The Copper Development Association (CDA) awarded eight innovative copper building projects in the U.S. and Canada as part of its annual North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) awards program. With a newfound consideration for healthy design in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, designers are turning to the timeless metal for its sustainable and antimicrobial properties.  

Launched in 2008, the NACIA awards program recognizes copper’s versatile use in building construction and promotes its innovative applications. Winning projects represent a wide variety of design styles and buildings, including residential structures, government facilities, and museums—all of which were executed with remarkable detail, creativity, and craftsmanship. 

“The future is bright for copper innovation,” said Stephen Knapp, Director of the Strip, Sheet, & Plate Council for the CDA, continuing, “The 2020 winners demonstrate the versatility and great natural beauty of copper, and showcase the skill and vision of their installers and specifiers in bringing these designs to fruition.” 

The eight winning projects were selected by leading experts in the use of copper in architecture. Judges make their selections based on the presence and use of copper and technique throughout the project, the quality of copper installation and function, and, when applicable, the significance of the project at hand—whether historic, modern, or otherwise.

NACIA Award Winners

Copper

Antiquarian Hall

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts

Architect: Samuel Anderson Architects

Sheet Metal Contractor: Cold Hollow Contraction

Patina Artist: DLSS Manufacturing

Copper

Ballet Memphis 

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Architect: Archimania

General Contractor: Grinder, Taber, & Grinder, Inc.

Manufacturer: Petersen Aluminum Corporation

Copper

Boat Barn Beach House 

Location: Bay Head, New Jersey

Architect: Brandes Maselli Architects 

Roofing Contractor: Schuler Roofing of Point Pleasant,
New Jersey

Copper

Cascade County Courthouse

Location: Great Falls, Montana

Architect: A&E Architects, PC

Consulting Architect and Sheet Metal Contact:
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

General Contractor: Renaissance Roofing, Inc.

Copper

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum 

Location: Dallas, Texas

Architect: OMNIPLAN Architects

Sheet Metal Contractor: Baker Triangle

General Contractor: Austin Commercial

Structural Engineer: Datum Architects

Civil Engineer: Walter P. Moore

Exterior Copper Manufacturer: Hussey Copper

Interior Copper Manufacturer: Arubis

Exhibit Designer: Berenbaum, Jacobs & Associates

MEP Engineer: Blum Consulting Engineers

Copper

McGill University,
Macdonald-Harrington Building Restoration 

Location: Montreal, Quebec

Architect: EVOQ Architecture, Inc.

General Contractor: Saint-Denis Thompson, Inc.

Sheet Metal Contractor: Les Couvertures St-Léonard

Tinsmith: Perron et fils

Copper

Ottawa Residence

Location: Rockcliffe Park, Ontario

Architect: Barry J. Hobin & Associates

Sheet Metal Contractor: Raymond Group

General Contractor: Roca Homes

Structural Engineer: WSP

Civil Engineer: D.B. Gray Engineering, Inc. 

Interior Designer: Danielle Hannah

Landscape Designer: Sharanne Paquette

Copper

Starbucks Reserve Roastery 

Location: New York City, New York

Sheet Metal Contractor: A. Zahner Company