Association News: AAMA offers chance to win 50 percent off FenestrationMasters courses and exams

* AAMA will host Are You Smarter than a FenestrationMaster™ in booth #2315 at GlassBuild America *

FenestrationMastersGBA13The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) will host an online contest on both LinkedIn and Twitter every Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, at 2:30 p.m. EDT, Aug. 5 through Sept. 3. The contest will feature quiz questions from AAMA’s FenestrationMasters™ program–the industry resource for comprehensive professional education and certification.

Each Tuesday, one quiz question will be asked in AAMA’s LinkedIn group and a different quiz question will be posted on AAMA’s Twitter account the following day. The first five respondents with the correct answer will receive a 5 percent discount each week for up to 25 percent off FenestrationMasters courses and exams. To participate in the online contest, follow AAMA on Twitter (@AAMAInfo) or search for the contest hashtag, #RUsmarter. Also, join the association’s LinkedIn group to play.

Additionally, each day of GlassBuild America (Sept. 9-11) in booth #2315, AAMA will be hosting the game show, Are You Smarter than a FenestrationMaster™, where participants will be awarded a 5 percent discount on FenestrationMasters courses and exams for each quiz question they answer correctly. Participants have the chance to win a 25 percent discount during GlassBuild.

However, by competing during the online contest and at GlassBuild, participants could earn up to a 50 percent discount toward courses and exams.

Online Contest/Game Show Terms
* Discounts apply only to individual FenestrationMaster or FenestrationAssociate™ course subscriptions and exams.
* Discounts cannot be applied to previous orders.
* Discounts may be transferred to another individual within the same company as the winner.
* During the online contest, an individual may only win on one social media platform (Twitter or LinkedIn) each week for a maximum online discount of 25 percent.
* Redemption of discounted courses and exams must be handled through AAMA staff by contacting FenestrationMasters@aamanet.org.

About FenestrationMasters
FenestrationMasters was developed to help companies differentiate their business and increase their credibility by offering their customers the benefit of employees who have pursued a well-rounded education in the fenestration industry.

“FenestrationMasters is truly unique in that it is the only publicly available professional education and certification program concentrated on the fenestration industry. Due to AAMA’s material and product neutrality, as well as our long history of technical expertise, students will learn from an unbiased, industry-leading source,” says Angela Dickson, AAMA’s marketing manager.

There are two different credentials available through the program, both requiring successful completion of the applicable coursework and the certification exam: FenestrationMaster and FenestrationAssociate. There are no prerequisites to qualify for the FenestrationAssociate (entry-level) certification. To qualify for the FenestrationMaster (advanced-level) certification, one of the following prerequisites must be met:
* Four-year degree in engineering, architecture or applied sciences and four years fenestration product-related experience
* Six years fenestration product-related experience

For a full course listing, visit http://www.aamanet.org/fenestrationmasters.

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Client News: Skylight finished by Linetec crowns The Alfond Inn at Rollins, Florida

photo by William Lemke; courtesy of Super Sky and LinetecThe domed skylight crowning The Alfond Inn’s large atrium quickly has become known as the hotel’s “jeweled center” and key identifying feature of Rollins College campus’ new landmark in Winter Park, Florida. Manufactured and installed by Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC, this multi-slope, dome skylight with cupola and finial spans nearly 39 feet in diameter. This signature glass structure is framed in aluminum, finished by Linetec in Valspar’s durable Fluropon® Classic II bronze finish.

The Alfond Inn’s skylight-capped, 112-room destination opened August 2013 as the city’s newest hotel, and one of only three in the area. Located 30 minutes from Walt Disney World, the new, boutique hotel is owned by Rollins College, Florida’s oldest post-secondary institution. The 107,000-square-foot Alfond Inn is operated by The Olympia Companies.

Baker Barrios Architects, Inc. was selected to manage the hotel’s planning, architecture, interior design and landscape architecture. The Alfond Inn embraces the surrounding campus’ Spanish- Mediterranean revival style: softly curved corners, sturdy columns, white stucco and cast stone walls, wrought iron accents, high ceilings and as much natural light as possible.

Other highlights and amenities include 10,000 square feet of meeting space, a central courtyard, dog-friendly atmosphere, a luxurious pool, Hamilton’s Kitchen restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and a contemporary fine art collection worthy of a docent-led tour. The interior décor blends classic and modern, combining plaster, tile and wood with glass and metal.

photo by William Lemke; courtesy of Super Sky and LinetecDurability, recycled and reusable materials, daylighting, energy efficiency and other environmental practices are all attributes currently being reviewed by the U.S. Green Building Council for Silver certification with LEED® Green Building Rating System. As an environmentally responsible finisher, Linetec safely captures and destroys the liquid paints’ volatile organic compounds (VOC) content before the finished material arrives at the job site.

