RHEINZINK America, Fairview Architectural form Strategic Partnership
Joining Forces
Fairview Architectural North America is excited to announce our new strategic partnership with RHEINZNK America. RHEINZNK has long been known for its architectural appeal and timeless beauty, which directly aligns with Fairview’s track record of having the widest range in colors and finishes available to our customers and project stakeholders.
The collaboration between our two companies stemmed from our growing relationship over the years with Fairview already having use RHEINZINK material on multiple projects. Fairview supplied more than 5,400 sf of Vitrabond zinc composite material (ZCM) on the 70 Charlton St project featuring RHEINZINK prePATINA graphite-grey. This contemporary design by Beyer Blinder Belle has been touted as evoking a “contemporary interpretation of the neighborhood’s printing house architectural heritage by utilizing masonry, metal and glass.” Jerry Fossey, CEO of Fairview Arhcitectural North America said about this project’s design that the “modern architectural aesthetic of the ZCM cladding provides a striking contrast to the historical nature of the brick facade that the surrounding Hudson Square neighborhood is known for.”
The Vitrabond ZCM cladding consists of a Vitrabond aluminium composite panel with a front zinc skin supplied by RHEINZINK. There are two highly durable zinc finishes to choose from providing architects and specifiers with new horizons to explore in terms of design and creativity. All of the zinc finishes can be found in our new Color Design Guide.
Material and Finish Excellence
In addition to its progressive design characteristics, the ZCM also merges the self-healing, corrosion-resistant performance of zinc finishes with the quality and durability of Vitrabond that our clients have come to expect.
Charles “Chip” McGowan, President of RHEINZNK America noted “We’re excited about the increased opportunities that this relationship brings for Fairview and. Fairview’s approach for incorporating our zinc products into their Vitrabond zinc composite allows us to offer ZCM with an array of completed tests and approvals.”
Vitrabond ZCM also allows Fairview’s fabricator and installer clients to take advantage of the flexibility 4mm metal composite material form factor as well as the familiarity of a traditional rainscreen system while still being able to offer a premium zinc material on each project.
Learn More at METALCON 2019!
We will be showcasing our new partnership with RHEINZINK at our METALCOM Booth #504 from 16th to the 18th of October. Visitors to the event will be able to collect free samples of the RHEINZINK “Graphite Zinc” finish used on the 70 Charlton Street project; obtain copies of the new colour chart featuring the full ZCM range of colors and; discuss the benefits of zinc cladding with one of our expert façade consultants.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Featured Project Profile:
Project Name: 70 Charlton St.
Project Name: New York, NY
Developer: Extell Development Company
Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle
Fabricator/ Installer: Bamco Inc
Material: Vitrabond Graphite Zinc
Upcoming Project Profile:
Project Name: Bank OZK Corporate Headquarters
Location: Little Rock, AR
Architect: Polk Stanley Wilcox
General Contractor: CDI Contractors
Fabricator: MillerClapperton
Material:
Vitrabond Brushed Aluminum FV5855 – 47,500sf
Vitrabond Graphite Zinc FV5225 – 43,200sf
RECENTLY COMPLETED: 125 Delancey St.
About This Project
Fairview Architectural North America is proud to have partnered with Island Exterior Fabricators and Handel Architects on the 125 Delancey St. project in New York, NY. As part of the Essex Crossing development, 125 Delancey features world-class design and residential living located in the coveted Lower East Side of Manhattan. This development in its entirety features more than 1.9 million sf of mixed use space and is promoted on its website as having “a diverse mix of retail, culture, world-class architecture, green space, shopping, and entertainment all at your front door.” In addition to 125 Delancey St., Fairview also supplied more than 40,000 sf of Vitrabond material on another building in the Essex Crossing neighborhood called The Rollins, which features a more traditional design aesthetic to match the surrounding area.
World-Class Design
125 Delancey, also known as The Essex, features more than 165,000 sf of our Vitrabond metal composite material with bronze and black metallic finishes developed specifically for this design. In an article about the folded metal panel design on this project, Handel Architects noted that “The asymmetrical, folded metal panel system reflects the sunlight in different ways and creates a varied pattern that was designed to capture light from multiple angles throughout the day and allow the folded bronze panels to glow.” This aesthetic draws from the surrounding neighborhood by putting a modern architectural spin on its traditional designs.
A Client Partnership
The exterior cladding fabricator and installer on this project, Island Exterior Fabricators based in Calverton NY, chose Fairview as a partner on this project given our long-standing relationship as their primary aluminum composite material supplier.
In partnering with Fairview, Island was able to take advantage of our flexibility and creative approach to make sure a project of this scale went as smoothly as possible. Our team was able to offer more than 60 different custom sheet sizes that helped Island’s fabrication team optimize the Vitrabond materials which dramatically reduced the overall project waste factor. Fairview also provided expedited shipping on the first of many phased shipments, working closely with Island’s receiving and operations team to make sure deliveries were keeping up with the fast pace of the project.
