European Copper in Architecture Campaign - United Kingdom

The architect judges in the Copper in Architecture Awards 11 were impressed by the considered approach to what could easily have become simply a utilitarian building and by the inspired response to the riverside setting. The architects' comparison of the bronze-clad pods to boxes washed up on the beach is convincing and the potential for materials to change chameleon-like over time in the coastal environment particularly exciting.

This building was received a High Commendation in the Copper in Architecture Awards 11 and also won the prize for Architectural Innovation. The three rehearsal pods of the Plymouth Theatre Royal TR2 building are encased with a tactile quilted curtain of bronze mesh cladding with continuous glazing below. This most unusual construction is achieved using 1m wide full-height mesh panels over three layers of geotextile mat, compressed between mesh and supporting wall, to maintain tension and avoid 'flapping', with stainless steel fixings and base gutters. The mesh is phosphor bronze, with about 95% copper, in a 'Plain-Dutch' weave of 0.4mm dia. warp wires and 0.3mm dia. weft wires.

With the Award for Architectural Innovation, the judges recognised a brave but considered use of materials to achieve particular architectural aims. The thoroughness and attention to detail in developing such a tactile cladding system were also most impressive.