1. Integrated sink system
Sloan
Project: Planet Fitness, Palmdale, Calif. Problem: Members of previous Planet Fitness locations complained of excess water on countertops and floors, which led to safety hazards. Solution: Sloan installed the AER-DEC sink system that features a sink basin, faucet, soap dispenser, and hand dryer all within an arm’s reach. The touch-free, integrated system eliminated the trips between sinks and hand dryers that caused the excess water on countertops and floors.
2. Insulated metal panels
Mcelroy metal
Project: CubeSmart, Cranston, R.I. Problem: Self-storage facilities are often mundane buildings. CubeSmart wanted to buck the trend. Solution: The two buildings that make up the storage facility were clad in a staggered arrangement of 29,000 sf of Ash Gray panels and 10,000 sf of CubeSmart Red panels. On the team: Lacuna Design (architect), Ubane Construction (GC), and EKM Construction (IMP installer).
3. Aluminum Composite Panels
3A Composites USA
Project: South Texas College Technology Campus expansion, McAllen, Texas. Problem: The new university building needed a colorful, durable product to use as a decorative theme for the college while retaining an industrial look. Solution: 15,200 sf of 4mm Alucobond aluminum composite material in custom colors was juxtaposed with cream-colored brick and brown split-face block wainscot on the building’s façade. Also used: 6,200 sf of custom STC Green; 2,700 sf of custom STC Violet; and 6,300 sf of Silver Metallic. On the team: EGV Architects (architect) and E-Con Group (GC).
4. High-efficiency windows
Linetec and winco windows
Project: Vida, San Francisco. Problem: A mixed-use building wanted a neutral, energy-efficient contrast for its colorful façade, which reflects the color and texture of the neighborhood’s Latin-influenced murals and crafts. Solution: Winco Windows’ 1450 Series 4-inch unitized window wall and 3325 Series 3.25-inch zero sightline vents, finished by Linetec in Snow White color. The finish improves thermal performance while maintaining the long-term durability of the fenestration. On the team: DLR Group, Kwan Henmi (architects), Build Group (GC), Bagatelos Architectural Glass Systems (glazing contractor).
5. Energy-efficient roof system
Firestone Building Products
Project: Bridgestone Tower, Nashville, Tenn. Problem: To achieve LEED Gold certification, the project team needed an energy-efficient roof system. Solution: Firestone Building Products’ UltraPly TPO and ISO 95+ were used for the project. UltraPly TPO added LEED points to the design, operation, and maintenance of the building. Its white reflective surface exceeds the EPA’s Energy Star requirements. ISO 95+ offers the highest R-value ratings per inch compared to other insulation materials, says the maker.
6. Metal Panel Exterior
Centria
Project: Richland County Decker Center, Columbia, S.C. Problem: The building needed to be visually unified and eliminate any semblance of its former purpose as a strip mall. Solution: Formawall panels in an Off White color with a smooth finish were contrasted with Formawall panels in Chromium Gray across the main building façade. Versawall embossed insulated metal panels in Silver and metallic Sundance AM coating were used around the rear of the building. On the team: Boudreaux (architect), H.G. Reynolds (GC), SECO Architectural Systems (metal panel installer).
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
McCarthy, Skanska among nation's largest healthcare contractors, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 50 Healthcare Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Turner, Webcor, Hensel Phelps top BD+C's list of the 75 largest green contractors
With more than $3 billion in value of construction put in place for green buildings in 2008, Turner Construction tops BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s 75 largest green contractors, published as part of the Giants 300 report. Webcor Builders ($2.27 billion), Hensel Phelps Construction ($2.10 billion), The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. ($1.97 billion), and Clark Group ($1.89 billion) round out the top five.
| Aug 11, 2010
Free waterproofing and roofing resource handbook available from American Hydrotech
American Hydrotech is now offering a waterproofing and roofing resource handbook for all architects and design community professionals. Topics include sustainable design, waterproof product specification, and proper installation techniques for use by building professionals in designing and waterproofing roof decks, plazas, vertical foundations, reflecting pools, and green roof applications.
| Aug 11, 2010
World-Class Revival on Utah’s Capitol Hill
Since 1916, the Utah State Capitol building has served as the foundation of Utah’s government, housing the state legislature operations as well as the offices of the governor, attorney general, and treasurer. But after decades of wear and tear and numerous short-sighted modernization attempts, Utah’s rock was on the verge of crumbling.
| Aug 11, 2010
Installation work begins on Minnesota's largest green roof
Installation of the 2.5 acre green roof vegetation on the City-owned Target Center begins today. Over the course of two days a 165 ton crane will hoist five truckloads of plant material, which includes 900 rolls of pre-grown vegetated mats of sedum and native plants for installation on top of the arena's main roof.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, Holder Construction top BD+C's ranking of the nation's 50 largest industrial building contractors
A ranking of the Top 50 Industrial Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
AASHE releases annual review of sustainability in higher education
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) has announced the release of AASHE Digest 2008, which documents the continued rapid growth of campus sustainability in the U.S. and Canada. The 356-page report, available as a free download on the AASHE website, includes over 1,350 stories that appeared in the weekly AASHE Bulletin last year.
| Aug 11, 2010
AECOM, Arup, Gensler most active in commercial building design, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 100 Commercial Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants