Like many of its fairground rides, a seafront landmark in north east England has had its ups and downs. In its 108 years, the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay has enjoyed decades of pulling in the crowds – and 16 bleak years of standing empty. In July 2018, the listed Dome was reborn and re-opened after a comprehensive restoration. Now the busy times are back.

The restoration included copper terpsichorean figures, or ‘dancing ladies’, surmounting rebuilt cupolas crowning the towers. Contrasting contemporary additions at either end of the building are characterised by TECU® Patina copper perforated panels, matching the dancing ladies’ materiality while adding transparency. TECU® Patina is patinated green on one side. The natural green patina of copper impresses right from the outset – without having to wait for the atmosphere to exert its influences. TECU® Patina is always extremely varied, just as you would expect from a natural surface. The many different surface tones and shades eventually blend together, but only gradually. The unique developments occurring in TECU® Patina are exciting – just as architecture should be. 

KME MATERIAL: TECU® Patina
PROJECT: Spanish City, Whitley Bay (UK)
ARCHITECT: ADP, Newcastle (UK)
INSTALLER: Chemplas LTD, Newcastle upon Tyne (UK)
PHOTOS: ©Andrew Heptinstall

FIND OUT MORE:
› www.kme.com/tecu
› www.adp-architecture.com
› Andrew Heptinstall Photography
› The Spanish City Photography Case Study


KME - Engineering Copper Solutions