NEWS ALUMINIUM Emulating US ‘tobacco barn charm’
Coil-anodised aluminium offers a unique set of benefits to architects who are in the market for something very specific
As barns fade 170,000 ft2
of coil-anodised aluminium Picture: Tim Hursley / Products: Lorin Industries’
Tasked with designing the new Convention Centre for Owensboro, Kentucky, Brad McWhirter of Trahan Architects dreamt of “tying his modern architecture to the antique flavour of the region”. However, he said, “the picturesque tobacco barns that dot the surrounding farmland and define the area’s aesthetic roots could not simply be imitated – “their essential wood material would not perform for a modern community hub”. He sought a replacement, “but what material could reflect woodgrain and match the right colours while providing exceptional architectural performance?”
Matching colour with performance In addition to his aesthetic goals, McWhirter required Exterior Architectural Grade Class I performance. He considered a number of options, but “had no answers by the time he ran into a familiar face at a trade show”. When the architect resurfaced the Louisiana Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, Lorin Industries supplied 365,000 ft2
of
anodised aluminium, “carefully colour- matched to the original hue of the historic stadium”. Coil-anodised aluminium offers a
unique set of benefits to architects who are in the market for something very specific. Controlling the oxidation process through continuous coil anodising creates a clear, translucent aluminium oxide layer that shows off the beauty of the natural metal. The resulting anodic layer can be coloured, with the continuous coil process delivering a consistent tone.
Emulating woodgrain with anodised aluminium However, to truly emulate the tobacco barns, more than just colour would have to match. Integrating the material into the sleek design while revealing a wood-like texture required careful coordination with the panel manufacturer. “The Long Line Brushed finish of the anodised aluminium reflects light in much the same way textured wood does.” Sharp, angular wings mark the
north and south ends of the Convention Centre, “posing a particular challenge to ensure a consistent vertical grain look,” said the architect. These pieces “fit tightly into a seamless smooth exterior, achieving the angularity of the buildings that inspired the structure, while ensuring the effect of grain was not lost,” commented McWhirter.
was supplied for the interior and exterior panelling, allowing the project to successfully “reinterpret the region’s historic barns with tonal and textural flair while protecting the project with high-performance material”. Unlike the structures that inspired the award-winning Owensboro Convention Centre’s design though, it will not fade with time. Instead, it is built for durability. The crystalline aluminium oxide layer on the panels belongs to the same family of gemstones as sapphire, and “is second only to diamonds in terms of hardness”. Architectural Grade Class I panels
provide at least .007 inches of anodic layer for increased protection and greater longevity. The anodised layer is designed not to chip, flake or peel, and while wood could not have succeeded for the project, the project will “stand as a durable testament to the humble architecture that inspired its design – and will continue to inspire pride in the local community”.
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Picture: Tim Hursley / Products: Lorin Industries’
ADF OCTOBER 2019
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