Metal is integral to many building projects, including supporting structures with functional and aesthetic values. The Metal Construction Association (MCA) recognizes building projects featuring product contributions by the organization’s members with the MCA Design Awards.
In the process of selecting award winners, factors including how metal helps achieve project goals, the reason behind the material choice, and sustainable project elements were considered.
The 2025 judging panel of architects consists of Kevin Wagner, AIA, associate principal at Substance Architecture in Des Moines, Iowa; Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder of ISTUDIO Architects in Washington, D.C.; and Dan Rodriguez, CDT CDI-EP, a building envelope specifier at ECS/DTR in Roseville, Calif. The panel selected winners across nine categories, highlighting the strength of metal contributions to building projects.
Best Overall: LaNube STEAM Discovery Center, El Paso, Texas
Innovative Use of Metal in Interior Design: Mirror Ceiling, Denver, Colo.
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs): Woodbine Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort, Toronto, Ont.
Metal Composite Material (MCM): PGA Tour Digital Studios, Fulton, Miss.
Metal Roof and Solar: Private Residence in Eastern Pennsylvania, Allentown, Pa.
Retrofit: Beth El Synagogue, St. Louis Park, Minn.
Single Skin (Smooth): 10 Bay McMaster University Graduate Tower, Hamilton, Ont.
Single Skin (Ribbed): Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown, N.D.
Best Overall — Metal Roofs
LaNube STEAM Discovery Center, El Paso, Texas
The judges emphasize the strengths of this project’s aesthetic appeal, roof, and single skin, awarding it the top spot. This center acts as an all-ages hub for innovation, creativity, and imagination. Metal wall and roof panels work with the design to allow the building to take on the appearance of a large cloud. With a sustainable design, the structure includes recyclable steel panels and a reflective metal coating, which reduces the building’s carbon emissions. Noting the texture and unique shape of the structure, the judges observe the strong material choices, particularly enjoying the way the standing seam roof fits into the design.
MCA member company:
ATAS International
Architect:
Snohetta Architects
Contractor:
Jordan Foster Construction
Metal installer:
Commercial Roofing Systems
Innovative Use of Metal in Interior Design
Mirror Ceiling, Denver, Colo.
The evident workmanship of this eye-catching stainless steel pebble-rolled metal feature achieves a modern appearance that uses its reflective quality to create a sense of openness and its texture to create a dramatic focal point. The judge panel unanimously praises the impressive customization and labor that the project entails. Workplace Resource’s new space houses this feature in its front and core areas, places intended for innovation and community connection. A stimulating interior design feature, this metal ceiling involved collaboration with Sheet Metal Supply and Rigidized Metals, resulting in structurally sound metal ceiling panels with aesthetically appealing custom bends.
MCA member company:
Sheet Metal Supply
Architect:
Gensler Architecture
Contractor:
i2Construction
Metal installer:
SRB Acoustics
Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs)
Woodbine Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort, Toronto, Ont.
Insulated metal panels (IMPs) maximize efficiency in this innovative project, making up the building envelope of this entertainment center. The steel panels use a combination of micro-ribbed and smooth finishes for a dynamic and attractive design. They also feature coating colors, including imperial white and a custom champagne bronze. The installation of these large fire-rated metal panels involved precision, with care for both the size of the material and the application of decorative mesh. The judges observe the skill that goes into creating an attractive form with the materials involved, which offer safety and functional benefits to this sizable venue. Dan Rodriguez observes the success of this aspect and notes the design uses “a tricky material to cover an entire building and still have it look nice.”
MCA member company:
Norbec
Architect:
CGL Architects
Contractor:
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Metal installer:
Bothwell Accurate
Metal Composite Material (MCM)
PGA Tour Digital Studios, Fulton, Miss.
Judges note the clean look achieved by wrapped columns and the custom bullnose feature of this production facility. PGA Tour Digital Studios offers the capacity for live and digital events for golf fans around the world. The project’s sleek, eye-catching aesthetics include rainscreens, metal wall panels, and integrated sustainable systems.
MCA member company:
F.L. Crane & Sons
Architects:
HLW Architects and Foster + Partners
Contractor:
Gilbane Building Company
Metal installer:
F.L. Crane & Sons
Metal Roof and Solar
Private Residence in Eastern Pennsylvania, Allentown, Pa.
Earning the highest rankings in both the metal roof and solar categories, this project’s winning elements complement one another in functionality and style. Judges note the strong craftsmanship and skillful installation of the standing seam metal roof, which offers a solid foundation for the installation of solar panels. Aluminum panels offer longevity to the roof, preventing the need for maintenance prior to the end of the affixed solar panels’ life expectancy.
MCA member company:
ATAS International
Architect:
studio26
Metal installer:
Munn Roofing & Sheet Metal
Retrofit
Beth El Synagogue, St. Louis Park, Minn.
The use of custom concave rolled aluminum panels revitalizes this place of congregation and worship with an impressive modern exterior. The building dates back to 1970 and is home to a more than century-old community. The latest renovation offers an aesthetic charm to the building’s exterior with strong, lightweight metal. Judges admire the intricacy of the material and installation, noting that “every panel is unique to the slope it’s on.” The design takes into account harsh weather conditions in Minnesota and is built for longevity and sustainability.
MCA member company:
East Coast Metal Systems
Metal installer:
Division V Sheet Metal
Single Skin (Smooth)
10 Bay McMaster University Graduate Tower, Hamilton, Ont.
The judges were impressed by the folded panels, observing cubist and gothic styles in the building’s use of metal. Kevin Wagner describes the building as a “totally unique sculptural piece of art.” The strong workmanship and customization stand out in this living and recreation facility. Designed for longevity and easy maintenance, the panels are easily replaceable without sacrificing style and structural integrity.
MCA member company:
Sobotec
Architect:
Diamond Schmitt Architects
Contractor:
F.S. East Village Development Inc.
Metal installer:
Stobec
Single Skin (Ribbed)
Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown, N.D.
With a vibrant steel wall design and stimulating ribbed texture, this center creates a welcoming environment for developmentally disabled children and their families. The attractive and colorful exterior reflects the center’s aim to offer a visible and inviting environment. Judges note the creative variation in depth and dimensions of the ribbing.
MCA member company:
Petersen Aluminum
Architect:
JLG Architects
Contractor:
Mortenson
Metal installer:
MG McGrath
