Metal modernizes commercial development

by Jonathan McGaha | November 2, 2014 12:00 am

Insulated metal panels were specified for energy conservation and aesthetics

Wenger Roofing & Sheet Metal, Campbellsport, Wis., installed more than 51,000 square feet of Lewisville, Texas-based Metl-Span’s 22-gauge prefinished steel CF Architectural 2-inch embossed Flat panels on The Constellation, a mixed-use property in Madison, Wis. The development is anchored by more than 32,000 square feet of commercial space on the first three floors and topped by 220 apartments on the top eight floors above a 275-stall parking garage. The project included standard 36-inch panels and custom-sized 20 1/2-inch panels. Most of the panels were Regal Gray and some accent panels were Charcoal.

The architectural goal of The Constellation was to lead a rejuvenation of the heart of Madison, Wis. A modern design was achieved for the project with Metl-Span’s insulated metal panels. Christopher Gosch, AIA, NCARB, at Bark Design of Madison, says selecting insulated metal panels was an easy decision because of the energy-savings potential, aesthetics and insulation properties. “Madison, right now, is limited to what you can specify as an exterior panel,” he says. “You can go with metal or masonry and we weren’t too excited about masonry.”

To install the insulated metal panels, Wenger Roofing & Sheet Metal crews were suspended on equipment lowered from the roof and panels were lifted to them. The front entry of the shopping areas was fabricated in Pau Ferro wood grain panels. Gary Heinecke, project manager for the siding installation, says that after his company worked out the logistics the installation went well. “There are a lot of balconies, so we had to work around them,” he says. “We’ve installed Metl-Span panels before, but not on a project this big.”

The Constellation is less than a 10-minute walk from music venues, clubs, bars, the city’s farmer’s market and State Street. Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, beaches, bike paths and year-round festivals are also within walking distance. The Constellation is less than a 10-minute drive to the airport.

“Honestly, it turned out better than I expected,” Gosch says. “Now that we’ve gone through a full cycle of seasons, we’ve seen that the metal panels have held up in the high-traffic areas. We’re very happy with the performance. Residents have also been pleased with relatively lower power and heating bills.”

Metl-Span, www.metlspan.com[1]

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/metal-modernizes-commercial-development/

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