When the opportunity occurred to introduce a progressive new look for a mixed-use development, John Fasano knew that he had the perfect product solution to create an innovative work/live/play community. The Cambridge mixed-use project is located at 1075 Mass Avenue, in a highly visible area located in the heart of the Harvard community. The mixed-use facility includes Crate and Barrel, with residential living space in the back of the building.
Fasano, architect with Peter Quinn Architects, had been waiting for the right project to use Nichiha’s Illumination Series Panels to create the look and feel of an upscale community with the customized color options of Nichiha’s Color Xpressions system. “This area of Cambridge is progressive and open to new ideas and solutions,” mentioned Fasano. “A mixed-use development like this Illumination project is a perfect solution to meet the wants and needs of both residents and the retail community. The Nichiha cladding system is an ideal solution that blends beauty and easy installation together to provide an upscale look to anchor this development.”
Fasano had learned about the Nichiha products from a previous project at Patriot Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts, where they utilized Nichiha fiber cement panels. In fact, Peter Quinn Architects is working on several projects in the Cambridge area, utilizing various Nichiha fiber cement products. “We needed to find a light-weight, durable, fire-resistant cladding material. We considered Nichiha along with other fiber cement products because they’re fire resistant materials, but Nichiha seemed the most suitable for our needs due to their patented rainscreen system. Additionally, we liked the modular scale of the panels, as well as the concealed fastener system and ease of installation,” stated Fasano.
The Cambridge mixed-used project incorporates Nichiha’s Illumination Series Panels, in three custom colors. Nichiha’s Color Xpressions System allowed for the architect to choose a variety of personalized colors to match the specific design of the building. Nichiha’s Illumination Series Panels provided an attractive finish, quick installation, cost-savings and a vast array of distinctive color options; all of these value benefits stand Nichiha apart from other cladding options in the industry. “Nichiha panels allowed us to create an interesting, random color pattern at a human scale with clean lines and a finished overall appearance,” commented Fasano.
More specifically, the Illumination Series panels were chosen in part to their ability to be installed at all times of the year, regardless of the weather or temperature. The panels for this project were installed in the dead of winter, which is a huge benefit when comparing other types of cladding materials, as many have to be preferably installed in warm weather (i.e. brick and stone).
The Cambridge mixed-use project used Nichiha Illumination Series panels to complete the all inclusive work/live/play community, which includes both residential and retail space.
CHALLENGE
The architects needed to find a light-weight, durable, fire-resistant cladding material that had a moisture management system that worked with their budget.
SOLUTION
Nichiha’s Illumination Panels provided custom color availability, easy-installation, fire-resistant material that has a built-in rainscreen system. Due to the versatility of the product, it was able to be installed in the dead of winter, where many other products cannot be, keeping the project on time.
RESULTS
The mixed-use project in Cambridge was completed with the use of Nichiha’s Illumination Panels, which provided functionality and modern aesthetics, a true stand-out, creating an all inclusive work/live/play community.
Architect: Peter Quinn Architects
Location: Cambridge, Mass.
Project type: new construction
Product: Illumination Series
Project features:
? Modern aesthetics
? Simple installation
? Drained and back ventilated rainscreen system
? Color Xpressions System
? Durability
Nichiha U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Nichiha Corporation, was established 1998 and is headquartered in Norcross, Ga. Nichiha Corporation, an international leader in fiber cement technology for more than 35 years, has 13 plants worldwide and markets distinct patterns of fiber cement siding products in the U.S. In 2007, Nichiha opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Macon, Ga., responding to an increase in demand for fiber cement products in the Southeast market. For more information, call 1.86.NICHIHA1 or visit nichiha.com.
Related Stories
Digital Twin | May 24, 2021
Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained
Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.
Senior Living Design | May 19, 2021
Senior living design: Post-COVID trends and innovations
Two senior living design experts discuss the latest trends and innovations in the senior living building sector.
Multifamily Housing | May 18, 2021
Multifamily housing sector sees near record proposal activity in early 2021
The multifamily sector led all housing submarkets, and was third among all 58 submarkets tracked by PSMJ in the first quarter of 2021.
Wood | May 14, 2021
What's next for mass timber design?
An architect who has worked on some of the nation's largest and most significant mass timber construction projects shares his thoughts on the latest design trends and innovations in mass timber.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 30, 2021
Registration and waiting: Weak points and an enduring strength
Changing how patients register and wait for appointments will enhance the healthcare industry’s ability to respond to crises.
University Buildings | Apr 29, 2021
The Weekly Show, April 29, 2021: COVID-19's impact on campus planning, and bird management strategies
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C Senior Editor John Caulfield interviews a duo of industry experts on 1) how campus planning has changed during the pandemic and 2) managing bird infestations on construction sites and completed buildings.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 22, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 22, 2021: COVID-19's impact on multifamily amenities
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C's Robert Cassidy speaks with three multifamily design experts about the impact of COVID-19 on apartment and condo amenities, based on the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Survey.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 15, 2021
The Weekly Show, Apr 15, 2021: The ins and outs of adaptive reuse, and sensors for real-time construction monitoring
This week on The Weekly show, BD+C editors speak with AEC industry leaders from PBDW Architects and Wohlsen Construction about what makes adaptive reuse projects successful, and sensors for real-time monitoring of concrete construction.
Industry Research | Apr 9, 2021
BD+C exclusive research: What building owners want from AEC firms
BD+C’s first-ever owners’ survey finds them focused on improving buildings’ performance for higher investment returns.
