Architectural Record 2015-04

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Images courtesy of Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions
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control. Further, the insulating glass units can be
treated for greater heat or solar gain resistance
and the insulating space filled with inert gas such
as krypton. Altogether, a triple-glazed, kryptonfilled,
wood-framed window can deliver thermal
performance values on the order of a U-factor as
low as 0.16 or an R-value of approximately R-6.25.
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Among the details to address on exterior
walls, the means to join or connect cladding
materials along joints, corners, and seams is
worthy of design attention. Some products, such
as masonry, have their own, well-established
means of dealing with these details. Other
products such as cladding panels or siding,
require a separate trim product to deal with
those transition areas. A design trend in this
regard is to achieve clean modern lines that
have become popular with younger generations
and more urban multifamily projects. Hence, it
has become common to see the use of extruded
aluminum shaped trim pieces that make strong
design statements while assuring the proper
functioning of the cladding material.
Selecting aluminum trim can be based on its
capability as a resilient material that can adjust
and flex to meet the needs of building material
expansion and contraction. From a design
perspective, it is extruded in a wide variety of
profiles, allowing for choice in appearance from
recessed to pronounced. Manufacturers have
made many different sizes available, allowing
the trim to be used with multiple panels from
different sources. And, it is available in multiple
finishes including primed, clear anodized, and
pre-painted.
Different aluminum trim profiles are
available for different placement locations.
Photo courtesy of Tamlyn
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Horizontal and vertical reveal pieces can be
coordinated for a consistent appearance that
maximizes or minimizes the lines between
cladding panels. Outside and inside corners
can similarly be treated to accent a corner
condition or help it to blend in with the rest
of the building. Transition pieces are available
that connect special corner conditions and the
junction of soffits to walls. When properly used
and installed, these products not only provide
for a complete, finished design appearance,
they help with the overall performance and
durability of the exterior cladding as well.
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A fast-growing type of exterior wall treatment
that has been specified on multifamily
housing in recent years involves the use of
masonry veneers. We have already discussed
how they can be used as part of a wall system,
but the details of the veneer itself warrant
some further discussion. Masonry veneers are
comprised of thin pieces of stone or brick but
give the appearance of solid masonry without
the weight or cost. Stone veneers provide a
natural surface exposed to the weather that
allows the finished building to emulate the
great aesthetics of solid stone or brick but
in fact they are non-structural. This means
they install much quicker than natural stone
or brick due to their simplified installation
process with much less weight and potentially
less cutting.
The options on the market for veneer
masonry are broad and varied. Available choices
range from a standard smooth or split face unit
to veneers that look just like natural stone in
varying sizes. The range of colors of the finished
units is equally extensive and includes stone
earth tone colors of grays and browns, a range of
brick reds and oranges, and even white cast stone
products. It is worth noting that these products
have advanced considerably since they were first
introduced several decades ago such that many
have integral color worked into their makeup so
the product color is consistent throughout each
unit. The shapes and sizes are also varied to allow
for details to be more authentically addressed.
See endnotes in the online version of this article.
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Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP,
is an architect and green building consultant who
has authored over 100 continuing education and
technical publications as part of a nationwide
practice. www.linkedin.com/in/pjaarch