A decision to relocate from the suburbs to Chicago led general contractor Sumit Construction Co. and Skokie, Ill.-based architecture firm Arzoumanian & Co., to showcase the contractor’s knowledge of the trade, says Principal Raffi Arzoumanian, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, at Arzoumanian & Co.
Arzoumanian salvaged as much material as possible from the old vehicle-emissions testing station on the lot, combining traditional material such as brick, with contemporary metal. The resulting two-story building features tall, angular planes, and demonstrates both companies’ commitment to sustainability, a desire for the co-existence of old and new, and a marriage between the fine art of masonry and the science of modern technology. Arzoumanian & Co. also handled interior design for the project.
“Given the industrial nature of the area and the metal-clad adjacent building, it seemed only natural to use metal cladding,” says Arzoumanian. “However, it was also important to show how metal cladding technology has evolved through time. The juxtaposition of the old metal system with the new told the story of its progression.”
The project features 8,000 square feet of metal wall panels from Kalzip Inc., Michigan City, Ind., chosen for their ability to meet the architectural design criteria for the building and to be curved to a very tight radius. Additionally, the panel profiles were suitable for the scale and detailing the project required.
“We were looking for a combination of materials that would allow the client to express his expertise in construction and his commitment to sustain design and progressive thinking,” explains Arzoumanian. “The metal cladding allowed us to easily create a dynamic, organic shape that is set against traditional brick material. Each material addressed different elements of the client’s business-brick for its long history in construction and metal for its flexibility, strength, progressive technology and sustainability.” The two companies have partnered together on projects before, but this was Sumit’s first office project. “The first time, there are always minor lessons to be learned,” says Pratap Gohil, Sumit president.
The existing 10,921-square-foot single-story facility is used as a warehouse, field offices and fleet maintenance, while the new 11,694-square-foot, two-story attached building houses the corporate headquarters.
Certified LEED Gold, the project received points for its location close to public transportation, reusing of material from the existing facility, reduced usage of water, green roof and open space, water-efficient landscaping, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and daylighting. Additionally, the project used regional materials within a 500-mile radius, rapidly renewable materials and materials with recycled content.
Sumit Construction Co. Headquarters, Chicago
General contractor: Sumit Construction Co. Inc., Chicago
Architect/interior design: Arzoumanian & Co., Skokie, Ill.
Metal wall panels: Kalzip Inc., Michigan City, Ind., www.kalzip.com
2012 (c) Patsy McEnroe Photography
