The new headquarters of Burns and Scalo Roofing in Gahanna, Ohio, presents a compelling example of the architectural potential of modular metal panel systems. Designed and fabricated by NexGen Metal Design Systems, Inc., the building’s façade leverages more than 650.3 m² (7,000 sf) of custom Mosaic+ panels to achieve a high-impact, dimensional aesthetic.
With modular metal systems increasingly used in both functional and expressive roles, this project underscores their capacity to meet both design intent and construction efficiency. The envelope features a blend of three custom color finishes, four distinct panel depth variations, and an array of modules and lengths, each contributing to a layered visual rhythm.
To enhance the facade’s texture and spatial quality, each panel was rotated exactly 45 degrees while maintaining horizontal alignment at both the top and bottom edges. The result is a custom running bond grid that emphasizes clean geometry, consistent alignment, and striking shadow play—elements critical to the building’s visual identity.
At a time when architectural cladding systems must satisfy performance, design, and sustainability criteria, modular metal panels present a versatile solution. The panels used are built with interlocking dry-joint connections to ensure precise fit and streamline installation. These systems are particularly effective in projects requiring complex layouts and variable panel dimensions, offering performance advantages such as thermal expansion accommodation, fast weather sealing, and long-term durability.
For the Burns and Scalo headquarters, the envelope does more than perform—it communicates. According to Brian Exline, vice president and general manager of Burns and Scalo Roofing Ohio, the architectural metal system serves as a visual cue for the firm’s identity.
“The cutting-edge metal panel exterior of this building is a perfect representation of the innovative nature and progressive culture of Burns and Scalo,” he says.
In the broader context of building envelope design, this project illustrates how modular metal panels can support expressive architecture while meeting contemporary technical requirements.
