Though Super 1 Foods Stores are operated throughout Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, the company’s new store in Carencro, LA represents a prototype design not previously seen. Developed by parent-company Brookshire Grocery Company of Tyler, TX, the new store features approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of Metl-Span® CF36 and CF42 insulated metal panels and 7.2 rib panels to create the desired exterior look. The panels were finished in four complementary colors including Desert Beige, Compatible Cream, Golden Fleece and Silver.
The 56,000 sq. ft. store was designed by api(+) of Tampa, FL. According to project manager Michael Northcutt, “Metl-Span has been in Brookshire’s specifications for quite some time and our use of it was a direct result of the product being included in the prototype. The design took into account the positioning of Super 1 Foods as a price club or warehouse outlet with high-bay racking. We needed to convey a value-type exterior look with minimal decorative elements while also delivering an attractive, inviting appearance. We accomplished that by using horizontally-installed Metl-Span panels with bands of alternating colors as well as creating a tower feature at the entrance vestibule clad with the 7.2 rib panels.”
Northcutt reports that the prototype design has been well received by the public as well Brookshire management, and that the chain has completed a second version of the concept in Tyler, TX.
Installation of the Metl-Span panels was done by Southwest Vault Builders, Inc., Lewisville, TX. Southwest Vault Builders is a long-time installer of Metl-Span material, primarily in cold storage applications, according to estimator and project manager David Enoch. “This was an interesting project for us and for our craftsmen,” Enoch said. “It was one of the more technical jobs we’ve done to date and really demonstrates the design flexibility of Metl-Span. You can really do a lot of different things with IMP’s by opening your mind a little bit.”
Enoch also commented on the ease of installation of Metl-Span panels. “With IMP’s, the structure can be closed faster so that other trades can get in to start their work,” Enoch said. “That’s one of the reasons Brookshire uses Metl-Span—along with better thermal efficiency, of course.”