New facility is a mix of metal and masonry

by Jonathan McGaha | October 31, 2013 12:00 am

The corporate headquarters addition to the Hitchiner Manufacturing[1] facility in Milford, N.H., features approximately 8,600 square feet of 2-inch Tuff Wall metal wall panels from Metl-Span[2], Lewisville, Texas. The Tuff Wall panels were installed horizontally in 24-, 30- and 36-inch-wide profiles. In addition, approximately 1,000 square feet of Metl-Span’s Light Mesa wall panels in 42-inch widths were installed vertically.

The entire 46,000-square-foot addition to the company’s John H. Morrison building is a combination of Metl-Span insulated metal panels, masonry and windows combined with vaulted exposed timber entry canopies. The design-build project partnered
Fulcrum Associates[3], Amherst, N.H., with Dennis Mires PA The Architects[4], Manchester, N.H.

“The owner is always budget-conscious and initially considered an EIFS exterior for cost purposes,” says Dennis Mires of Dennis Mires PA The Architects. “But the insurance provider stipulated a skin that would meet burn rate requirements. Metl-Span provided a way to meet the insurance requirements, as well as stay within budget, while providing a look that reflects the high-tech nature of the company.”

Installation of the Metl-Span panels was done by Riess Construction LLC[5], Plymouth, N.H. According to owner Mike Riess: “The job was relatively straight-forward, although the design did call for pylasters to cover the vertical joints and corners. With a horizontal installation, the challenge is always to maintain the lines around the building. We had a lot of interaction with the architect to make sure the coursing was correct.”

Photo credit: Studio One, Manchester, N.H.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/hitchiner-manufacturing-milford-nh/

---