CUPA 12: Premium natural slate built for Australian conditions

Australia is one of the most quality-conscious markets for natural slate in the world. In this demanding context, CUPA 12 has earned a strong reputation for its exceptional quality, distinctive brightness, and smooth, refined appearance.

Sourced from La Campa in Northern Spain, a prestigious quarry in operation since 1972, CUPA 12 is highly regarded in demanding markets like Australia. Its smooth blue-grey surface and consistently flat cut make it a perfect fit for both contemporary family homes and traditional Australian architecture.

CUPA 12 is produced by the world’s leading natural slate company, the only one with active operations and a direct presence across all major international markets. Choosing CUPA 12 means opting for a product recognised globally for its exceptional quality, reliability, and consistency.

Built to last

CUPA 12 has proven its durability in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Now available in Australia, it’s the natural slate that adds long-term value and timeless style to any home.

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Year lifespan

CUPA 12 offers exceptional durability — a long-term investment that lasts generations.

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Countries

CUPA 12 is trusted by professionals worldwide, from Europe to North America — and now Australia.

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Projects

Used in thousands of residential and commercial buildings every year around the globe.

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Unbeatable lifespan

Superior by nature

Natural slate has a lifespan of at least 100 years, which guarantees a 50% longer lifespan than any other facade or roofing materials.

NATURAL SLATE

100 YEARS

CLAY

52.5 YEARS

FIBRE CEMENT

47.5 YEARS

CONCRETE

48.75 YEARS

Material lifespan according to the information provided by the manufacturers*

Sustainable footprint

Because that’s how nature made it

While other materials have to be adapted for increased sustainability, slate has always been more sustainable than the alternatives because it’s 100% natural.

Water consumption

Natural slate (x1) 10%

Fibre cement (x11) 21%

Zinc (x135) 100%

Clay (x2) 12%

Energy consumption

Natural slate (x1) 10%

Fibre cement 60%

Zinc (x4) 40%

Clay (x2) 20%

Air pollution

Natural slate (x1) 10%

Fibre cement 60%

Zinc (x4) 40%

Clay (x2) 20%

* Comparison carried out based on the information published by the French database INIES on September 2014: http://www.base-inies.fr/Inies/Consultation.aspx.

Certified quality, sustainable friendly

Our meticulous approach throughout the entire process enables us to offer a range of natural slate that surpasses all international quality standards, while also being certified by the strictest independent British bodies.

Traceability

CUPA PIZARRAS has a comprehensive quality control system that is unique, allowing us to identify the origin, typology, technical data, and production dates of each of our natural slates. Our traceability process is carried out using a unique barcode that accompanies the slate throughout its production process.

Thanks to this system, it is possible to monitor the quality of all our CUPA 12 pallets in real-time and provide our distributors and customers with accurate information about each piece of slate. From the La Campa quarry to any location in Australia or elsewhere.

Technical specifications

Natural slate possesses extraordinary inherent characteristics. Our CUPA 12 holds the highest international certifications for quality and resistance to the elements, ensuring outstanding performance.

You can consult and download all of them from our resource center.

Water absorption
0,17% Code : W1 (< 0,4%)

Contents of carbonate non carbonated
0,30% Fulfill (< 1,5%)

Mor characteristic
Transverse 49 MPA
Longitudinal 52 MPA

SO₂ exposure test
S1

Thermal cycle test
T1

Freeze thaw test
Fulfill < 0,6%

Formats

Rectangular is the most common model Australia. If you are interested in other formats or sizes please contact us.

Square

Rectangular

Bullnose

Half moon

Fischschuppen

Waben

90º Sawn

Schuppen

Customer reviews

“I like the guaranteed consistency of appearance from CUPA 12. With lower specification products you can get impurities in the slate and colour variance, which can stand out on larger roof areas. They can also be quite brittle, which means there is a lot of wastage. You get none of this with CUPA 12."

"CUPA 12 slate has a soft, natural aesthetic and is consistent in its appearance, which is ideal for a modern build. It’s also great quality and our roofer loved working with it."

“For the overall look of the house to be consciously contemporary, using large windows to maximise light. The use of CUPA 12 helps to give the building a natural, yet sleek and contemporary finish.”

“There were a number of reasons for putting forward the Cupa R12 slate to the customer. It was a job where quality and longevity were paramount and we know that is always certain with Cupa, with the R12 offering a 100 year guarantee.”

"I had used CUPA 12 a number of times before; it is a high quality slate for a good price. I like that the size and thickness of the product is consistent making it really nice and easy to work with."

Projects using CUPA 12 slate

Explore some of the finest projects showcasing our CUPA 12 natural slate roofs. From contemporary family homes to renovated gems, some of these have even taken centre stage on TV shows like Grand Designs.