Michael Carlson, AIA, CCS, REFP, of McCool Carlson Green Architects, Anchorage, Alaska, says his firm specified ribbed metal wall panels for the 5,000-seat Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage at the University of Alaska because deep shadow lines provided a noticeable contrast with darker zinc wall panels. The project utilized approximately 40,000 square feet of Everett, Wash.-based NorthClad Rainscreen Solutions’ ZN series formed zinc panels for a rainscreen and 22,400 square feet of Bristol, Conn.-based Morin Corp.’s, a Kingspan Group company, U-12 single element box rib panels with vertical ribs. The 1.5-mm zinc used for the panels was supplied by Jarden Zinc Products, Greeneville, Tenn. “It’s a big structure so for the tall space we selected a profile that had some depth,” Carlson says. “It brought some strength to the project.”
Carve Construction LLC, Anchorage, installed 0.05-inch aluminum concealed fastener wall panels that were treated with a clear anodized Class I finish system. The maximum length of the panels was 25 feet and longer panels were connected with splice plates. The same material was finished and installed as 8,100 square feet of soffit panels.
Uriah Rolando, of Carve Construction, says the clear anodized panels provided an organic appearance that looked good with the zinc. “They wanted a 100-year product that wouldn’t change much over time and that’s what we installed,” he says.
Carlson says the clear anodized finish system offered the natural look he was seeking, the system would hold its look over time, and the clear anodized finish enhanced durability and gave the aluminum character. “It was interesting going through the finishing process because we expected much more consistency in the look of each panel,” he says. “With the contrast, we were able to work with the installers to mix up the shades to give the walls some character. That would not have happened if it were not anodized.”
Opened in September 2014, the Alaska Airlines Center houses an 800-seat auxiliary gym, sports medicine suite, indoor two-lane walking and jogging track, gymnastics and competition gym, and a training and strength conditioning facility for student athletes. Fans can visit the Varsity Sports Grill for lunch and dinner, featuring local craft beer and wine, on the upper level. In addition to athletic events, the center will host concerts and family shows.
Jarden Zinc Products, www.jardenzinc.com
Morin Corp., a Kingspan Group company, www.morincorp.com
NorthClad Rainscreen Solutions, www.northclad.com
