Built to Last: 7 Zinc Roofs That Will Stand the Test of Time

The judging process for Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards is now away. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive updates about Public Voting, and stay tuned for winners announcements later this spring.   

Zinc roofs make sense. While asphalt shingles may be cheaper, zinc is low maintenance and typically lasts 80 to 100 years, which indicates that it may actually be a more economical choice. It is weatherproof, seismic proof, corrosion resistant, immune to the harmful effects of UV rays and possesses self-healing properties, meaning that if scratched, the material can recover itself with time. From an environmental angle, zinc is completely recyclable and highly energy efficient, as the material reflects heat and blocks its transfer into attics. As we said, they just make sense.

Ga on Jai by IROJE KHM Architects, Kwangmyŏng, Korea

Zinc Roof by VMZINC

At Ga on Jai, the architects designed an introverted home in order to maintain privacy and security, and block out noise. The design features two traditional Korean architectural elements: an inner court and a curved cantilevered roof. Built in collaboration with VMZINC, the articulated roof protects the structure from rough weather conditions, while reviving a traditional architectural language from the area.

Godson Street by Edgley Design, London, United Kingdom

Zinc Roof by VMZINC

The goal at Godson Street was to create a mixed use building, which would express the individuality of stakeholders, while still creating a harmonious overall scheme. The living spaces are articulated as metal clad, sculptural forms, which are perforated by large windows with views to the south. The highly angular faceted zinc roof was designed after the analysis of how light penetrates neighboring buildings.

Margaret Whitlam Pavilion : National Arboretum Canberraby Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, Canberra, Australia

Built to host events for the National Arboretum Canberra, the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion features a sharply defined roof, which contrasts the rolling topography of the surrounding area. The innovative pre-fabricated structure is composed of steel beams for support, composite panels for insulation and zinc for its external cladding. The material palette intentionally matches the ribbed roof of the Village Center to the north.

NP HOUSE by NOARQ, NoArquitectos Lda., Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal

At NP HOUSE, NoArquitectos Lda. expanded an existing house in the direction of the plot’s westward facing slope. The most notable feature of the redesign is the zinc roof, which cascades and merges into the woods. The external walls of the building are covered in acrylic plaster reinforced with a ventilated wall system of glass fiber.

Nozay Health Center by a+ samueldelmas architectes urbanistes, Nozay, France

Zinc Roof by Rheinzink

The Nozay Health Center was built to be a spectacular work environment that would attract healthcare professionals to remain in the countryside, rather than relocating to cities. The project is integrated into the environment through topography and materiality. Clad in pre-patinated zinc, the façade’s materiality is continued onto the roof. Each zinc cone is truncated by a skylight, which provides soft light and natural ventilation of the interior space.

Barnham Road by MOCT Studio, London, United Kingdom

Zinc Roof by Rheinzink

At Barnham Road, MOCT Studio reconfigured and extended a suburban London semi-detached home, providing the family with increased space for social interaction. Located under a faceted zinc roof, living spaces are now pooled into the side and rear extension — the new heart of the home. The facets are composed of varying pitches that are oriented towards a central high point. Previously unrealized, the dynamic design casts carefully controlled natural daylight deep into the plan.

Municipal Technical Centreby MFA Architects + NMA Nicola Martinoli Architetto, Rixheim, France

Zinc Roof by VMZINC

Located in Rixheim, France, the Municipal Technical Centre is both imposing and thoughtfully integrated into the landscape. For the design, the architects opted for a single building in order to ensure sustainability and economical construction, and reduce future maintenance costs. The large sawtooth zinc roof is the unifying element of the entire project.

The judging process for Architizer's 12th Annual A+Awards is now away. Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter to receive updates about Public Voting, and stay tuned for winners announcements later this spring.