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GRC cladding in Copenhagen
Metropolis
BUILT YEAR
2008
ARCHITECT
Future Systems / Danielsen Architecture
DEVELOPER
KPC Byg
A landmark building challenging the bounds of GRC
Metropolis is a 11-story apartment building and has become the landmark for the Sluseholmen district in Copenhagen. The 45-meter-high building is conceived as three towers linked in a petal formation and it stands on an artificial peninsula. The project is a collaboration between the British architectural firm Future Systems and Danish Danielsen Architecture. The exclusive apartments, the large common rooftop terrace, and the spectacular view makes Metropolis a popular housing location.
Organic & curved facade elements
The futuristic design challenges architectural expression and shape. The organic and curved shapes of the facade is clad in GRC from BB fiberbeton. BB fiberbeton manufactured around 4.000 m2 of GRC and the facade elements are mounted with stud-frames and embedded inserts, allowing for an easy and hidden installation.
GRC was chosen for its formability as the architectural design demanded a material capable of achieving these curved and wavy shapes. Furthermore, our ability to create a detailed and coloured surface. The blue colour is achieved by mixing marble powder in the GRC, which also provides the shimmering effect on the surface. The surface is untreated and will change naturally over time, which in turn will give the surface a natural patina. This patina only has aesthetic consequences and like a mussel, the facade will change according to the weather – darker in the rain and lighter when it is dry.
Durable, lightweight, formable
GRC cladding
Through design and manufacturing we help architects, entrepreneurs, and builders create unique, durable, and sustainable facades. Whether you are starting construction on a new build or embarking on a renovation project, GRC is suitable for both.
Glassfibre reinforced concrete (GRC or GFRC) is incredibly versatile and grants you an architectural design freedom with almost endless possibilities. With the formability of GRC you can achieve any geometry and with a surface designed for your specific project. GRC is a lightweight material and our cladding elements are typically only 12 mm. Thus, making it easier to work with and transport whilst also easing the load on buildings.
GRC is an excellent facade material if durability and sustainability is of great concern and importance. GRC is durable for more than 100 years without any technical maintenance and it does not dent, rot, corrode, nor burn (class A material). With a sustainable material and an environmentally friendly production without toxic materials, GRC elements from BB fiberbeton are ideal for environmental certifications, such as LEED, DGNB, and BREEAM.
GRC is made of white cement and fine aggregates and reinforced with glassfibre. Elements are produced using a special spray-technique that allows for a low water/cement-ratio, a low thickness, and a high strength.
We help you shape your idea