“For projects seeking LEED certification and other green goals, choosing durable products with no-VOC finishes can be an important part of the selection and specification process,” explains Linetec’s senior marketing specialist, Tammy Schroeder, LEED Green Associate. “Like other 70% PVDF [polyvinylidene fluoride] resin-based finishes, Valspar’s Fluropon coatings are amongst the most weather-resistant of all finishes, meeting the most demanding, exterior, architectural specification AAMA 2605-11.”

This specification requires paint coatings to meet rigorous testing performance standards, including more than 2,000 hours of cyclic corrosion per ASTM G85 annex 5, and heat- and humidity-resistance. Per AAMA-2605, the coating also must maintain its film integrity, color retention, chalk resistance, gloss retention, and erosion resistance properties for a minimum of 10 years on the South Florida testing site. Helping manage the Florida sunshine’s solar heat gain, the skylight also incorporates Viracon’s high-performance, insulated laminated glazing units.

The Alfond Inn is open to all who visit the Florida campus and presents a lasting, positive impression on Rollins College’s prospective students and their families. “We wanted them to feel at home — not just the students but the parents,” commented Shannon Michael Larimer, Baker Barrios Architects’ vice president of marketing, as reported in the Orlando Sentinel.

The $30 million hotel was built, in part, with a $12.5 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation. As a condition of the gift, revenue from the hotel funds scholarships to Rollins College through the Alfond Scholars fund.

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photo by William Lemke; courtesy of Super Sky and LinetecThe Alfond Inn at Rollins; 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, Florida, 32789; http://www.thealfondinn.com
* Owner: Rollins College; Winter Park, Florida; http://www.rollins.edu
* Co-developer/operator: The Olympia Companies; Portland, Maine; http://www.theolympiacompanies.com
* Architect, interior designer and landscape architect: Baker Barrios Architects, Inc.; Orlando; http://www.bakerbarrios.com
* General contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie; Winter Park, Florida; http://www.brasfieldgorrie.com
* Skylight system – manufacturer and installer: Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC; Mequon, Wisconsin; http://www.supersky.com
* Skylight system – glass fabricator: Viracon, Inc.; Owatonna, Minnesota; http://www.viracon.com
* Skylight system – finish: Valspar 70% PVDF Fluropon®; The Valspar Corporation; Minneapolis; http://www.valsparcoilextrusion.com
* Skylight system – finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wisconsin; http://www.linetec.com
* Photographer: William Lemke; courtesy of Super Sky
* Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ThM-J6906U, http://youtu.be/3LUsvYFCpnQ
* Virtual tour: http://173.230.132.143/vtour/alfondhtml5/htmld/index.html

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Association News: AAMA releases updated voluntary specification for sash balances

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released AAMA 902-14, “Voluntary Specification for Sash Balances.” This document establishes the requirements for the materials, testing and performance for sash balances used in hung-type windows. It also provides rating criteria and test procedures for qualifying balances to two performance levels and six manually applied force (MAF) Classifications.AAMA_Pella_902

“The original goal was to break apart the balance requirements for residential and commercial windows and have a rating system to distinguish the two,” says Gary Newman (Amesbury + Truth), chair of the Sash Balance Review Task Group.

Newman adds that windows will be tested through 5,500 cycles instead of just 4,000 as previously required.

“The MAF requirement is now checked both before and after the cycle testing for the A balances. For the B balances, you only test before,” Newman says.

“This updated document now gives manufacturers a little more freedom to decide the best balance for their products. There’s quite a different set of requirements between manufacturers, and this lets them find a balance that satisfies the needs based on that manufacturer,” Newman says. “This lets manufacturers make that judgment call.”

The document (in various versions) has been in use for 47 years and was last updated in 2007.

AAMA 902-14, along with other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication store.

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Association News: HUD begins process of adopting 2012 AAMA standard for fenestration in manufactured housing

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA‘s) current standards pertaining to fenestration in manufactured housing have been recommended for adoption by the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The MHCC is a statutory Federal Advisory Committee body charged with providing recommendations to the HUD Secretary on the revision and interpretation of HUD’s manufactured home construction and safety standards, and related procedural and enforcement regulations.

