When the opportunity arose to introduce a progressive new look for the newly constructed Austin Boathouse, Joseph LaRocca knew that he had the perfect product solution to create an innovative design primarily for performance rating and clean modern appearance. Located in downtown Austin, the Austin Boathouse is the home of the Austin Rowing Club, a non-profit organization promoting the sport of rowing in Austin, Texas. The Austin Boathouse was a three-year high-profile project, centrally located and surrounded by active biking and running trails, used by thousands of residents each day.
LaRocca, principal architect at GSC Architects, chose to base the project design on the Nichiha panels because of the aesthetics and qualities of the panels, including the modular design; sustainability of materials; clean, crisp reveals; and the ability to utilize custom colors to fit the surrounding community.
“The design of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department Boathouse required a durable exterior material capable of withstanding weathering effects and community wear-and-tear,” commented LaRocca. “The City of Austin wanted a structure that made a visual statement, and that utilized sustainable materials. In the end, the Nichiha panels hit all of the goals, and helped create a building that the citizens of Austin will be proud stewards of for many years to come.”
Architect
Joseph LaRocca
GSC ArchitectsLocation
Austin, TXProject Type
New ConstructionProduct
Illumination SeriesProject Features
- Clean, Modern Look
- Color Xpressions System
- Modularity
- Sustainability
- Durability
- Versatility
- Modified Rainscreen System
- Cost Savings
Panel thickness, modularity, and rainscreen approach to cladding were key attributes to the utilization of Nichiha panels. Nichiha’s Illumination Series Panels with Color Xpressions (color customization) were a perfect choice to reflect the image of the city and create a standout focal point for a locally known landmark. The Illumination Series panels provide a durable and versatile design, with a modern look and feel, complementing the current community landscape, at the fraction of the price of metal panels.
“We love the look of the Nichiha Illumination panels. We wanted the clean, modern look of metal, and Nichiha was the only manufacturer who could accomplish the aesthetic we wanted and remain environmentally-friendly,” stated LaRocca.
Challenge
To find durable, modern-looking panels with the design aesthetics and qualities to compliment the surrounding community.
Solution
The Illumination Series panels provided a durable, sustainable and versatile design, with a clean crisp modern look and feel, complementing the current community landscape, at the fraction of the price of metal panels.
Results
Nichiha was able to provide the client with the desired look and feel to complement the Austin Boathouse, utilizing high-performance, and durable exterior cladding panels. +
Related Stories
| Feb 11, 2011
Four Products That Stand Up to Hurricanes
What do a panelized wall system, a newly developed roof hatch, spray polyurethane foam, and a custom-made curtain wall have in common? They’ve been extensively researched and tested for their ability to take abuse from the likes of Hurricane Katrina.
| Feb 9, 2011
Kingspan Insulated Panels Announces Path to NetZero Mobile App
Kingspan Insulated Panels North America, a global manufacturer of insulated metal panels, announces the availability of its new Path to NetZero mobile app. Introduced at Greenbuild 2010, this unique tool for the building industry simulates the process of achieving high-performance and net-zero buildings.
| Jan 4, 2011
Product of the Week: Zinc cladding helps border crossing blend in with surroundings
Zinc panels provide natural-looking, durable cladding for an administrative building and toll canopies at the newly expanded Queenstown Plaza U.S.-Canada border crossing at the Niagara Gorge. Toronto’s Moriyama & Teshima Architects chose the zinc alloy panels for their ability to blend with the structures’ scenic surroundings, as well as for their low maintenance and sustainable qualities. The structures incorporate 14,000 sf of Rheinzink’s branded Angled Standing Seam and Reveal Panels in graphite gray.
| Dec 17, 2010
Gemstone-inspired design earns India’s first LEED Gold for a hotel
The Park Hotel Hyderabad in Hyderabad, India, was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to combine inspirations from the region’s jewelry-making traditions with sustainable elements.
| Dec 17, 2010
Cladding Do’s and Don’ts
A veteran structural engineer offers expert advice on how to avoid problems with stone cladding and glass/aluminum cladding systems.
| Dec 7, 2010
Product of the Week: Petersen Aluminum’s column covers used in IBM’S new offices
IBM’s new offices at Dulles Station West in Herndon, Va., utilized Petersen’s PAC-1000 F Flush Series column covers. The columns are within the office’s Mobility Area, which is designed for a mobile workforce looking for quick in-and-out work space. The majority of workspaces in the office are unassigned and intended to be used on a temporary basis.
| Nov 2, 2010
Cypress Siding Helps Nature Center Look its Part
The Trinity River Audubon Center, which sits within a 6,000-acre forest just outside Dallas, utilizes sustainable materials that help the $12.5 million nature center fit its wooded setting and put it on a path to earning LEED Gold.