Cambridge Architectural metal mesh is a striking feature in the exterior and interior design of the new $14 million Georgia BioScience Training Center in Social Circle, GA. Completed in September 2015, and operated by Georgia Quick Start, a division of the technical college system of Georgia, the Center supports research, technology transfer and workforce development critical to bio manufacturing, including support for the adjacent Baxalta immunoglobulin therapies plant under construction.
In addition to providing customized workforce training for Baxalta and other companies, the Center is a leading-edge incubator and recruitment tool for Georgia to lure additional firms in the global biosciences industry.
“This is the beginning of a new era in Georgia, to say to the world and to the pharmaceutical industry and others that Georgia is friendly to bioscience,” Governor Nathan Deal told the Atlanta Journal Constitution at the Center’s opening.
The majority of Georgia BioScience’s exterior is clad with Lanier, a new custom-weaved rigid mesh pattern from Cambridge Architectural. A total of 149 mesh panels – covering 10,900 square feet – provide a state-of-the-art appearance while shading interior lobbies, classrooms and laboratories from the Georgia sun.
“We infused stainless steel into the exterior design to capture the performance benefits of shading while expressing the connections of the system which enhance the client’s brand of a decidedly hi-tech facility, said Nathan Williamson, project designer for Cooper Carry. The mesh delaminates from the main façade with facets and plane changes to provide a dynamic, crystalline aesthetic with ever changing shadows and reflections that suggest a sense of movement.”
At night, the mesh is a backdrop for a wall wash of LED lighting that glistens in a variety of colors, according to Williamson.
Lanier – named for Georgia's Lake Lanier – is the 23rd rigid mesh pattern in Cambridge’s portfolio.
Williamson said Cooper Carry selected the pattern because it has a tighter weave – 50% open area in the case of Georgia BioScience – that leads to better energy performance. The mesh is attached to the structure using Cambridge’s Clevis in-tension system.
Cambridge Architectural National Sales Manager David Zeitlin said Lanier’s open area can be expanded for use on other building projects.
“We know that architects are seeking flexibility and looking for mesh choices that create a more stimulating visual appearance while providing options for varying degrees of light passage,” he said. “We are excited to introduce Lanier to the building products industry by showcasing its signature position in this stand out project.”
Inside Georgia BioScience, Matte, a Cambridge flexible mesh pattern similar to Lanier, is used for solar shading and visual screening. It surrounds an open air, elliptical courtyard that is the initial vista when entering the facility. Mesh also provides screening for the Center’s main conference room. An Eyebolt system is used to attach the mesh on the building’s interior.
The Georgia BioScience Training Center was designed by Cooper Carry of Atlanta. The general contractor was Whiting-Turner, also of Atlanta. Litchfield, OH-based L & S Erectors Inc. was the Cambridge mesh installer.
Photos by Cambridge Architectural