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
Cladding and Facade Systems | Dec 14, 2018
Bangkok’s latest mega shopping mall features one of the world’s longest pillarless all-glass facades
Iconsiam’s completion required special glass and installation techniques.
Office Buildings | Jul 25, 2018
New study on occupant comfort advances Saint Gobain’s design approach for renovation and new construction
The building products giant gauges its employees’ perceptions of old and new headquarters environments.
Sponsored | Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 5, 2017
Richland Two Institute of Innovation
Five colors of metal wall panels highlight design of multigenerational learning center.
Retail Centers | Jul 24, 2017
Miami retail structure’s honeycomb façade fluctuates between opacity and transparency
The building will rise three stories in Miami’s Design District.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Jul 20, 2017
FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns, may be covered in the same cladding as Grenfell Tower, AP reports
A luxury Baltimore hotel, a mixed-use building in Denver and an Alaskan High School may also have used the cladding.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Jul 14, 2017
Angular observatory uses zinc panels to gain unobstructed view of night sky
The observatory’s pattern of lock-seamed zinc cladding alternates between the irregular site topography and the building’s geometry.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Next-gen materials for the built environment, Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial
Architect and materials guru Blaine Brownell reveals emerging trends and applications that are transforming the technological capacity, environmental performance, and design potential of architecture.
Products and Materials | Apr 10, 2017
Composite siding revivifies Ohio luxury community
Following severe hailstorm damage, this Sandusky, Ohio, community replaces its high-maintenance cedar siding with a composite solution.
Sponsored | Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 11, 2016
Nichiha helps breathe life into Philadelphia mixed-use project
Blackney Hayes Architects undertook a project to restore and modernize an existing mid-rise building on Chestnut Street, located near Thomas Jefferson University, and turn it into an expansive mixed-use space.
Sponsored | Cladding and Facade Systems | Sep 15, 2016
Healing has a new home: Parkland Hospital
ALPOLIC® materials contribute to a life-affirming experience.