Project Profile:
Project Name: The Essex, an Essex Crossing Development
Location: New York, NY
Architect: Handel Architects
Fabricator: Island Exterior Fabricators
Product: Vitrabond 4mm FR Core Metal Composite Material
Finishes: Custom Bronze Metallic and Custom Black Metallic
Quantity: 165,000 sf
NEW PROJECT PROFILE: 9455 Towne Center Drive
About this New Project
Fairview Architectural is excited to announce our involvement in the 9455 Towne Center project in San Diego California. More commonly known as 9455 TCD, this project has been touted by its developers, Kilroy Realty, as “a masterfully designed office and life sciences facility.” Fairview worked closely with the entire project team to meet the needs of an aggressive project schedule while still achieving the vibrant exterior design intent.
9455 TCD features more than 114,000 sf of Vitrabond metal composite material with Fairview’s standard Champagne Metallic FV9205 as the primary facade finish. We also worked with the project team to develop a custom Light Maple Woodgrain finish to complement the predominantly Champagne exterior. We’re looking forward to seeing this design come to life as a result of our partnership Burner Sheet Metal of Lakeside California.
Project Details
Project Name: 9455 TCD
Developer: Kilroy Realty – San Diego, CA
Architect: Flad Architects – San Francisco, CA
Construction Manager: Swinerton – San Diego, CA
Fabricator/ Installer: Burner Sheet Metal – Lakeside, CA
Material: 4mm FR Core Vitrabond® ACM
94,029 SF of Champagne Metallic FV9205
20,033 SF of Light Maple Custom Woodgrain
Our New Color Design Guide 2019
At Fairview Architectural North America, we are committed to supplying our customers the tools to select and specify the right color and finish on each building façade project. We also understand that our clients and project stakeholders depend on us to supply the finish that best represents the overall project design intent.
So, we’ve taken feedback from over the years and put together this carefully curated selection of 96 colors, finishes, and material replications into one booklet that we strongly believe to be the best in the building façade industry.
Although this is the most comprehensive offering in the industry, this Color Design Guide is the only the beginning of Fairview’s color, finish and texture capabilities. With our technical prowess in developing these finishes, we’ve also been able to offer our customers and project stakeholders custom matched finishes, whether it be as simple as a custom metallic or solid, or as complicated as creating a direct match to a bespoke natural material like stone or brick.
Click below to view our 2019 Color Design Guide
Request your physical copy of the 2019 Color Design Guide Below
SUNY Cortland Park Center project
SUNY Cortland Park Center project
We’re all about making our customers lives easy. We love diving into the complex projects and developing creative solutions to address those real challenging details. We also love getting the positive feedback that conveys to us that our customer is convinced they made the right decision partnering with Fairview!
Bill Burge of Charles F Evans Co, a certified Arrowhead fabricator out of Elmira, NY, recently summed up how things are going on the SUNY Cortland Park Center project – their first time fabricating and installing the Arrowhead Flex System:
“My guys in Cortland are loving the Arrowhead system.”
SUNY Cortland is far from an ordinary panel project. Designed by Flynn Battaglia Architects, this indoor hockey rink features an ACM exterior punctuated by slanted, 2” wide joints – meant to replicate the look of skate lines. These 2” wide joints intersect – at random places – the standard ½” horizontal and vertical joints. Pretty cool design. Not so easy to fabricate and install.
Fairview’s panel system consultants, David Simonsen and David McConnell, worked with Charles F Evans to develop a system that would retain the design intent, but also simplify the installation. Designing around Fairview’s standard Arrowhead Flex panel system, we developed a custom 2” wide Arrowhead base extrusion to accommodate the slanted joints. The rest of the envelope is installed using standard Arrowhead Flex system components.
The fully tested, truly non-progressive Arrowhead Flex Rainscreen Panel system enables Charles F Evans to level, plane, and determine the precise size of every panel for this sophisticated layout – all prior to releasing to fabrication. This enables CFE to eliminate panel ‘creep’ typical of progressive systems, and allows them to install panels in any direction – independent of the adjacent panels.
We can’t wait to see the final result and will be sure to post additional photos as this project progresses!
For more information on Fairview and our range of façade solutions, visit www.fairview-na.com or contact one of our consultants at (860) 242-2711.
Understanding the Advantages of Vitraplate
Vitraplate, Fairview’s coil coated plate material, continues to make waves in the metal panel industry by providing the same high-quality finish as vitrabond, in thicknesses up to .125″. Mark Forbes and Jim Haughton explain.
VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® Non-Combustible Aluminum Façade Materials
Offering choices so you can use the RIGHT product for the RIGHT application
Fairview Architectural North America has earned the reputation of being the innovator in the façade industry, even from manufacturers of competing façade products. Inventors and creators of unique materials and concepts come to Fairview when they have an innovation that could be introduced to the Building Facades market.
We hear from these visionaries that Fairview NA stands out as the partner of choice, a trustworthy partner to integrate their concept into the building façade industry in a safe and responsible way, creating realistic solutions.
By having many product offerings within the building façade industry, Fairview Architectural North America is in the unique position of having a much wider understanding of the industry than many of the manufacturers who have just a single product range. It is natural then that we get many questions relating to the results of our product development.
Some of these questions relate to our VitrabondG2 Non-Combustible Metal Composite Material and VitraPlate® Pre-Finished Aluminum façade panels. These products have been confirmed by independent analysis to be rated as Non-Combustible in compliance with current code requirements and definitions.
How can VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® be considered non-combustible?
The IBC defines in Section 703.4 how to determine if a product is considered non-combustible. The code must have a definition like this, otherwise no manufactured or painted product could be considered non-combustible as defined by the ASTM E-136 non-combustibility test.
Does VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® pass the ASTM E-136 test to prove that they are non-combustible?
The ASTM E-136 test is for elementary materials only and is therefore not for any painted product. As such, the aluminum used in VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® have been tested and passed the ASTM E-136 and is therefore rated as non-combustible.
Has VitrabondG2® or VitraPlate® passed an NFPA 285 full scale wall assembly fire test?
The NFPA 285 test does not apply to VitrabondG2 and VitraPlate®. It also does not apply to the non-combustible wall assembly applications where we recommend using VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate®. The NFPA 285 is specifically made for combustible products, to allow their use in wall assemblies that are meant to use products rated as non-combustible according to the building code. Fairview Architectural North America has many products for many applications. Other MCM/ACM manufacturers with a single product range must try to make their product fit where it shouldn’t. By contrast, Fairview promotes VitrabondFR® where wall assemblies are permitted to contain combustible products and promotes VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® for use in non-combustible wall assemblies.
Why not have VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® tested in an NFPA285 wall assembly test? Wouldn’t that open up a greater market share?
It is not about market share – we simply develop the RIGHT product for the RIGHT application, and don’t try to promote saving pennies at the cost of life safety. Fairview Architectural North America were the first to discontinue the use of the flammable PE core ACM, and the first to develop two feasible non-combustible façade products: VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate®.
These images show Fairview’s VitrabondFR® ACM and a competitor’s FR ACM product after the NFPA285 test. Both tests passed because it is the wall assembly design that affects the result of the test more than the products used. Yet the burden and responsibility of testing is put on the product manufacturers, rather than those responsible for the wall design. VitrabondFR® is available for use where the code allows.
Is there a full-scale wall assembly fire test for VitrabondG2® and VitraPlate® in North America?
At this time non-combustible products themselves are not required to undergo full-scale wall assembly testing, and there are no full-scale fire tests for non-combustible products in the North American market. Fairview Architectural North America does not test products just to say it meets this or that criteria, but rather develops the RIGHT product for the RIGHT application and performs the RIGHT tests to meet the RIGHT criteria.
We envision a building façade industry free of flammable cladding materials. We all understand that buildings need paint, adhesives, waterproofing, paper backers on drywall, etc… and we are working with conscientious insurers, code consultants, fire marshals, and architects who have embraced our vision and are together leading the change to a safer, yet realistic, building façade industry.
What is Engineered Metal Plate?
Metal Wall Panels (MWP) take many forms, and is not always recognized at first glance to the untrained eye. However, it is one of the most common façade cladding products in use.
One of the materials used for Metal Wall Panels is Aluminum Plate. Many elementary materials in construction now have an “Engineered Version” to improve on the benefits of that material. Examples include Engineered Hardwood Floors, Engineered Floor Joist, and Engineered Metal Plate.
VitrabondG2 is a Non-Combustible Metal Composite Material, a perfect example of an engineered metal plate product.
What is Engineered Metal Plate?
Metal Plate wall panels have been used for years on building facades, however some of the challenges faced in working with this products include oil canning (rippling of panels after installation due to thermal expansion and contraction), difficulty in handling due to the weight, multiple processes like welding, grinding, painting, etc…, and design limitations due to limited finish options.
Engineered Metal Plate, on the other hand, has all the benefits of Metal Plate, but is lighter weight, more rigid, has a higher strength to weight ratio, less tendency for oil canning, easier to handle, and comes in nearly unlimited finish options like what can be had with Metal Composite Material.
What Finishes are Available?
Practically any design or pattern can be used for the visible portion of this cladding. Modern buildings often use solid or metallic finishes, but the material can also be made to look like bricks, stones, or other unique finishes and textures, allowing a wide scope in design options for the architects.
