From a 150-year-old Gothic cathedral with clad copper archways built in the Old South, to a historic government landmark featuring replica bronze gargoyles in Canada’s top tourist destination - both are projects being honored in the North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) awards program this year. 

From a 150-year-old Gothic cathedral with clad copper archways built in the Old South, to a historic government landmark featuring replica bronze gargoyles in Canada’s top tourist destination - both are projects being honored in the North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) awards program this year.

Beauty, longevity, workability and sustainability are a few characteristics that make copper an architectural marvel. The third annual awards program set out to find the best-of-the-best projects that exemplify why copper is still the gold standard when it comes to architecture. The Copper Development Association (CDA), in collaboration with the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association (CCBDA), had the difficult job of narrowing down the top projects that showcase copper throughout North America.

The projects were once again divided into two separate categories ─ Restoration/Renovation and New Construction. After much deliberation, the 2010 award recipients are:

Restoration/Renovation: Milwaukee City Hall, Milwaukee, Wis.
Architect: Engberg Anderson Architects, Milwaukee, Wis.
Sheet Metal Contractor: Heather & Little Ltd., Markham, Ontario  

Old City Hall, Toronto, Ontario
Architect: The Ventin Group Architects, Toronto, Ontario
Sheet Metal Contractor: Heather & Little Ltd., Markham, Ontario  

Historic Coweta County Courthouse, Newnan, Ga.
Architect: Lord, Aeck, & Sargent Architecture, Atlanta, Ga.  
Sheet Metal Contractor: Steinrock Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., Louisville, Ky.  

Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario
Architect: Robertson Martin Architects Inc., Ottawa, Ontario  

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Copper Tower, Charleston, S.C.  
Architect: Glenn Keyes Architects, Charleston, S.C.  
Sheet Metal Contractor: Copper Exclusive, Midvale, Utah  

New Construction:  Waipolu Gallery and Studio, Oahu, Hawaii
Architect: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Seattle, Wash. 
Associate Architect: Garduque Architects, Honolulu, Hawaii 
Structural Engineer: PCS Structural Solutions, Seattle, Wash.
Civil Engineering: SSFM International, Inc., Hilo, Hawaii 
Geotechnical Engineering: Masa Fujioka & Associates, Aiea, Hawaii

Mark Olsen Project, Holladay, Utah
Architect: Mark Christian Design, Holladay, Utah  
Sheet Metal Contractor: Copper Exclusive, Midvale, Utah

Marcus Nanotechnology Research Center Building, Atlanta, Ga.  
Architect of Record: M+W Zander U.S. Operations, Inc., Chicago, Ill.  
Design Architect: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Philadelphia, Pa.
Sheet Metal Contractor: Luvata Buffalo, Inc., Buffalo, N.Y.

Benning Neighborhood Library, Washington, D.C.  
Architect: Davis Brody Bond Aedas, New York, N.Y.
Sheet Metal Contractor: CHU Contracting, Inc., Chantilly, Va.

Rose Theatre, Brampton, Ontario
Architect: Page & Steele Architects, Toronto, Ontario
Sheet Metal Contractor: Semple Gooder Roofing Corp., Toronto, Ontario

Private Residence, Edwards, Colo.
Architect: Selldorf Architects, Vail, Colo. 
Sheet Metal Contractor: Plath Construction, Eagle, Colo.

4143 Buena Vista Townhomes, Dallas, Texas
Architect: Ron Wommack Architect, Dallas, Texas  
Sheet Metal Contractor: Beech Street Metal, Dallas, Texas

The projects were judged by a panel of architecture and copper industry experts, and the judging was based on overall building design, integration of copper systems, craft of copper installation and excellence in innovation or historic restoration.

The awards program continued to attract entrants from all over North America, with nearly 30 superb submissions being received.  Projects ranged from luxury residential homes, government buildings, performing arts theaters and a professional football training facility - all exemplifying copper’s key characteristics.

“It amazes me every year when we receive so many submissions from all over,” said CDA’s building and construction vice president, Andy Kireta Jr. “Even when the economy is still trying to recover, there are new projects being built that really put copper in the spotlight. It shows that you can’t always put a price tag on quality.”

The NACIA program is intended to increase public awareness and promote the excellence in architectural copper design for buildings constructed throughout the United States and Canada. The architects and contractors will receive commemorative plaques with pictures of their projects etched into the awards. All the projects, including photos and architectural profiles are featured by visiting, www.coppercanada.ca.