Edifice rex.

Education and medical projects dominate the inaugural Building North Carolina Awards, selected by the magazine's editors from projects completed between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, based on their design, innovation and community impact.

BEST OVERALL DESIGN

Duke Environment Hall Durham

General contractor: Lend Lease Corporation Ltd., Sydney, Australia

Architect: Payette Associates Inc., Boston

Cost: $40 million Size: 70,000 square feet

Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment is now housed in the campus' most eco-friendly building--one that is kind on the eyes, too, nabbing a Boston Society of Architects Award for Design Excellence this year. The building sports the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating because of features such as a rooftop garden, more than 50 solar panels that can produce 9% of the building's energy needs and double-paned windows that open automatically when the weather is nice. The bathrooms also sport a green twist--rainwater from the roof and grey water from sinks is recycled to make the toilets flush. Most LEED Platinum buildings are private homes or offices, while Duke's draws a steady flow of students and faculty through five classrooms, 117 office spaces and an auditorium. It was a key achievement of former Nicholas School Dean Bill Chameides, who stepped down in June after seven years in the post. "That's really been his legacy--creating a signature building that emphasizes Duke's commitment to sustainability," Prasad Kasibhatla, a professor of environmental chemistry and senior associate dean, told the Duke Chronicle.

BEST RENOVATION PROJECT

Inmar Inc. Winston-Salem

General contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore Architects: West & Stem PLLC, Winston-Salem; Design Collective Inc., Baltimore Cost: not available Size: 273,000 square feet

Perhaps nothing better illustrates North Carolina's transforming economy than turning two former RJ. Reynolds Tobacco Co. warehouses, one brick and the other concrete, into the innovative headquarters of a tech company. Inmar processes more than 2.3 billion coupons annually--many come from Sunday newspaper inserts--and wanted an inspired office environment as more consumers opt for digital discounts. Architects used existing wood, brick and stones, added two floors in part of the building and lowered 30-foot ceilings elsewhere. Atriums scattered throughout bare plenty of sunlight The new headquarters allowed Inmar to consolidate...