Streetscape office building
Streetscape Developments of Saskatoon chose IMPs to achieve its goal of constructing a unique new office building appropriately reflecting the company’s building philosophy.
The shared vision of Streetscape and KSA Group Architecture was to offer spaces with energy efficiency, air quality, and abundant natural light. The facility is ‘solar-ready,’ meaning its roof structure and electrical systems were originally designed to accommodate photovoltaic (PV) panels covering the entire roof.
The second-floor Streetscape offices are expressed in two energy-efficient and contemporary elements: a large white rectangular box holding the exterior staff at one end, and a red rectangle housing the company offices at the other.
Proprietary IMPs were used to ensure the building meets R-value and building code requirements, in three different exterior colours. All panels have a 101-mm urethane core located between a 22-gauge Galvalume 90 exterior panel and a 26-gauge Galvalume 90 interior panel.
A total of 700 m2 (7531 sf) of IMPs were installed on the second level of the building: 328 m2 (3534 sf) in white, 151 m2 (1627 sf) in silver, and 220 m2 (2370 sf) in a custom red to match the company logo. Thermo Design Insulation installed the IMPs, and PCL Construction served as the general contractor.
A single-skin metal panel was specified for the lower level of the building. With heavy traffic and snow removal equipment working nearby, it was decided any damaged single-skin panels would be easier to repair or replace than an IMP.
All the office windows are operable, and the building’s exterior design provides many options for exterior signage and street-level entrances.
Conclusion
Like any other building product, insulated metal panels must be installed properly to be effective. Reputable IMP manufacturers will offer installer training and be available to answer questions on any detail during construction. Misapplication of sealants and trim to prevent air, vapour, and water infiltration can turn into larger problems as the building ages, but can be avoided with proper training.
The growth of IMPs is dependent on the architectural community. Architects understand and appreciate the benefits and limitations of the products they specify. While IMPs have been in use for more than 40 years, they were initially considered a solution purely for cold storage facilities. With expanded offerings in product design, innovations, and technology improvements, as well as escalated R-values to meet energy codes, their use is becoming more common in industrial, commercial, and institutional building projects.
Lee Hawkins has been a senior sales manager at Metl-Span for nine years, with jobsite experience in Canada, the United States, Panama, Mexico, and Belize. Before accepting a position at Metl-Span, he served as the vice-president of sales at Zer-O-Loc Enterprises in British Columbia for 18 years. Hawkins can be reached via e-mail at ldhawkin@metlspan.com.
Geoff Seale has served as the Western Canada sales and marketing manager for Metl-Span for almost a year. He can be reached via e-mail by contacting geoff.seale@metlspan.com.
