1. Composite slate roofing
Davinci Roofscapes
Project: Saint John’s Cathedral, Denver. Problem: A new roof was needed to protect the historic structure from the rigors of the Rocky Mountain region’s severe weather. Solution: DaVinci Roofscapes single-width composite tiles were used to protect the 90-foot-tall church without compromising its aesthetics. The installer used 39 squares of Slate Gray, 55 in a canyon color, and 151 in the European blend. On the team: Horn Brothers Roofing.
2. Pentaglas Panels
Kingspan light + air
Project: Spoke apartment parking garage, Chicago. Problem: The parking garage was a concrete monstrosity that needed to find a balance between ventilating airborne contaminants and achieving a pleasing look. Solution: The garage was clad with 17,430 sf of “floating” Pentaglas cladding panels to improve the aesthetics and allow air to move into and around the garage while exhausting CO2. On the team: FitzGerald Associates Architects.
3. Illuminated Ceiling
Sefar Architecture
Project: Moynihan Train Station, New York. Problem: The architects wanted a ceiling system to illuminate an underground walkway. Solution: The SEFAR Architecture Lightframe ceiling system, a modular system. Two layers of IA-85-OP fabric were used with the system to allow for even light distribution. In addition to uniformly lighting the space, the modules have an NRC value of 0.90 to reduce noise in the terminal hallways. On the team: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
4. Standing Railing
Trex Commercial Products
Project: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles. Problem: The first standing supporter section in a U.S. stadium needed a custom railing to safely allow fans to watch the match from the unprecedented pitch of 34 degrees. Solution: A custom standing railing with integrated seating. The riser-mounted metal-railing frame angles back to create a comfortable lean rail for standing supporters. On the team: Gensler (architect), PCL Contracting (GC).
5. Digitally Printed glass
Viracon
Project: The Novak Center for Children’s Health at the University of Louisville’s Health Sciences Center. Problem: The university wanted the connection between the Novak Center and the Chestnut Street Garage to be an airy, naturally lit pedestrian bridge. Solution: The third-floor bridge used 138 rectangular pieces of Digital Distinctions glass by Viracon, each digitally printed with a custom block pattern. On the team: Messer Construction (CM), Koch Corp. of Louisville (installer).
6. Zinc Wall Panels
Dri-Design
Project: Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis. Problem: HGA needed a metal panel that was efficient in terms of raw material, size, panel span, framing, and manufacturing waste—without compromising design. Solution: Dri-Design VMZINC Wall Panels were chosen for their long life span. They don’t use tapes, sealants, or gaskets, which eliminates the streaking and staining associated with such products. They forgo a plastic core, making them noncombustible. On the team: HGA (architect), Progressive Building Systems (panel installation).
Related Stories
| Apr 23, 2012
AAMA releases updated specification for anodized aluminum
AAMA 611-12 describes test procedures and requirements for high performance (Class I) and commercial (Class II) architectural quality aluminum oxide coatings applied to aluminum extrusions and panels for architectural products.
| Apr 20, 2012
Century-old courthouse renovated for Delaware law firm offices
To account for future expansion, Francis Cauffman developed a plan to accommodate the addition of an 8-story tower to the building.
| Apr 20, 2012
Shawmut completes Yard House Restaurant in Boston
12,000-sf restaurant marks new addition to Boston’s Fenway neighborhood.
| Apr 19, 2012
Holcim cement plants recognized at PCA Spring Meeting
The Holly Hill plant received the PCA’s Chairman’s Safety Performance Award in recognition of their exceptional health and safety programs. The Theodore plant received the Environmental Performance Award in recognition of the steps they take beyond those required by laws, regulations and permits to minimize their impact on the environment.
| Apr 18, 2012
Positive conditions persist for Architecture Billings Index
The AIA reported the March ABI score was 50.4, following a mark of 51.0 in February; greatest demand is for commercial building projects.
| Apr 17, 2012
FMI report examines federal construction trends
Given the rapid transformations occurring in the federal construction sector, FMI examines the key forces accelerating these changes, as well as their effect on the industry.
| Apr 16, 2012
University of Michigan study seeks to create efficient building design
The result, the researchers say, could be technologies capable of cutting the carbon footprint created by the huge power demands buildings place on the nation’s electrical grid.
| Apr 3, 2012
Product Solutions
Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.
