The nature of the work done inside the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute in Louisville, Ky., is high-tech and potentially life-altering. The six story, 85,000-square-foot (7,897-m2) institute, a partnership between the University of Louisville and Jewish Hospital, conducts research, development and clinical evaluation of technologies such as heart assist devices, gene therapies and biofeedback sensors. The mission of the institute is to translate cardiovascular research into technologies and other treatments that will improve the quality of life of heart failure patients.
It was only fitting then that 21,888 square feet (2,033 m2) of CENTRIA’s Formawall Dimension Series 2-inch (51-mm) Horizontal smooth metal wall panels in silver were used on the exterior to express the cutting-edge research taking place in the interior. Design Awards judge Ron McKenzie called it “a perfect solution that allowed a curved metal wall panel across a wide radius.”
John P. Chovan, AIA, principal in charge of design and project management with Louisville based Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Chovan Inc., said the primary design objective was to provide a distinct architectural statement consistent with the technological emphasis of the institute that was also compatible with the strong forms and concrete materials of the adjacent Medical- Dental Complex.
“The curvilinear forms on the main (north) facade of CII together with the metal panels and glass exterior skin combine to provide and maxi-mize the visual design impact that we envisioned for the building,” Chovan said.
One of the design limitations of this project was that it was surrounded on three sides by existing buildings. It needed to fit in, both aesthetically and literally. Chovan said the east facade of CII is separated from the existing three story School of Medicine building by a narrow courtyard. The radius curve forms on the main glass-enclosed stair tower and the office area reflect the radius corners and the series of large round columns located on the exterior façade of all three buildings in the adjacent Medical-Dental Complex. The sweeping curvilinear wall softens the east corner of the CII building at the intersection of the courtyard and the city street, as well as maximizes the views of all the offices that are located at the north end on each floor.
Design Awards judge Tony Cosentino commented: “Recessed into a tight urban space, this simple geometric structure compliments its neighbors. The smooth metal panels coupled with the glass bands offer a subdued rhythm, a polished appearance of competence.”
According to CENTRIA, its Formawall Dimension Series allowed for the curved metal wall panels to be used across a wide radius, as well as aesthetic customization in form, color and texture. The metal wall system also provided thermal efficiency and moisture control in a single panelized component.
The Formawall panels are composite panels that provide many sustainable environmental design features and energy-savings benefits; they respond favorably to the 2.2 LEED Green Building Rating System for New Construction, Chovan added.
“With the specified metal panel system and the insulated curved glass, we were able to achieve a true curved exterior surface that was critical to a successful architectural design for the building,” Chovan explained. “Other systems that were considered were limited to either creating the curved shape with a series of straight and narrow insulated panels that results in an undesirable segmented curve or by utilizing uninsulated metal veneer panel systems requiring additional costly back-up construction and insulation.”
According to Chovan, the metal panel design included a custom panel module with 1/2-inch- (13-mm-) wide vertical reveals and 1/2-inch- and 2 1/2-inch- (64-mm-) wide horizontal reveals. The horizontal joints have a positive drip edge, sloped drain shelf and integral venting to the exterior along the panel length and a 2 3/8-inch
(60-mm) gutter interlock to provide effective rainscreen and pressure equalization. The exterior and interior skins of the metal panels are galvanized steel. The exterior finish is fluoropolymer metallic primer color coat with metal flakes and fl uoropolymer clear coat over an embossed textured panel surface.
“The metal panels and the metallic finish successfully provide a reflective quality and achieve the high-tech image that we thought was important to convey on the exterior of the building,” Chovan said.
Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, Louisville, Ky.
Building owner: University of Louisville
Architect: Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Chovan Inc., Louisville, Ky., www.ajrarch.com
General contractor: The Gilbane Co., Columbus, Ohio, www.gilbaneco.com
Metal installer: Crown Corr Inc., Gary, Ind., www.crowncorr.com
Metal wall panels: CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa., www.centria.com
