The idea of function over form tends to rule the day when it comes to the design of observatories. The Gemma Observatory, however, decided to forgo the typical domed structure and opted instead for a more angular approach.
To help achieve this aesthetic, Anmahian Winton Architects decided to clad the project’s exterior in VMZ Flat lock zinc panels. The weathered-gray QUARTZ-ZINC panels easily conformed to the geometry of the project and helped the building achieve a look that resembled the granite bedrock outcroppings of the surrounding landscape. The observatory’s pattern of lock-seamed zinc cladding alternates between the irregular site topography and the building’s geometry.
The aesthetics provided by the zinc panels were important, but the most important quality they provide returns to the idea of function over form. The panels have the ability to dissipate the heat of the day after sunset, which eliminates nighttime air distortion that would otherwise compromise the entire purpose of the building.
Related Stories
| Mar 27, 2013
Kawneer dedicates new floodwall at its Bloomsburg facility
Kawneer Company, Inc., an Alcoa business and the leading manufacturer of architectural aluminum products and systems for commercial construction, dedicated a new floodwall at their Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania facility, heralding greater levels of safety and stability for employees and customers.
| Mar 23, 2013
Fire resistive curtain wall helps mixed-use residential building meet property line requirements
The majority of fire rated glazing applications occur inside the building in order to allow occupants to exit the building safely or provide an area of refuge during a fire. But what happens when the threat of fire comes from the outside? This was the case for The Kensington, a mixed-use residential building in Boston.
| Mar 23, 2013
CertainTeed strengthens commitment to quality, achieves ISO 9001 certification at Georgia roofing plant
CertainTeed Corporation has reached an important milestone in its quality management efforts — achieving globally recognized International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certification at its Peachtree City, Ga. roofing plant.
| Mar 20, 2013
Folding glass walls revitalize student center
Single-glazed storefronts in the student center at California’s West Valley College were replaced with aluminum-framed, thermally broken windows from NanaWall in a bronze finish that emulates the look of the original building.
| Mar 6, 2013
Centria announces leadership changes
CENTRIA President Mark Sherwin has announced his retirement beginning April 1, 2013. Sherwin has served as president of CENTRIA, an industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of architectural metal wall and roof systems, for more than 17 years.
| Mar 6, 2013
German demonstration building features algae-powered façade
Exterior of carbon-neutral demonstration building consists of hollow glass panels containing micro-algae "farms."
| Feb 28, 2013
Parex introduces cooler and stronger EIFS basecoats and adhesives
Parex USA, Inc., the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey, and Merkrete, unveils two new Parex EIFS basecoats & adhesives – 121 Cool Base and 121 Dry HI (High Impact).
| Feb 22, 2013
Starbucks pilot program rolls out small, modular stores
Coffee giant Starbucks is rolling out mini-stores with maximum local flavor, as part of an international pilot program.
| Oct 24, 2012
Loma Linda University Medical Center lets light in with metal wall systems
Designers for the building aimed to create a positive environment for patients and visitors, and wanted to let in as much natural daylight as possible.