More than 17,000 sq. ft. of Dri-Design® walls panels were used on the new St. Barnabas Nursing Home in Chattanooga, TN, a facility designed with new approaches in the elder care industry. Based on what is called the Eden Alternative, the concept makes care more patient-focused with less imposing nursing stations and relaxed resident rules.

The $10 million, 57,000 sq. ft. facility has 108 patient beds and features graceful, curved walls and large windows that provide natural light in all rooms and common areas. The St. Barnabas project is a partnership with Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation which is connected by a pedway.

The .063"-thick aluminum Dri-Design panels measure 36” x 30” and are finished with Copper Mica paint. The patented Dri-Design Wall Panel System is an affordable dry joint, pressure-equalized rainscreen system.

Design for the project was done by River Street Architecture, Chattanooga. “I knew I wanted to metal-clad the building to coordinate aesthetically with the adjoining Sisken building which was metal,” said Terry Barker, partner and project principal. “But we clearly wanted a separate identity for St. Barnabas.”

Although initially designed with metal, the project's budget caused EIFS to be seriously considered. “I fought a seven month battle to get the skin back to metal,” reports Barker. “The Dri-Design system was selected because of its low maintenance and energy efficiency. We had previously used a wet joint system on the adjoining Sisken building and that has been a headache for the owner ever since. We didn’t want to fight caulking again. We think very highly of Dri-Design. They have a good product and they are a good partner.”

The general contractor on the project was EMJ Corporation, Chattanooga.

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.