What Materials is Engineered Metal Plate made of?
In any engineered product, the materials used are far more advanced than its traditional predecessor. Engineered Metal Plate is still comprised of metal, but uses modern manufacturing means and methods in order to yield more benefits.
Top 10 reasons Engineered Metal Plate is an ideal cladding product for the building façade industry:
VitrabondG2 is a Non-Combustible Metal Composite Material, a perfect example of an engineered metal plate product. Here are some benefits that are unique to VitrabondG2:
- All the benefits of MCM, but in a non-combustible product.
- Variety of finishes that can’t be achieved in the traditional spray-applied plate products.
- Most durable finishes known in the industry.
- Higher strength to weight ratio than metal plate façade materials.
- Coated prior to fabricating to eliminate additional handling and outsourcing to painters.
- 50% lighter weight means for less structural support needed within the wall assembly and attachment systems.
- Fully recyclable without needing grinding equipment to separate components.
- Much less tendency for oil canning from thermal expansion and contraction.
- Easier to machine and work with than solid aluminum plate
- Works with standard MCM systems, such as the Arrowhead Installation System.
Learn more at www.fairview-na.com!
Progressive Vs. Non-Progressive Panel Installation Systems
Progressive vs. Non-Progressive Panel Installation Systems
In buildings, it is typical for the exterior walls to be covered with some sort of panels to both protect the "guts" of the walls and to present a properly-finished appearance. To those passing by, the differences between the options aren't always immediately apparent except for their visual appeal. However, if you're in the construction business, you need to be quite aware of the benefits and drawbacks of the two main panel installation systems: Progressive and non-progressive.
What is a Non-Progressive Installation Panel System?
This type of installation gets its name from the fact that the installation of one part does not progress from that of the prior module. It has many benefits, such as the ability to remove or replace a section without the need to dismantle those that are around it. This makes it easy to repair or update a wall on an as-needed basis without high costs, other benefits include having multiple crews installing in all directions
What is a Progressive Installation Panel System?
Progressive systems use panels that interlock in some fashion. One of the easiest ways to imagine these systems is as being like bricks. Each one builds upon and interlocks those that were installed before it and that will come after it. The biggest downside to this is that it takes a long time - and therefore, a lot of money - to install. It also makes remodeling or repairs into complex, expensive procedures. Installation is one directions only, so you can not expedite installation with multiple crews, like you can with a Non-Progressive Panel System.
Which is Best for a Building Project?
In most cases, the non-progressive installation system is superior. Therefore, there is no need to forego the ease of installation and repair that comes with a non-progressive installation system. In fact, the non-progressive version is almost always the best option.
To learn more, just contact us. We'll be glad to explain all of our structural offerings so that you can make the best choice for any project.
All MCM Is Not Created Equal
ALL MCM IS NOT CREATED EQUAL
The building façade industry has seen a continuous increase in the use of Metal Composite Materials (MCM). This light weight and rigid material provides and attractive appearance and is well suited to many building styles.
Like any product growing in demand, more and more brands start hitting the market, and finally some companies, struggling for market share, begin to drop prices and engage in the losing battle of a Price War.
Low Cost Providers:
When it comes to MCM (also known as Aluminum Composite Material, or ACM) many low-cost providers are trying to push their way into the market. This began with some low cost imported products suited to the signage industry being used for building facades, because it looked about the same. Following this, some domestic MCM manufacturers begin competing in this price-driven boxing ring and as a result must sacrifice quality to maintain their slim margins.
Pricing
As with all products in any industry, a drastic price difference either means there are product variables being exploited, or margins are being cut leaving the vendor no room for servicing the client. Either way, the validity of any warranties is called into question. Will they use a loophole in their warranty to get out of product failure? Will they be in business for long, if they are selling at little to no margins?
Warranty
Warranty is one of the most important aspects in choosing your MCM product. If a company has great confidence in their product they will offer you a great warranty. If they don’t, you might want to ask some more questions.
Cost
Cost and price are two different things. Price is what you see up front. Cost is how your purchase affected your bottom line profits. Risk is a major factor in a purchasing decision. If a MCM product manufacturer can reduce your risk by offering better warranties, and better service, and goes the extra mile to help see your project through to success, you can be sure that they will stand behind you when you need them. Their price might look higher, but the cost of doing business with them might be much less than the headache of dealing with a “low-cost provider”.
An example of how price driven manufacturers might try to cut costs is to increase the production speed of the ACM manufacturing line to get more output, with effects which may not appear until years later. Or they might use lower grade raw materials, or cut their customer service.
Conclusion:
Quality is sustainable and with that creates a long lasting look on your building that you worked hard to create. You deserve to have the best products representing that building and your vision. And you don’t deserve to be replacing the “cheap” product when it fails, which is much costlier than the small percentage saved at the initial product selection!