Copper is having incredible revival in recent years in new and restored buildings, as a growing number of designers are looking toward more sustainable and timeless materials. To showcase and celebrate the best applications of copper in North America, the Copper Development Association (CDA) awarded 12 innovative copper building projects in the United States and Canada as part of its annual North American Copper in Architecture (NACIA) awards program.

The NACIA awards program, established in 2008 by CDA and the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association (CCBDA), recognizes copper ‎buildings in the United States and Canada selected in three categories: New Construction, ‎ Restoration and Ornamental Applications. ‎ Winning projects represent a wide variety of design styles and buildings, including residential structures, government facilities and churches – all of which were executed with remarkable detail, creativity, and craftsmanship.

“While a popular choice now, we can expect innovation and use of copper to continue to increase for building systems such as roofing and interiors, and more frequently recently for traditional and engineered cladding systems,” said Stephen Knapp, the director of the Strip, Sheet, & Plate Council for CDA. “The 2021 NACIA winners have demonstrated the continual evolution of copper in design, showcasing how the metal’s versatility and beauty meets function, while answering the growing demand to meet increasing sustainable building standards.”

The 12 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. A complete list of winners can be found below with further details and photos available on copper.org.

New Construction

1. Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Neuroscience Research Building
2. The Pavilion at Grace
3. 1701 Rhode Island Avenue
4. Branch House
5. Christ Chapel - Hillsdale College

Restoration

6. Old City Hall
7. Andrew's Wesley United Church Seismic Upgrade & Heritage Conservation
8. Andrew's Catholic Church
9. Sun Tower Dome Envelope Seismic Stabilization
10. 581 Boylston Street

Ornamental

11. The Fitzroy
12. Brighton Municipal Court, Building Envelope Improvements