The project’s designers – Antwerp based import.export Architecture – were inspired by associations of ‘the Moon’ with the Apollo 11 Lunar Module and its crumpled golden metal underside. This aesthetic is presented as a contemporary reflection on the intricate stone tracery of the neighbouring medieval cathedral tower, although being achieved within a modest budget.
Experimenting with folds
The architects worked with specialist fabricators Ridder experimenting with pressing and folding flat metal over a blade, resulting in a series of gentle creases – almost, but not quite, 3 D. Then, seven different designs of Nordic Royal golden copper alloy panels were produced using press moulds, each with folds running across at various angles and intensities.
By rotating and intermingling different panels a rich, random effect was created. The verticality of the overlapping panels is retained, giving structure to the facades, but most transverse joints are not horizontal, further fragmenting the surface. Some panels utilise perforated Nordic Royal, adding an element of transparency.
“Different designs of Nordic Royal golden copper alloy panels were produced using press moulds, each with folds running across at various angles and intensities”