The AAMA standards recommended for adoption include: 1701.2-12, “Voluntary Standard for Utilization in Manufactured Housing for Primary Windows and Sliding Glass Doors;” 1702.2-12, “Voluntary Standard for Utilization in Manufactured Housing for Swinging Exterior Passage Doors;” and 1704-12 “Voluntary Standard Egress Window Systems for Utilization in Manufactured Housing.”

“This is a major victory,” praised AAMA’s certification manager, Rich Rinka. He explained, “Without MHCC’s blessing, there would be no changing from the currently recognized standards. The formal adoption process is long and arduous, and this is a critical first step towards HUD recognition of the 2012 versions of AAMA standards.” AAMA will continue to monitor progress and report on future developments.

Rinka added a special thanks to Rob Luter (LCI/Kinro), co-chair of AAMA’s Manufactured Housing Council, “for all of his hard work to encourage the adoption of the most recent AAMA standards.”

Luter views this as “a long overdue step toward the recognition of current fenestration and testing standards tailored specifically to the HUD Code manufactured home.”

With optimism, Luter further noted that the administrator for the HUD Office of Manufactured Housing, Pamela Beck Danner, “expressed an eagerness to explore a two year code cycle for the HUD Manufactured Housing Standards, giving opportunities to make regular adjustments to the standard using a transparent consensus process. The proposed process has been met with broad favorable response and bodes well for the timeliness of future changes and refinements.”

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Association News: AAMA releases Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released SFM-1-14, a manual that provides technical information regarding the installation of high-quality, attractive aluminum storefronts and entrances.

The Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual presents information in five main sections: Terminology, Design Information, Hardware, Engineering Design and Guide Specifications.

AAMA_findlay_market01-aluminum“It’s imperative for this document to be up-to-date because we use it as a base for training young and/or new application project engineers,” says Donnie Hunter, vice chair of the Aluminum Storefront Door Task Group. “This is a resource our engineers use throughout their careers.”

The document is 27 years old and was last updated in 1987.

Hunter added that he believes the document will be of value not only to engineers, but also to architects and the architectural metals industry as a whole. It aims to promote good design practice, the use of quality materials and careful workmanship.

“The appropriate standards in storefront and entrance design will benefit all concerned,” says Hunter. “That means the architect, the manufacturer, the contractor and, most importantly, the building owner.”

SFM-1-14, along with other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication store.

Client News: Rockfon.com adds Chicago Metallic suspension systems and ROCKFON metal ceiling products

ROCKFON(R) has expanded its website to connect visitors with its complete ceiling system offering, supported with a unified brand. The streamlined navigation and new content integrates ROCKFON’s stone wool acoustic ceiling panels and specialty metal ceiling panels with Chicago Metallic® suspension systems.ROCKFON_website

Rockfon.com now offers a mega-menu for all of our products that makes it easier to access descriptions, illustrations and applications. Our suspended ceiling systems are displayed alongside our ceiling panel products to simplify the selection process,” said Cory Nevins, ROCKFON’s director of marketing for North America.

ROCKFON’s metal ceiling systems are showcased under their own tab with submenu items and include plank tile, curved, linear, open cell, security, baffles and perimeter product selections. Finish color and perforation options can be viewed for each product, as well as suspension systems. Each web page for the suspension systems lists component choices along with illustrations of their slotting and hole placement, finishes and packaging details.

The product web pages also offer on-demand downloadable resources including: product summary sheets with material descriptions and features, performance data, warranty information and specifications. The site will be refreshed continually with new tools and documentation, inspirational projects and case studies, and news items.

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Client News: OHare International Airport Terminal 5 renovates with ROCKFON ceiling systems for Modern look, easy maintenance

Contributing to O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5’s world-class traveler experience, ROCKFON’s team provided the open plenum metal ceiling system above the newly redesigned TSA Checkpoint, and a metal baffle ceiling system above the renovated and expanded Concessions Program.ROCKFON_IL_T5_07HedrichBlessing_web

O’Hare International Airport ranks as the world’s second-busiest airport. Westfield oversees concession management at Terminal 5, and guided the terminal’s transformation and expansion from 15,000 to 26,000 square feet. Westfield Concession Management and its tenant partners are investing more than $26 million into the terminal’s redevelopment.

Westfield selected Epstein’s interior design and structural engineering team for the project. “Terminal 5 was designed 21 years ago by Perkins+Will. Its Modern, clean design is recognized and appreciated. We did not want this to feel like a renovation that didn’t consider the existing architecture. Instead, we wanted to adhere to it, but make it better. We wanted to take the vocabulary of the original building and continue it through the mezzanine renovation and expansion,” explains John Kolb, Epstein’s associate vice president, IIDA, LEED® AP.

