1. low-voc roofing system
IKO
Project: Northside General Hospital, North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Problem: The client required an odorless, VOC-free, solvent-free, nonflammable, and rugged roof system to withstand the area’s harsh winters. Solution: A low-VOC, odorless, and nonflammable IKO Cold Gold 2 Ply Membrane Roofing System was selected for the membrane recover project. The facility’s old BUR system was still performing well, so the roofing consultant recovered the existing dry insulation. The hospital was able to remain operational during the reroofing process. On the team: TRIFOS Design Consultants (architect), PMC Roofing (roofing contractor).
2. Metal plate system at cornell
Metalwerks
Project: Cornell University Upson Hall, Ithaca, N.Y. Problem: The owner needed to update the facility to thermally efficient, 21st-century standards. Solution: Metalwerks provided 29,000 sf of ornamental metal enclosures for the window surrounds and Arcwall aluminum plate panel rainscreen for soffits, fascia, and coping. The rainscreen system can be flat, curved, or formed into custom 3D profiles. It can be installed horizontally and vertically. The plate afforded the designers control over the façade geometry, while also accommodating a high-performing wall system. On the team: Perkins+Will (architect) and Thornton Thomasetti (façade and structural engineering, LEED management, energy modeling).
3. Composite cladding
Alucobond
Project: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 134 Headquarters, Chicago. Problem: Renovate an old elementary school building into a contemporary HQ. Solution: 24,000 sf of 4mm Alucobond PLUS aluminum composite material was used as the building’s “wrapper” to achieve a clean, modern finish. Alucobond PLUS consists of two sheets of 0.020-inch aluminum thermobonded to a proprietary fire-resistant core. It is manufactured in a standard 4mm thickness. On the team: Wight & Company (architect, GC), Architectural Panel Systems (cladding installation).
4. metal panels FOR EVENT SPACE
CEntria
Project: New England Conservatory Student Life Performance Center, Boston. Problem: Create an innovative aesthetic with nods to the institution’s history. Solution: Versawall lightweight insulated metal panels in Pewter, EcoScreen Cascade perforated screenwall, and Formavue windows were combined to create a unique identity for the new campus center. EcoScreen contributed to the formation of a 40-foot-tall metal screen to act as a curtain that allows for glimpses of the performance spaces. The Versawall IMPs clad the building where it faces an inner alley while providing protection against the elements. On the team: Ann Beha Architects, Gensler (architects), AECOM Tishman (GC), Sunrise Erectors (installer).
5. Perforated imaging wall panels on garage
Dri-Design
Project: Mills Fleet Farm Parking Garage, Minneapolis, Minn. Problem: The project team wanted to enliven the streetscape without compromising airflow to the garage. Solution: 4,418 sf of Dri-Design’s 0.080-inch painted aluminum panels depicting a natural woods scene were installed, to enliven the streetscape while also providing needed inflow. The perforations are varied in size, location, and density to create areas of light, dark, and different tones in between, thus creating the displayed image. The panels do not require wind clips, which simplified the installation. On the team: Innovative Building Concepts (installation).
6. Perimeter fire containment sstem safeguards tower
Owens Corning
Project: Salesforce Tower, San Francisco. Problem: The 61-floor structure demanded a perimeter fire containment system that could meet rigorous building codes, address the unique geometry of the structure, and help achieve targeted LEED Platinum certification. Solution: Thermafiber Insolutions reviewed drawings and provided engineering judgments to support performance goals. A Thermafiber Impasse perimeter fire containment assembly used Thermafiber FireSpan 90, Thermafiber Impasse Hangers, and Thermafiber Safing to achieve floor-to-floor fire separation. The system meets stringent building code fire requirements, with a minimum 70% recycled content. Photo: Jason O’Rear.
Related Stories
Building Materials | Jun 14, 2023
Construction input prices fall 0.6% in May 2023
Construction input prices fell 0.6% in May compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices declined 0.5% for the month.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Jun 5, 2023
27 important questions about façade leakage
Walter P Moore’s Darek Brandt discusses the key questions building owners and property managers should be asking to determine the health of their building's façade.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 27, 2023
Watch: Specifying materials in multifamily housing projects
A trio of multifamily housing experts discusses trends in materials in their latest developments. Topics include the need to balance aesthetics and durability, the advantages of textured materials, and the benefits of biophilia.
3D Printing | Apr 11, 2023
University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory unveils Shell Wall—a concrete wall that’s lightweight and freeform 3D printed
The University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory has unveiled a new product called Shell Wall—which the organization describes as the first lightweight, freeform 3D printed and structurally reinforced concrete wall. The innovative product leverages DART Laboratory’s research and development on the use of 3D-printing technology to build structures that require less concrete.
Cladding and Facade Systems | Apr 5, 2023
Façade innovation: University of Stuttgart tests a ‘saturated building skin’ for lessening heat islands
HydroSKIN is a façade made with textiles that stores rainwater and uses it later to cool hot building exteriors. The façade innovation consists of an external, multilayered 3D textile that acts as a water collector and evaporator.
Windows and Doors | Apr 4, 2023
Schweiss Doors erects manufacturing building to showcase new doors
Schweiss Doors, the premier manufacturer of hydraulic and bifold liftstrap doors, erected a new manufacturing facility which will also serve as a showcase for the company’s new “free-standing” header frames.
Windows and Doors | Mar 5, 2023
2022 North American Fenestration Standard released
The 2022 edition of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” (NAFS) has been published. The updated 2022 standard replaces the 2017 edition, part of a continued evolution of the standard to improve harmonization across North America, according to a news release.
AEC Innovators | Mar 3, 2023
Meet BD+C's 2023 AEC Innovators
More than ever, AEC firms and their suppliers are wedding innovation with corporate responsibility. How they are addressing climate change usually gets the headlines. But as the following articles in our AEC Innovators package chronicle, companies are attempting to make an impact as well on the integrity of their supply chains, the reduction of construction waste, and answering calls for more affordable housing and homeless shelters. As often as not, these companies are partnering with municipalities and nonprofit interest groups to help guide their production.
Codes | Mar 2, 2023
Biden Administration’s proposed building materials rules increase domestic requirements
The Biden Administration’s proposal on building materials rules used on federal construction and federally funded state and local buildings would significantly boost the made-in-America mandate. In the past, products could qualify as domestically made if at least 55% of the value of their components were from the U.S.
AEC Innovators | Feb 28, 2023
Meet the 'urban miner' who is rethinking how we deconstruct and reuse buildings
New Horizon Urban Mining, a demolition firm in the Netherlands, has hitched its business model to construction materials recycling. It's plan: deconstruct buildings and infrastructure and sell the building products for reuse in new construction. New Horizon and its Founder Michel Baars have been named 2023 AEC Innovators by Building Design+Construction editors.
