Zinc as a Building Envelope by VMZINC

At PARKdesigned Architects, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence and innovation in our work. As part of our ongoing professional development programme, we were pleased to welcome Andrew Ward, Senior Specification Manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland at VMZINC, to our Leeds office on Wednesday 16 April. Andrew delivered a detailed and insightful CPD seminar titled Zinc as a Building Envelope.

The session explored the technical and aesthetic possibilities of zinc as a building material, highlighting its versatility, durability and environmental credentials. As Leeds architects with extensive experience across the commercial, waste and energy sectors, we are constantly seeking materials that balance performance, sustainability and design flexibility. This CPD provided a valuable opportunity for our team to deepen their knowledge of one of the most distinctive and resilient façade materials available today.

During the presentation, Andrew Ward covered the history and evolution of architectural zinc, its performance characteristics, and the wide variety of surface finishes now available. He explained in detail the different installation methods, including standing seam, flat lock, and cassette systems, as well as how zinc can be successfully specified across roofs, façades, soffits and rainwater systems. Particular attention was given to the best practice principles that ensure longevity and minimise maintenance, something that is essential when specifying materials for high performance commercial projects across Leeds and the wider region.

An important part of the session focused on sustainability. Zinc is 100 percent recyclable and has a long life expectancy, often exceeding sixty years in marine environments and even longer inland. This aligns closely with our ethos at PARKdesigned Architects of delivering projects that create long term value for clients by combining high quality design with commercial pragmatism.

We also discussed the practical aspects of zinc detailing, including considerations for thermal movement, compatibility with other building materials, and the correct use of ventilation systems. Andrew provided practical examples and case studies which were highly relevant to our current and future projects, particularly in the context of delivering high performing building envelopes in commercial and industrial sectors.

At PARKdesigned, we believe that the best architecture stems from a combination of strong design principles and rigorous technical knowledge. This CPD reinforced that belief and provided our architects, technologists and engineers with additional expertise that will directly benefit our clients.

We would like to thank Andrew Ward and VMZINC for an engaging and highly informative session. Continuing to develop our knowledge base through CPD events such as this ensures we remain at the forefront of material innovation and specification excellence within the Leeds architectural community.

If you would like to learn more about how PARKdesigned Architects can bring material innovation and technical precision to your project, please contact our Leeds office today.