The campus celebrates its 50th anniversary with the opening of a new main campus facility. The two-story lobby features Chicago Metallic Corp.’s SpainAir metal ceiling panel systems. Acousti Engineering Co. of Florida installed approximately 27,000 square feet of SpanAir metal ceiling panels. Specifically the SpanAir Hook-On and SpanAir Hook-In Planks provide largescale concealed metal panels that are easy installed into conventional, exposed suspension systems. The project broke ground in March 2011 and was completed in 18 months.
“The open space that awaits guests when they first walk into the building and look slightly left is meant to induce the ‘wow’ factor. Creating a space of unique grandeur was a key element for the architect and general contractor,” says Jackie Drake, ASID, IIDA, licensed interior designer with Acousti. “It’s a massive space. [Project architect] Fawley|Bryant was able to bring it to the next level. They chose a metal ceiling system to maximize the height of the lobby space, follow the curve of the roofline and complement the overall, modern look of the building,”
“In this big open space, the terrazzo flooring was a potential concern for reverberation. By perforating the metal ceiling panels and adding an acoustic backer, we helped improve the sound quality,” notes Drake. The $44 million state-of-the-art facility boasts 210,000 square feet of space. Designed with the latest energy-efficient construction and teaching technologies, this facility compares with surrounding universities in quality and features. As the building’s main feature, the multipurpose lobby serves as a 700-person reception area or reconfigured as a 400- seat dining hall.
Owner: School District of Manatee County, Bradenton, Fla.
General contractor: The Beck Group, Tampa, Fla.
Architects: Fawley|Bryant Inc. Sarastoa, Fla., and HOK, Chicago
Installer: Acousti Engineering Co. of Florida, Venice, Fla.
Manufacturer’s architectural representative: Architectural Products LLC, Ocala, Fla.
Metal ceiling panels: Chicago Metallic Corp., Chicago, www.chicagometallic.com
