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
University Buildings | Feb 20, 2015
Penn strengthens campus security by reviving its surrounding neighborhood
In 1996, the University of Pennsylvania’s sprawling campus in Philadelphia was in the grip of an unprecedented crime wave. But instead of walling themselves off from their surrounding neighborhoods, the school decided to support the community.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 20, 2015
Chargers, Raiders propose joint stadium in Carson
Two rival teams may bring the NFL back to Los Angeles.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 20, 2015
‘Floating’ park on New York’s Hudson River moves one step closer to reality
The developers envision the 2.4-acre space as a major performance arts venue.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 19, 2015
Is multifamily construction getting too frothy for demand?
Contractors are pushing full speed ahead, but CoStar Group thinks a slowdown might be in order this year.
Architects | Feb 19, 2015
Illustrator Federico Babina imagines architecture from nowhere
The illustrator imagines architecture where past, present, and future intertwine.
Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015
USGBC concerned about developers using LEED registration in marketing
LEED administrators are concerned about a small group of developers or project owners who tout their projects as “LEED pre-certified” and then fail to follow through with certification.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 18, 2015
Make It Right unveils six designs for affordable housing complex
BNIM is among the six firms involved in the project.
Office Buildings | Feb 18, 2015
Commercial real estate developers optimistic, but concerned about taxes, jobs outlook
The outlook for the commercial real estate industry remains strong despite growing concerns over sluggish job creation and higher taxes, according to a new survey of commercial real estate professionals by NAIOP.
Museums | Feb 18, 2015
Foster + Partners' National Museum of Marine Science and Technology breaks ground in Taiwan
The museum will be home to an aquarium, exhibition space, and waterfront views.
University Buildings | Feb 18, 2015
Preparing for the worst: Campus security since Virginia Tech
Seven years after the mass shootings at Virginia Tech, colleges and universities continue to shake up their emergency communications and response capabilities to shootings and other criminal threats.
