MOON TOWNSHIP, PA...The University of Arkansas recently utilized CENTRIA's Formawall® Dimension Series® panels with Duracast® finish system for renovation of its Science and Engineering classroom building. CENTRIA's Duracast allowed architects to achieve the desired look of precast with significant cost savings and minimal campus disruption.

The renovation project was designed to meet The University of Arkansas's desire to blend the appearance of its 1960s era Science and Engineering Building with an adjacent precast building. AmirmoezFosterHaileyJohnson, Architects and Planners, Fayetteville, Ark., first investigated the possibility of using precast for the renovation but determined that in addition to extensive demolition, costly structural modifications would be needed to support its weight. Consequently, AFHJ specified CENTRIA's Formawall

Dimension Series Panels with the Duracast finish system because the lightweight metal panels could be installed on a sub-framing system attached directly to the existing cladding.

"Classes were in session in the adjacent buildings during the renovation project making demolition and heavy structural work too disruptive. It would have increased the duration of the project and the amount of equipment and traffic on campus," explains Zed Johnson of AFHJ. "CENTRIA's Duracast reduced that concern and the panels' foamed in place insulating core, integral vapor barrier and liner seal significantly improved what was previously a very energy inefficient building."

The Duracast finish system is an acrylic coating containing natural aggregate applied over a low wax polyester that provides the look and feel of precast with the fabrication advantages of a metal panel. Duracast is specially applied to replicate the natural, subtle shading variations that characterize precast or stone facades. This option is ideal in situations where new construction must match the look of existing materials or where the appearance of a traditional painted metal finish is not acceptable.

"The architects and the University faced many challenges in that they desired a specific look but could not achieve it with the traditional material," adds Jim Hague, CENTRIA architectural product manager. "Duracast allowed the architects to replicate the look of the adjacent building with a lightweight metal panel."

CENTRIA produced the Duracast panels in two custom colors to match the adjoining construction, with variable modules, thicknesses, reveals and custom detailing to match the adjoining building's massive cornice. The University of Arkansas Science and Engineering Building project incorporated more than 45,000 square feet of Duracast, which was installed in less than seven months. The Young Group, a CENTRIA dealer, worked directly with the general contractor, Oakridge Builders to install the siding for the entire seven-story, 111,000-sf building.

The Duracast finish option was a new product development that resulted from CENTRIA's annual focus group sessions with architects across the country. These focus groups are designed to allow architects and designers and to communicate their needs, which CENTRIA then uses to develop new products and design options.

Based in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, CENTRIA is an international company and the nation's premier supplier of architectural metal wall and roofing systems used in commercial/industrial projects. Since 1906, CENTRIA professionals have provided quality products and service for architectural and construction firms worldwide. For more information about CENTRIA call (412) 299-8218 or visit www.centria.com.