By Marcy Marro, Managing Editor A Perfect Match Architect and contractor work together to showcase abilities
ogy has evolved through time. The juxtaposition of the old metal system with the new told the story of its progression.” The project features 8,000 square feet of met-
al wall panels from Kalzip Inc., Michigan City, Ind., chosen for their ability to meet the architectural design criteria for the building and to be curved to a very tight radius. Additionally, the panel profi les were suitable for the scale and detailing the project required. "We were looking for a combination of ma-
terials that would allow the client to express his expertise in construction and his commitment to sustain design and progressive thinking,” explains Arzoumanian. “The metal cladding allowed us to easily create a dynamic, organic shape that is set against traditional brick material. Each mate- rial addressed different elements of the client's business—brick for its long history in construction and metal for its fl exibility, strength, progressive technology and sustainability." The two companies have partnered together on
projects before, but this was Sumit’s fi rst offi ce proj- ect. “The fi rst time, there are always minor lessons to be learned,” says Pratap Gohil, Sumit president. The existing 10,921-square-foot single-story
facility is used as a warehouse, fi eld offi ces and fl eet maintenance, while the new 11,694-square- foot two-story attached building houses the corpo- rate headquarters. Certifi ed LEED Gold, the project received
points for its location close to public transporta- tion, reusing of material from the existing facility, reduced usage of water, green roof and open space, water-effi cient landscaping, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and daylighting. Ad- ditionally, the project used regional materials within a 500-mile radius, rapidly renewable materials and materials with recycled content.
Sumit Construction Co. Headquarters, Chicago
A decision to relocate from the suburbs to Chicago led general contractor Sumit Con- struction Co. and Skokie, Ill.-based architec- ture fi rm Arzoumanian & Co., to showcase the contractor’s knowledge of the trade, says Principal Raffi Arzoumanian, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, at Arzoumanian & Co. Arzoumanian salvaged as much material as
possible from the old vehicle-emissions testing sta- tion on the lot, combining traditional material such as brick, with contemporary metal. The resulting
56 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS September 2012
two-story building features tall, angular planes, and demonstrates both companies' commitment to sustainability, a desire for the co-existence of old and new, and a marriage between the fi ne art of masonry and the science of modern technology. Arzoumanian & Co. also handled interior design for the project. "Given the industrial nature of the area and the
metal-clad adjacent building, it seemed only natural to use metal cladding,” says Raffi Arzoumanian, principal, and primary architect. “However, it was also important to show how metal cladding technol-
General contractor: Sumit Construction Co. Inc., Chicago Architect/interior design: Arzoumanian & Co., Skokie, Ill. Metal wall panels: Kalzip Inc., Michigan City, Ind., www.kalzip.com, Circle #75