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Think zinc

As a profession, the Parisian roofers and ornamentalists who work this malleable metal have just been recognised by UNESCO. Your projects deserve it too

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Zinc is one of the most sustainable metals used in construction today.
Zinc is one of the most sustainable metals used in construction today.

If you watched the 2024 Paris Olympics you may have admired how many Parisian monuments were used as backdrops to the sporting venues.

Zinc roofs and ornaments were also part of those backdrops, whether it be the quays by the Seine river and grand boulevards of Paris or the many zinc ornaments on the Grand Palais.

When zinc was being used on these buildings in the 19th century, many of the reasons for its choice still hold good today: availability of the metal, the technical advantages of the roofing systems, the attractive aesthetic of the material.

VM Zinc has considerably evolved since it was first produced in 1837. Up until 1978 only mill finish natural zinc was on offer, but now architects can choose from 10 standard pre-weathered finishes, including Azengar, an engraved zinc.

While the traditional batten cap roofing is still widely used, especially in Paris, standing-seam roofing and cladding have become more popular and this system has been joined by a wide range of VM Zinc rainscreen systems, as well as an extensive choice of rainwater systems.

  • VM Zinc's Pigmento red standing-seam panels entirely wrap the three-storey Edge activities centre in Whitehaven, Cumbria, by Northmill Associates.
    VM Zinc's Pigmento red standing-seam panels entirely wrap the three-storey Edge activities centre in Whitehaven, Cumbria, by Northmill Associates.
  • The Edge's Pigmento red cladding gives a feeling of sandstone being washed up against the beach.
    The Edge's Pigmento red cladding gives a feeling of sandstone being washed up against the beach.
  • VM Zinc Quartz-Zinc Plus standing-seam facades and Pigmento orange perforated rainscreen cassettes at The Swiss Laundry offices, Cambridge, by PiP Architecture and MCW Architects.
    VM Zinc Quartz-Zinc Plus standing-seam facades and Pigmento orange perforated rainscreen cassettes at The Swiss Laundry offices, Cambridge, by PiP Architecture and MCW Architects.
  • VM Zinc Anthra-Zinc Adeka shingles at The Swiss Laundry office development, Cambridge.
    VM Zinc Anthra-Zinc Adeka shingles at The Swiss Laundry office development, Cambridge.
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Zinc artistry recognised at last

The BRE gives VM Zinc a service life of 100 years, but this requires good design and good installation. 

The art of the zinc roofer and ornamentalist originated in the 19th century and is now passed down from generation to generation through roofing training centres in Paris, across France and other countries, including the UK.

On 4 December 2024 in Asunción, Paraguay, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO added the ‘know-how of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists’ to the indicative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It is hoped that the UNESCO recognition will raise awareness of the professions of zinc roofers and ornamentalists, as well as inspire a new generation of craftspeople within the industry.

The craft now looks to the future, contributing to the fight against climate change through the installation of insulation and the implementation of efficient air circulation systems.

If you would like samples or an online or office-based RIBA-accredited CPD, get in touch.

For more product information and technical support, visit vmzinc.co.uk
 

Contact:
01992 921300
vmzinc.uk@vmbuildingsolutions.com

 

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