The new 58,000-square-foot (5,388-m2) student union serves as the hub for the entire campus and creates a crossroads for student, faculty and staff activities. University administrators sought a “unique and appealing identity” that would raise the standard and set a new direction for architectural excellence on campus, according to Michael Jacobs, principal, Omni Architects.
RHEINZINK America Inc. supplied approximately 30,000 square feet (2,787 m2) of RHEINZINK 0.04-inch (1-mm) preweathered Blue-Gray horizontal reveal panels and 500 square feet (46 m2) of 0.06-inch (1.5-mm) RHEINZINK preweathered Blue-Gray perforated reveal panels.
“We sought to set a new standard and yet be respectful of the architectural language of construction long established on the campus,” Jacobs said. “Exposed structural concrete in a modernist architectural style dominates the campus. The new design uses concrete in a more limited way by placing the building on a concrete plinth. Above the plinth, much lighter and more transparent skins wrap the building.”
The RHEINZINK panels interface with lightweight aluminum glass curtainwall and concrete, along with being used in select interior applications. “Our recommendation to use zinc was based on the goal of providing a low-maintenance, sustainable and long-term cladding material that was in keeping with the architectural themes,” Jacobs said.
General contractor: Messer Construction Co., Cincinnati
Architect: Omni Architects, Lexington, Ky.
Fabricator/installer: JC Industries, Louisville, Ky.
Metal wall panels: RHEINZINK America Inc., Woburn, Mass., www.rheinzink.com