Epstein’s scope of work included base building improvements and modifications required to prepare the new and reconfigured concession spaces, as well as redeveloped common areas and new TSA checkpoint. Other performance considerations for the terminal’s ceilings included easy installation and maintenance; accessibility to lighting, HVAC and security systems; and compliance with the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Sustainability Airport Manual.

“We’re familiar with the airport’s requirements and have done a lot of work at O’Hare throughout the years, and in other airports around the world. Transportation is one of our biggest market segments,” says Suzanne Dissette, ROCKFON’s architectural sales manager.

ROCKFON_IL_T5_08HedrichBlessing_webDissette and the ROCKFON team began the Terminal 5 project early in the design process during the summer of 2012. Terminal 5 remained in operation throughout the construction. The joint venture general contracting team of James McHugh Construction Co. and Ornelas Construction Company minimized disruptions with a carefully choreographed building sequence. ROCKFON’s distributor, Reinke Supply Companies supported this with phased material deliveries. The final details of the concession area’s interior build-out were completed in the first quarter of 2014.

“O’Hare’s original design palette is black and white, and grays of all different shades. On the interior, we wanted to warm it up a bit and give it a hospitality feel, especially in the concession area,” says Kolb. “Westfield, our client, develops a lot of malls and wanted to keep that sense of warmth and hospitality.”

With this goal in mind, a custom Oyster Metallic finish was selected for the ceiling baffles in the concession area. Kolb elaborates on the design: “We did not have much ceiling space to play with. The linear baffle ceiling hides the structure above and makes it feel like a higher ceiling. The above structure was painted black adding to this illusion of height.”

Reinke Supply Companies provided more than 4,100 square feet of Rockfon® Intaline™ Round-Base 6-inch-deep metal baffles. “It’s one of the largest projects we’ve done with this product, by far,” says Reinke’s customer service manager Randy Van Meter. “It wasn’t a real simple application. These weren’t just straight runs. It was a specialty ceiling with odd shapes, curves and, of course, the custom color.”

Kolb continues, “The ceiling’s non-standard shapes take their cues from the floor pattern and the millwork. They all sort of mimic each other. Appearance and cost also were considered in the baffles’ spacing. We’ve used the Intaline metal baffle system before with good success and believe it to be the right product, right design and right cost for this project.”

ROCKFON_IL_T5_10HedrichBlessing_webOrnelas Construction’s project manager Mike Meyer says the regularly spaced “ceiling baffles resemble an H to anyone who looks up.” For Terminal 5, the Rockfon Intaline baffles are assembled in 4-by-4-foot modules attached to 15/16-inch ceiling suspension to ensure module alignment, accept lighting and air diffusers, and provide a continuous linear appearance.

In addition to the Rockfon Intaline baffles, Ornelas installed 1,200 square feet of Rockfon® Magna T-Cell™ ceiling systems and 300 linear feet of Rockfon® Paired Infinity™ engineered perimeter trim. This open plenum masking system is positioned above the TSA Checkpoint and also surrounds the concession area’s ceiling baffles. To support the perception of a high ceiling, the Magna T-Cell panels are painted black and blend with the black perimeter trim.

Working on site, the contractor installed the perimeter trim and assembled the Magna T-Cell’s U-shaped blades into 6-by-6-inch cells to form 2-by-4-foot panels, which are installed into 9/16-inch ceiling suspension. The suspension and panels blend together to provide a continuous open cell ceiling appearance. It also allows easy maintenance with access to the HVAC, security and other systems above it. Contributing to both low-maintenance and environmental benefits, the metal on Rockfon Intaline baffles, Magna T-Cell and Paired Infinity trim contains no organic compounds to support mold and microbial growth.

Epstein’s designers incorporated other environmentally responsible design solutions, with respect to the Sustainable Airport Manual (SAM). The SAM draws largely from the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2009 LEED Rating Systems. For O’Hare Terminal 5, this includes taking advantage of existing daylight, requiring energy-efficient lighting systems and procuring building materials that utilize resource reuse, recycled content and regional origins.

Supporting sustainable initiatives, Intaline baffles and Rockfon Magna T-Cell systems contain 100 percent recycled aluminum content and at the end of the ceiling system’s useful life, it is 100 percent locally recyclable.

