Case Studies

Coated Metal Wall, Roof Systems Meet Cost, Color Requirements at Connecticut Technology-Oriented Magnet Middle School

Challenge:

In designing the Two Rivers Middle School, a 120,000-square-foot facility in East Hartford, Conn., the project architects, Du Bose Associates of Hartford, called for a roofing and siding system that would respond to the school’s proximity to two rivers, an office park, easements and roadways, while reflecting the school’s inviting learning environment.

Solution:

The architect initially considered a brick facade but opted to specify some 12,300 square feet of .040-gauge, coated aluminum pre-formed and exposed fastener wall panels, in addition to 1,050 square feet of .040-gauge coated aluminum standing seam roof panels. The projected installed and life-cycle costs of the aluminum wall system were about 30 percent less than that for brick. More important, the use of metal enabled the architect to select contemporary colors and textures more compatible with the school’s image as a state-of-the-art science, math and technology learning center.