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
| Feb 2, 2012
Fire rated glazing helps historic university preserve its past
When the University embarked on its first major addition since the opening of Hutchins Hall in 1933, preserving the Collegiate Gothic-style architecture was of utmost importance.
| Feb 2, 2012
Delk joins Gilbane Building Co.
Delk to focus on healthcare construction programs and highly complex higher education facilities for Gilbane Building Company’s Southwest region.
| Feb 2, 2012
Next phase of construction begins on Scripps Prebys Cardiovascular Institute
$456 million Institute will be comprehensive heart center for 21st Century.
| Feb 1, 2012
Increase notched in construction jobs, but unemployment rate still at 16%
AGC officials said that construction employment likely benefited from unseasonably warm weather across much of the country that extended the building season.
| Feb 1, 2012
Replacement windows eliminate weak link in the building envelope
Replacement or retrofit can help keep energy costs from going out the window.
| Feb 1, 2012
‘Augmented reality’ comes to the job site
A new software tool derived from virtual reality is helping Building Teams use the power of BIM models more effectively.
| Feb 1, 2012
New ways to work with wood
New products like cross-laminated timber are spurring interest in wood as a structural material.
| Feb 1, 2012
Blackney Hayes designs school for students with learning differences
The 63,500 sf building allows AIM to consolidate its previous two locations under one roof, with room to expand in the future.
| Feb 1, 2012
Two new research buildings dedicated at the University of South Carolina
The two buildings add 208,000 square feet of collaborative research space to the campus.
| Feb 1, 2012
List of Top 10 States for LEED Green Buildings released?
USGBC releases list of top U.S. states for LEED-certified projects in 2011.
