Crafting a Distinctive Copper Dome

The history of copper in architecture can be linked to its durability, prestigious appearance, and ability to form complex shapes. For centuries, craftsmen and designers have utilized these attributes to build aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting building systems. The copper dome in architecture projects a sophisticated and memorable statement for any commercial or residential structure. The standing-seam copper roof is a stunning design of hand-formed triangular panels that converge to a top center radius, creating a crowning statement for any building it adorns.

According to the Copper Development Association, Inc., designing copper dome entails a complex system that includes determining the dome's circumference and calculating the size of the panels. The standing seam roof panels join throughout their run from the base to the crown of the dome. At the crown, the seams are laid flat and terminate at a copper cap.

Combining old world craftsmanship with modern-day technology allows our team at CopperCraft to build architectural products such as this one-of-a-kind dome. This custom 21' round, 6' tall architectural copper dome was fabricated at our Grapevine, Texas facility.

These images showcase the fabrication process which involved 1,500 feet of aluminum tubing, 25 sheets of 3/8" CDX plywood, 1,500 to 2,000 lbs of 16 oz and 20 oz copper, and approximately 400 hours of labor from the drawings to the completed dome. The dome will ultimately adorn a bank in Norfolk, VA.

Contact CopperCraft for the ingenuity and expertise, for the stunning custom architectural copper projects you expect.