Aperture 538

Copper Screen Fabricator

Hi-Tech Metals, Inc.
Maspeth, New York

Aperture 538 is a 10-unit multi-family residence in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Central to the exterior is a copper screen, finished to a Corten steel appearance, perforated with an abstracted image of the Brooklyn Bridge. The flat, warm brown face of the building is meant to continue the rhythm of the brownstones present on Washington Avenue. However unlike the brownstones, this face moves—shutters in front of windows and balconies can be opened to allow residents direct views out to the tree-lined street. The result is a dynamic façade where light filters through, an iconic image of Brooklyn is glimpsed and activity is visible. Copper’s lightweight, durable, sustainable and maintenance-free characteristics made it the best material for the project — the metal will age but not corrode. The remainder of the exterior takes a background role with brown framed windows sliding along the grid of black, structurally insulated panels. A code limitation of 10-inch projection determined the module of the copper panels comprising the façade. Bi-fold shutters are comprised of 1/8” copper on a steel substructure. They pivot and slide along trolleys to open. Over time, the facade will change from a bright metallic color into iridescent brown, then to near black and finally to a green patina.

Architectural Category: Exotic or Unusual Applications