Copper & Coal

For the renovation and extension of a semi-detached house from the 1930s in Berlin and for the façade of an outbuilding we experimented with different materials and the processes that alter them.

The dormer clad in copper changes its appearance in time. The material oxidises in combination with oxygen. This is how the patina transform over the years.The façade of the outbuilding is different: the wood of the façade was treated by means of an archaic burning process. The old Japanese wood finishing technique shou-sugi-ban is a way of protecting the wood from external weathering and thus preventing any further processes. A façade treated with this technique can be used for up to 80-100 years without maintenance.In the kitchen, the patina of the brass-clad back wall changes through daily cooking, steaming and frying. The fine cracks in the existing terrazzo floor are filled with gold powder using putty. The traces of use are inscribed in the building. 

In the project Copper & Coal we pay attention to as many processes as possible. The materials and objects tell a story and show the traces of production, use or age.

Projekt Info

Status
completed

Year
2019 – 2023

Location
Berlin
TYPE
commission

category
building
Tags
transformation

client
privat

Team
Natascha Peinsipp / Felix Steinhoff