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The Metal Initiative - Where Metal Really Shines

BUILDING OWNER NEWSLETTER
December, 2008

Welcome to another issue of "Where Metal REALLY Shines," an e-newsletter for building owners and managers issued by The Metal Initiative, a coalition of companies and trade associations formed to educate owners about the use and selection of metal roof and wall systems in commercial buildings.

In this issue, we feature a trio of case studies documenting the use of three different types of metal wall systems -- pre-formed, insulated, and composite. Take a look and once again see where metal really shines.

Pre-Formed Metal Walls Give Nursing Home Residential Look

The new Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, NH looks more like a series of homes rather than an institution.

According to Jonathan Smith of Warrenstreet Architects, the key to success is selecting materials and colors that project a warm, residential feel, while providing the durability that will yield a strong return on investment over the long haul.

Merrimack County Nursing Home To underscore his point, Smith chose pre-formed metal wall panels in yellow and white to clad the exterior of the nursing home. "With metal, we were able to simulate the residential look of both clapboard and board and batten panels," he said.

"We initially analyzed 25 different exterior wall systems, including concrete block, ceramic tile, and brick," Smith continues. "We considered factors such as installed cost, service life, maintenance, and design flexibility, and metal scored well in all categories.

"We estimated the cost of the metal cladding to be a bargain for a system we expect will provide reliable service for years to come," he adds.

For more information on pre-formed metal walls panels, visit here

Insulated Metal Wall Panels Help Museum Earn LEED Platinum

Located about 300 feet below one of the three dams in Hemet, CA that serve as Southern California's backup source of water in the event of a drought, visitors will find the slender steel towers of the Center for Water Education.

Center for Water Education A joint project involving architects Michael Lehrer and Mark Gangi, the facility strives to define the public's role as stewards of water and water conservation, while underscoring the importance of water in Southern California.

A living example of sustainability and conservation, the museum is certified LEED® Platinum. In their quest for the prestigious designation, the architects specified 38,500 square feet of insulated metal wall panels.

"We opted for a cladding that would provide beauty and reflectivity, while assuring us of years of dependable service," said Gangi. "Moreover, with its high level of recycled content and its insulating value, metal was clearly compatible with our goal of achieving LEED Platinum certification."

For more information on insulated metal walls panels, visit here

Metal Composite Wall Panels Help Define Ambulatory Clinic

The new Ambulatory Clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas marks the completion of the first phase of the university's goal of replacing its aging hospital and clinical infrastructure with state-of-the art facilities.

Ambulatory Clinic, University of Texas To integrate the new structure into the existing design motif, Michael Shirley of FKP Architects selected high-glazed curtain walls on the north and west sides of the seven-story clinic, while the east and south walls were clad with metal composite panels.

"We wanted a metal composite system because it offers the contemporary aesthetics that were in harmony with our overall design goals," Shirley said. "We also liked the flatness and crispness of the material, as well as the longevity of the finish on the painted metal.

"It's all about balancing the need for a contemporary, high tech image with settings that help create healing environments," Shirley concludes. "I can truly say that at this facility, we have the best of both worlds."

For more information on metal composite walls panels, visit here

More Information and Case studies Available

To obtain more information on these buildings and to view additional case studies where metal really shines, click here.