN Architects
General Contractor: Russell Construction
Fabricator: Metal Design Systems Inc.
Panel Manufacturer: ALPOLIC
Products: 2mm PE Copper Metal; 4mm Mica Platinum
Amount of Material: 18,600-sf
OPN Architects also enlisted the help of Metal Design Systems Inc. (MDS), a fabricator based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. MDS developed a one-of-a-kind post patina process that provided ALPOLIC’s copper composite with a unique, rich finish. OPN Architects used ALPOLIC’s PE Copper Metal in its un-altered state in tandem with the in-house patina copper. The materials will evolve independently as well as in harmony, creating a distinctive organic finish that will change as the material matures. The copper’s “living” effect mimics the energy of the library itself.
ALPOLIC panels in the Mica Platinum finish were also used on the Moline Public Library project--both on the exterior and interior, providing additional aesthetic appeal and durability.
OPN Architects and MDS agree; ALPOLIC’s copper composite made the Moline Public Library’s innovative design objective possible. BD+C
Related Stories
Architects | Jun 24, 2019
Clayco combines architecture and design assets into one business unit
Lamar Johnson Collaborative adds BatesForum.
Architects | Jun 14, 2019
Making public facilities more public
Municipal facilities must strike a delicate balance between openness and security.
Architects | Jun 4, 2019
Big design, small budget: These are the best small projects for 2019
Bjarke Ingels Group's prototype mountainside cabin and Fieldwork's forest pedestrian bridges are among 12 projects honored by AIA's Small Project Practitioners group.
Architects | Apr 26, 2019
Designing for the final frontier: Space architecture
Colonizing Mars is an exciting possibility in the not-too-distant future, and architects will play a vital role in making it a reality, despite the plethora of challenges that need to be overcome.
Architects | Apr 12, 2019
Bipartisan 'Invest in America Act' gains industry support
The bill would attract as much as $125 billion investment for buildings, infrastructure.
Office Buildings | Apr 8, 2019
It’s time for office amenities to get to work
Amenities with the greatest impact on effectiveness and experience are those that directly support the work needs of individual employees and their teams.
Industry Research | Apr 8, 2019
New research finds benefits to hiring architectural services based on qualifications
Government agencies gain by evaluating beyond price, according to a new Dodge survey of government officials.
Architects | Mar 17, 2019
HMC Architects sets up a ‘design lab’ to explore new ideas
The goal is for project team members to collaborate earlier to inspire innovation.
Architects | Mar 12, 2019
Thrown a curve: Fitting a restaurant into spherical dome was the design challenge for Willmott’s Ghost
The Seattle eatery nests inside the conservatories on Amazon’s massive campus.