A 2,000 sq. ft. addition to the Siskin Steel & Supply building in Chattanooga, TN has made a huge impact on the appearance of the company’s headquarters. Linked to an existing brick structure, the expansion includes a new lobby, administrative offices and training room.

Approximately 1,250 sq. ft. of Dri-Design 18 ga. stainless steel wall panels were utilized to create the transformation. The patented Dri-Design Wall Panel System is an affordable dry joint, pressure-equalized rainscreen system.

“We were looking for a way to beautify the old building in a manner that would also express the nature of Siskin’s business,” said architect Bob Franklin, president of Franklin & Associates, Chattanooga. “That led us to the design using an exposed steel structure and stainless steel panels.”

For added impact, the panels were rotated 45 degrees “to express the entrance,” according to Franklin. “The sample panels that Dri-Design provided also gave us the idea to take advantage of the directionality of the stainless steel to create a checkerboard effect. It’s a fun little project.”

Franklin also cited long-term durability and cost effectiveness as key reasons for selecting the Dri-Design system.

Installation of the panels was done by GenTech Construction Company, Chattanooga. GenTech was the general contractor on the project.

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.