Louisiana Delta Community College, Ruston, La.

by Christopher Brinckerhoff | 2 July 2024 6:00 am

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A combination of metal wall panels met numerous project goals for Louisiana Delta Community College’s (LDCC) campus. TBA Studio Architecture APC designed two buildings, the main campus building and a welding shop, with two types of metal panels on the exteriors.

Hannah Terrell, project manager at TBA Studio, says, “TBA incorporated neutral [metal composite material (MCM)] panels and blue exterior metal panels mixed with LDCC’s brick to provide a balanced contrast in the exterior design. The wide use of metal throughout the project was complemented by masonry elements that unified the new construction with the existing welding facility, and the wants of the campus’ vision. The use of exterior metals grabs the attention of passersby of the facility by being the majority of the buildings’ main facades. Also, the faux metal panels were used to accent the entry of the facility.”

The two buildings contain 2,441 m² (26,270 sf) and house administration areas, classrooms, labs, lounges for staff and students, study areas, a computer lab, industrial instrumentation area, and learning resource center.

LDCC’s Ruston campus is used for workforce training programs including business administration, industrial instrumentation technology, nursing and welding.

Regarding the welding shop, which was a renovation project, while the main campus building was new construction, Terrell says its metal exterior distinguishes it as a separate, but related, building.

“The front of the shop complements the main campus, but also defines its own appearance,” Terrell says.

Metal was specified for many reasons including its coatings and finishes, Terrell says. “Durability and versatility were also main deciding factors when selecting metal to be used throughout this project. To achieve the longevity and function needed for a large facility, metal met those demands.”

To construct a rainscreen system on the exteriors of both buildings, Composite Architectural Design Systems LLC fabricated, and Johnny’s Roofing and Metal Works Inc. installed, Arconic Architectural Products LLC 4-mm thick Reynobond MCM panels in Castle Gray.

At the main entrance, Johnny’s Roofing and Metal Works Inc. installed McElroy Metal’s 25-gauge steel R-Panels coated in AZ50 Midnight Blue.

In addition to the metal walls, TBA Studio designed the entrance to the main campus building with a curtain wall.

“The facility has a double-height lobby with a curtainwall facing north, allowing natural light into the area to create a grand entry for the students and faculty, while also achieving an aesthetically pleasing view for people passing through Ruston,” Terrell says.

Owner: Louisiana Delta Community College, Monroe, La.
General contractor: Ratcliff Cos., Alexandria, La., ratcliffcompanies.com[2]
Architect: TBA Studio Architecture APC, West Monroe, La., tbastudio.com[3]
Fabricator: Composite Architectural Design Systems LLC, Gonzales, La.
Installer: Johnny’s Roofing and Metal Works Inc., Shreveport, La., (318) 671-5001
Metal composite material: Arconic Architectural Products LLC, Eastman, Ga., reynobond.com[4]
Metal wall panels: McElroy Metal, Bossier City, La., www.mcelroymetal.com[5]

 

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/projects/education/louisiana-delta/

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