Brg3s Inc. designed Shelby County Health Department to meet functionality requirements for a modern medical services facility, ample daylighting, aesthetic requirements to give it a distinct appearance and, at the same time, integrate it into a campus of healthcare facilities. Furthermore, brg3s designed the interior of the health department building to foster interaction among occupants, and with spaces adaptable to future use requirements.
To meet durability and aesthetic requirements, brg3s designed the exterior with a light-colored, metal rainscreen system with equally sized square metal panels in a grid. Some panels protrude at one or more sides, forming a three-dimensional texture across wall surfaces. Importantly, coordination and communication among project team members was vital to successfully constructing the design.
Jason Jackson, AIA, co-owner at brg3s, says, “The building’s exterior design was a challenge, as it features metal wall panels laid out on a 48-in. grid, with a 1/2 in. joint every 4 ft [1,219.2 mm grid, with a 12.7 mm joint every 1.22 m]. Ensuring all panels precisely lined up with the curtainwall grid required intense quality control, coordination, and communication involving construction leadership, the design team and exterior envelope subcontractor.”
SM Alamo System LLC installed CENTRIA’s Intercept modular metal wall panels in Champagne Bronze.
In addition to the metal panel facades, an integral design element is a metal ceiling system with a wood grain finish that lines interior spaces and continues at exterior spaces including patio-sized balconies. The wood grain ceiling system connects the interior and exterior spaces, and integrates the facility into the health department’s campus, which has buildings with slat metal ceiling systems.
“Metal ceilings adorn the subtracted building mass and cantilevered, monumental stairs, extending the ceiling planes,” Jackson says. “This design element not only welcomes the community, but also extends the building’s presence into the surrounding campus, creating a seamless connection between the health center and its surroundings.”
SM Alamo System installed Armstrong Ceiling and Wall Solutions’ Metalworks Linear metal ceiling system with 152.4-mm (6-in.) wide, perforated panels in Walnut. Another project requirement, abundant daylighting, was met with an expansive curtainwall at the first and second floors.
“We prioritized transparency and openness in the building’s design, creating a welcoming atmosphere for clients and the community,” Jackson says. “Ample natural light and scenic views of nature are prevalent throughout the facility, contributing to a positive and refreshing environment.
“Floor-to-ceiling, toggle-glazed curtainwalls define the open offices, allowing natural light to flood the entire center including clinic spaces. Furthermore, exterior spaces have been thoughtfully integrated into the building mass, offering protected and covered outdoor areas on every level of the facility.”
Pitman Glass Co. installed Kawneer Co. Inc.’s Clearwall curtainwall system. Inside the health department building, a staircase contributes to organizing space. Also, office spaces are designed to be changed if needed to meet future needs.
Jackson says, “To promote physical activity, engagement, and connectivity, a cantilevered staircase extends from the primary gallery and clinic entrances. This distinctive feature shapes the main public spaces and encourages movement and interaction within the facility. Also, adaptable offices and examination rooms, located close to each other, are the same size so they can be used interchangeably as health needs evolve.”
Owner: Shelby County, Memphis, Tenn.
General contractor: Turner Construction Co., Memphis, turnerconstruction.com
Architect: brg3s Inc., Memphis, brg3s.com
Metal ceiling system/metal wall panels installer: SM Alamo System LLC, Nesbit, Miss., smalamosystem.com
Curtainwall installer: Pitman Glass Co., Memphis, pitmanglass.com
Curtainwall: Kawneer Co. Inc., Norcross, Ga., kawneer.com
Metal ceiling system: Armstrong Ceiling and Wall Solutions, Lancaster, Pa., armstrongceilings.com
Metal wall panels: CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa., centria.com