“Quality materials with the desired custom color finish, a knowledgeable staff with airport experience and close collaboration between the team members, all contributed to the project’s completion and on time and on budget,” summarizes ROCKFON’s metal ceilings product manager, Patrick Wallis.

Reinke’s Van Meter agrees, “Everything went very smoothly – from submitting drawings to final delivery. The material arrived on time. We didn’t wait on anything. [Their team] was very easy to work with.”

Pleased with the results, Epstein’s Kolb reports that Westfield is “very satisfied” with the ceiling’s contribution on the renovated and expanded Terminal 5.

“We are transforming the entire passenger experience in Terminal 5. We are deploying Westfield’s global expertise in operating some of the most iconic shopping venues in the world to Terminal 5,” stated Dominic Lowe, executive vice president of Westfield Concession Management.

“The reconfigured Terminal 5 raises the bar for airport concessions programs in Chicago and across the country,” concluded Chicago Department of Aviation’s commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino.

ROCKFON_IL_T5_003HedrichBlessing_web

O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal 5; 10000 W. O’Hare Drive, Chicago, IL 60666
* Owner: Chicago Department of Aviation; Chicago; http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/doa.html
* Owner’s representative: CARE Plus LLC; Chicago; http://www.rmchin.com/care-plus-llc-in-action/
* Manager: Westfield Concession Management; http://www.chicagot5.com
* Architectural and interior designer, structural engineer: Epstein; Chicago; http://www.epsteinglobal.com
* General contractor: James McHugh Construction Co.; Chicago; http://www.mchughconstruction.com
* Joint venture partner and installing contractor: Ornelas Construction Company; Chicago; http://www.ornelasconstruction.com
* Ceiling systems – distributor: Reinke Supply Companies; Chicago; http://reinkesupply.com
* Product: Rockfon® Intaline™ Round-Base metal baffles, Rockfon Magna T-Cell™ and Rockfon Paired Infinity™ trim, http://www.rockfon.com
* Photos by Hedrich Blessing, courtesy of Epstein (high resolution available)

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Client News: Wausau’s INvent hurricane impact-resistant windows receive NOA

Wausau Window and Wall Systems® INvent™ -HP -XLT Series windows have received Florida’s Miami-Dade Count Notice of Acceptance (NOA), meeting the most stringent hurricane codes. Along with hurricane impact-resistance, these windows provide energy performance and recycled content to meet buildings’ goals for both sustainability and protection.
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INvent-HP-XLT Series fixed, awning and project-out casement window units meet the ASTM E 1996 requirements for large “D” missile impact testing for Wind Zones 1-3 and “E” missile impact testing in Wind Zones 3-4 for essential facilities, such as hospitals. These windows were tested in accordance with Dade County Building Code Compliance Office Protocol TAS 201-94, “Impact Test Procedures;” TAS 202-94, “Criteria for Testing Impact and Non-Impact Resistant Building Envelope Components Using Uniform Static Air Pressure;” and TAS 203-94, “Criteria for Testing Products Subject to Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading.”

“The new INvent-HP-XLT product line is the perfect choice for design teams considering ‘better-than-code’ performance requirements,” notes Wausau’s health care market manager, Lisa May, LEED® Green Associate. “The widespread damage caused by Hurricane Sandy has increased expectations for storm resiliency. Invent-HP-XLT windows have been impact-tested with a very broad range of available options — such as large vent sizes, laminates, hardware types and installation accessories — to provide the functionality necessary for buildings of many different types, in warm climates or cold climates.”
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Addressing energy efficiency, condensation resistance and thermal performance, the frame uses 24mm XLT polyamide thermal barriers. Helping meet Model Energy Codes, INvent-HP-XLT windows can achieve a Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) as high as 65 per the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 1503 standard and a U-Factor as low as 0.34 BTU/hr.sqft.ºF per the National Fenestration Ratings Council’s NFRC 100 standard.

INvent-HP-XLT windows also are tested to meet the AAMA AW-100 Architectural Performance Class ratings, including new 910-10 lifecycle testing to 4000 operating cycles, including thermal cycling, as well as stringent requirements for air infiltration, water resistance and structural integrity.

Wausau’s INvent-HP-XLT hurricane impact-resistant windows are available with 3-7/8-inch and 4-7/8-inch frame depths. The aluminum frames contain recycled content averaging 70% or greater. Wausau’s quality-controlled, factory fabrication and glazing ensure the intended performance and accommodate dual-color finishes.

