Petroleum Traders Corporation, Fort Wayne, IN, is the largest pure wholesaler of gasoline and diesel fuels in the United States, delivering one billion gallons of petroleum products annually. A newly completed headquarters building reflects the company's success. Contemporary in design, it's exterior features approximately 3,600 sq. ft. of Dri-Design rainscreen panels in a variety of custom modules. Fabricated from .080" aluminum, the panels are finished in Slate Gray and Charcoal Gray colors.
"We used the Dri-Design panels on strategically prominent components such as entryway canopies, flanking portals and column covers,” said Jeremy Hatfield, project manager for Design Collaborative Architects, Fort Wayne. “Our firm designed the original Petroleum Traders building which is adjacent to the new headquarters. The original structure was all EIFS with ribbon storefront windows all around. The owner wanted the new building to have the same architectural language but wanted a much more modern feel. We reserved the metal panels for highlighting key elements that would deliver the contemporary look.”
The $3.8 million two-story headquarters includes executive and administrative offices, an art gallery, break room, two conference rooms and exercise room with shower and locker facilities. The 25,000 sq. ft. headquarters also features Fort Wayne’s first “green roof” on an office building.
The steel framed structure is clad with a perimeter glass wall with pyramidal “bump outs” near the entrance. A contemporary feel dominates throughout, with pewter-toned Dri-Design panels providing contrast against the gray EIFS. Accent lines were carved through the EIFS to align with horizontal mullions on the perimeter glass wall and reliefs in the metal panel system. The design of the new corporate office complements the adjacent 1992 office facility with the addition of modern elements including glass walls and the Dri-Design panel accents. The result is continuity and an aesthetically pleasing office campus.
The general contractor on the project was W.A. Sheets & Sons, Fort Wayne. Spohn Associates, Indianapolis, was the distributor for the Dri-Design panels.
Dri-Design panels can be made from a variety of materials including painted aluminum, zinc, copper and stainless steel. Panels are available in any Kynar color in both standard and custom sizes.