A popular architectural element in the Southwest, copper adorns the chimney flue, fascia and barrel-vault roof of this project by H & S International. Architect Rong Pan notes that the metal lends textural contrast to the slump-block walls.

Once regarded as “pocket change,” copper has come a long way from its starring role as a penny during the late 1700s and early 1800s. The reddish-orange-hued metal, which develops a colorful patina over time, has been used residentially for years and enjoys a rich mining history in the Southwest. Recently, interest in the metal has peaked, leading to inventive new applications and designs.

To find out how copper is being used, and why it has become the latest must-have architectural and accent material in homes, we turned to builder Keith Bolock, owner of Shiloh Custom Homes; Billy Daschbach, president of Manfred Design Inc., a Phoenix-area custom metal fabricator; interior designer Susie Hersker, ASID, owner of Design Directives; and Rong Pan, AIA, an architect with H & S International.

SOUTHWEST CONNECTIONS
Whether copper is cladding a roof or ac-centing a door, our experts agree that it is a popular feature in many Southwest homes. Why is the metal in such demand here?
• Cultural ties. Indigenous to the Southwest, copper has a cultural connection to the area, observes Pan. In addition to saluting copper’s historical links to Arizona, he says the metal’s earthy tones create a calming effect in residences.
• Desert palette. Daschbach says the range of colors created when copper patinas—from reds to greens to browns—reflects the local terrain. 
• Natural accent. Hersker likes the way copper complements other materials, es-pecially fabrics, leathers, wood and natural stone. “I believe a successful interior incorporates a blend of beautiful materials, particularly those inherent to a region,” she states.

Photograph by Michael Woodall The Antique Farmhouse sink from Native Trails is handcrafted of recycled copper.

WHAT’S HOT
Copper has been employed architecturally for hundreds of years, according to Pan; he points to the copper domes of old buildings as prime examples. But he has witnessed an increased interest recently, noting, “It’s more like a revival.” Whether installed in traditional applications or used in cutting-edge and creative ways, copper is turning up in a variety of designs. Here are a few examples:
•  New products. From finishes to faucetry, copper is a hot commodity for home-decor manufacturers. For example, Maya Romanoff’s True Metals collection contains hand-laid copper tile panels that are suitable for wall and ceiling applications. These are offered in two finishes: Fiery Copper and Speckled Copper. Likewise, Silk Dynasty Inc. has launched Patina—a line of wallcoverings fashioned from chemically aged sheets of copper.

Native Trails, a California-based company, uses recycled copper to handcraft bathtubs, vanities and more. The firm has introduced several new items, including kitchen prep sinks, hand-hammered powder room sinks and mirrors with copper frames.