As part of the Advantage by Wausau® standard product offering, INvent-HP-XLT high-performance windows are pre-engineered and factory-glazed. Available on an accelerated delivery schedule, these competitively priced windows are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years.

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Client News: Kodet Architectural Group wins AIA Minneapolis 2014 Merit Award for Hmong College Prep Academy

KAG_HmongAcad_ExtKodet Architectural Group, Ltd.’s design of the Hmong College Prep Academy has earned a 2014 Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects’ Minneapolis chapter (AIA Minneapolis). Kodet Architectural Group, a Minneapolis-based full-service architectural firm, was honored at a luncheon celebration on June 19. During the presentation, jurors shared their thoughts from their visit to this charter school and the insights gathered from the academic leaders involved in its successful development.

The award-winning Hmong College Prep Academy (HCPA) is located at 1515 Brewster St. in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 78,300-square-foot, $12.6 million project opened at the start of the 2013-14 school year. The facility exemplifies HCPA’s goals of providing a well-rounded college preparatory education and a world cultural-infused school environment for 1,130 K-12 students and their families.

KAG_HmongAcad_Fireplace_DanaWheelockThroughout the project’s design, the architectural team worked closely with HCPA’s 150 staff and administration members to resourcefully repurpose the existing structure and to provide a creative design that meets the school’s space needs. The renovation and addition created auditorium/theater space, two cafeteria areas for elementary and high school students, additional gymnasium space, and new high school classroom and collaboration spaces.

KAG_HmongAcad_LobbyFurther supporting academic and community interests, the school’s addition is pursuing LEED® certification through the U.S. Green Building Council to make tangible the good stewardship practices HCPA promotes daily in the classroom. “We are proud to ‘go green’ and become a LEED-certified school,” stated Christianna Hang, superintendent of the HCPA District.

Compared to a typical school design, the addition anticipates meeting LEED certification goals to reduce overall power consumption 10 to 15 percent, reduce water use up to 40 percent, capture and clean 100 percent of stormwater that falls on the site, and use environmentally friendly interior materials to promote the health of students, staff and faculty. Unique technologies incorporated into the design include a porous paving system with underground infiltration basins for stormwater capture, all-native landscaping designed to use zero irrigation, large windows for daylighting, and high-efficiency plumbing fixtures.

KAG_HmongAcad_TheatreConstructing a more secure, controlled entrance and an open gathering area outside of the new performance theater were also key parts to HCPA’s addition design. The 477-seat theater offers a full stage, green room, production area and other amenities to allow students and the community to produce plays, vocal performances, dance recitals and host other events.

AIA Minneapolis Merit Awards tell a story of excellence beyond design, reflecting the variety of forces that shape a building. Unique in its approach, these awards encompass the views of business professionals, real estate developers, community advocates, and academic leaders, as well as architects. For HCPA, their comments include such descriptions as “conscientious,” “strong core,” “nice interior” and “on budget with tight timeframe.”

Superintendent Hang added, “I am very pleased to say that Kodet and their partners worked hand-in-hand with all constituents to create an amazing building for our students, families, communities and staff. We are incredibly pleased with our new building!”

KAG_HmongAcad_MediaCtrHCPA is one of four projects are recognized as 2014 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award Winners. Kodet Architectural Group also was honored for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Maple Grove Maintenance and Truck Station’s design.

 

photos by Kodet Architectural Group, Ltd. and photographer Dana Wheelock

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Client News: Linetec offers antimicrobial protection for architectural products, White paper

* Visit Linetec in AIA Expo booth #4634 *

Image provided by BE&K Building Group

Image provided by BE&K Building Group

Linetec offers the use of antimicrobial protection for high-touch, architectural metal products’ exterior and interior surfaces, such as doors, windows, curtainwall, entrances, panels and column covers.

Antimicrobial protection is infused into select polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finishes to inhibit the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria on the coating of aluminum surfaces for health care facilities, educational campuses and other buildings. As a fluoropolymer finish containing a minimum of 70% PVDF resin, this three-coat system meets requirements of AAMA 2605, the most stringent specification for architectural coatings.

“Continually investing in industry-leading innovation, Linetec provides our customers’ products with protection that exceeds other conventional finishes,” says Jon Close, Linetec’s vice president of sales. “Anywhere the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria is a concern, architectural aluminum manufacturers can benefit from this extra level of protection.”

Providing further explanation, Linetec co-authored a White paper titled, “Antimicrobial Protection for Public Building Applications.” The paper describes the uses and advantages of antimicrobial coatings, as well as details the related technology, testing and specifications.

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