Custom-colored metal panels accentuate unique architectural design of progressive pediatric office
When Dr. Bryan Harvey of Pediatric Workplaces LLC first envisioned blueprints for his new medical office in Northwest Arkansas, he wanted to create a strong presence and unique identity for his practice. As a pediatrician, Dr. Harvey hoped to incorporate bold shapes and the use of color to resonate with children who would be visiting. As for the architecture, he intended for it to represent a place of wellness, while also serving as an efficient workplace for personnel to interact with patients and guests of all ages.
To help it stand out as a local landmark, Harvey Pediatric Clinic was designed with a long architectural layout featuring large contrasting metal forms and a custom crimson-color ribbed metal exterior on the south side. It also includes customized office spaces and areas designed to increase the amount of natural light that enters the building.
Truly a collaborative effort, Marlon Blackwell Architects, of Fayetteville, AR partnered with General Contractor and Metal Installer SSI Inc., of Fort Smith, AR to construct the clinic.
Project Architect, Justin Hershberger said Dr. Harvey tasked him to create a medical building different than the standard facility that would provide an impactful presence to the local landscape.
“We wanted to create a singular figure to give the building and the clinic a unique identity,” Hershberger said. “In a way, the final design harkens back to the rural structures like barns and silos that used to be in the landscape. It has definitely become a landmark in the area.”
The ribbed wall panels that make up a majority of the building exterior were manufactured by Morin Corporation, a Kingspan Group Company, and the metal was coated with Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. J. D. Day & Company worked with the architects as a representative on behalf of the metal manufacturer.
Sherwin-Williams Fluropon® 70% PVDF Architectural coatings systems were a natural choice for this type of project to provide the outstanding colors, Hacienda Tile and Weathered Zinc, along with durability and protection for the metal wall panels.
As for the Hacienda Tile custom color choice, the building owner was intentional about the selection in hopes that it would make a statement. “Dr. Harvey wanted it to stand out amongst the other buildings and be a focal point,” said Misty Ross, Harvey Pediatric Clinic Administrator. “Yet he wanted it to be appealing on the eye as well.”
“The red mica coating is really incredible and offers a lot of variation,” Hershberger added. “With sunrise and sunset, it picks up really unique colors throughout the day – and the shade changes with the sun. The mica was really important to us to give us that look throughout the day and even through the changing seasons.”
The north side of the building’s ribbed panels feature the two-coat Fluropon® Classic II PVDF system applied in the Weathered Zinc grey hue. “When the sun sets in the summer months, the Weathered Zinc mica on the north side and soffits really stands out,” said Hershberger. “The sun gets low and washes across that side and adds some great color to it.”
“I think this project has really raised the bar – it is a progressive building for a progressive client. Dr. Harvey focuses on whole child development and the building resonates with that idea,” Hershberger concluded. “I’m most proud of how well all the design and architectural elements work for them and serve their needs, while still making a strong statement.”