The State University Of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University Vertical Expansion is one of the most dramatic construction projects in the facility’s 40-year history. The new six-floor expansion was built above the hospital’s existing East Wing and is a great addition to the Syracuse, NY, skyline.

A tree house design inspired this seemingly weightless tower that is suspended in the blue New York sky. The vertical expansion features patient care floors for cardiology, neurology and oncology along with two floors dedicated to pediatric care that serve as the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Additionally, an interstitial floor accommodates the heating, electrical and ventilation systems for the new addition.

CENTRIA supplied a myriad of products that were used on the SUNY Upstate Medical University Vertical Expansion; those products were selected because of their benefits in aesthetics, performance and sustainability. The multiple colors and profiles used on the project create a dynamic design that catches the eye. Additionally, the unique design creates a fun atmosphere for the children admitted to the Golisano’s Children’s Hospital.

CENTRIA’s Profile Series Exposed Fastener Profiles, BR5-36 and Super-Rib, were selected for their versatility and performance benefits. The use of two distinctive profiles in two diverse colors create intense dimension in the exterior design. CENTRIA’s Exposed Fastener Profiles can be insulated to meet many levels of thermal protection and also provide excellent negative wind load properties. Profile Series has all-weather installation capabilities that minimized delays and permitted fast-track scheduling. Moreover, the MicroSeam Corners used with the Super-Rib profile were virtually seamless with no welding or pop rivets required.

The design team chose CENTRIA’s Profile Series IW-10A concealed fastener panels because they provide a smooth, unbroken appearance and the light gray color complements the color scheme of the exterior design. The Profile Series is also an environmentally responsible choice as it achieved Cradle to Cradle® Certification at the Silver Level.

Formawall Dimension Series was selected because it is the only complete metal wall system to provide superior thermal efficiency and total air and moisture control in a single panelized component. Formawall Dimension Series only requires one installer, which makes installation simple, increases efficiency in construction and ensures high quality, long-term performance. The assortment of Formawall Dimension Series profiles in different orientations, colors and finishes provided the versatility needed to complete the architect’s vision. Similar to IW-10A, Formawall Dimension Series also achieved Cradle to Cradle Certification at the Silver Level.

CENTRIA’s Structural Standing Seam Roof System was selected because the mechanical seaming of the roof panels ensures weather resistance and enhances the appearance of the facility. The roof system provides clean, unbroken lines; a minimum of exposed fasteners; and continuous transitions. It also achieved Cradle to Cradle Certification at the Silver Level.

The C/S Louvers, which are drainable and storm-resistant, were selected because of their seamless integration with Formawall Dimension Series.

Architects were Karlsberger of Columbus, OH, and King and King, Architects LLP of Syracuse, NY. The CENTRIA products dealer/installer was A.C. Dellovade, Inc. of Canonsburg, PA. The contractor was LeChase Construction Services, LLC of Rochester, NY. The project was completed in September 2009.

CENTRIA products used on the SUNY Upstate Medical University Vertical Expansion included:

• Profile Series Super-Rib with MicroSeam® Corners. Square Feet: 22,311; Color: Gray Velvet; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Sundance Mica; Gauge: 22.

• IW Series IW-10A Vertical. Square Feet: 15,440; Color: Light Gray; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Fluorofinish; Gauge: 22.

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 3” Vertical. Square Feet: 11,840; Color: Gray Velvet; Finish: Embossed; Coating: Sundance Mica; Gauge: 22/26.

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Horizontal. Square Feet: 9,494; Color: Light Gray; Finish: Embossed; Coating: Fluorofinish; Gauge: 22/26.

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Vertical. Square Feet: 7,048; Color: Blue; Finish: Embossed; Coating: Sundance Mica; Gauge: 22/26.

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Horizontal. Square Feet: 6,039; Color: Light Bronze; Finish: Embossed; Coating: Sundance AM; Gauge: 22/26.

• Formawall® Dimension Series® 2” Horizontal. Square Feet: 1,376; Color: Aspen Gold; Finish: Embossed; Coating: Fluorofinish; Gauge: 22/26.

• Structural Standing Seam Roof Systems SRS® 2 1.33. Square Feet: 6,644; Color: Lee Ivory; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Fluorofinish.

• Profile Series BR5-36. Square Feet: 4,257; Color: Roseland Rose; Finish: Smooth; Coating: Sundance AM; Gauge: 22.

• C/S Louvers.