Chicago is famous for its skyline, innovative architecture and many prominent buildings. Some consider Chicago to be the first truly American city because architecture along the east coast was strongly influenced by the original European settlers as opposed to people born in America. The new Godfrey Hotel continues The Windy City's tradition of architectural excellence, thanks in part to the use of insulated metal wall panels from Lewisville, TX-based Metl-Span on its exterior.
Designed by Valerio Dewalt Train of Chicago, The Godfrey is a luxury boutique hotel located in the downtown River North neighborhood. In addition to being architecturally engaging, the hotel is also quite welcoming, with 221 abundantly sized guest rooms and suites.
“Insulated metal panels were selected for their clean, modern tailored look,” said Kurt Volkman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C of the choice to go with the Metl-Span insulated panels. “The added benefit of this exterior cladding system was the all-in-one installation.”
Metl-Span’s CFA panels allowed for the installation of weather barrier, insulation and vapor barrier with one product.
Metl-Span provided 60,000 square feet of 2-inch thick, 30-inch wide, 22-gauge/26-gauge CFA Architectural Wall Panels in embossed Silver. The Metl-Span panels were installed over stud framing, attached with concealed fasteners in the side joint.
“Most recently, we have specified insulated metal panels for office buildings, a student housing tower, on this hotel and a mixed-use project that includes retail, office and K-12 school,” Volkman says.
All-American Exterior Solutions of Lake Zurich, Ill., installed the panels and kept the project running smoothly, with help from Metl-Span.
“This project was right in the heart of downtown Chicago,” says Mike Underwood of All-American Exterior Solutions. “We didn’t have room to store that much product during construction, so Metl-Span was very accommodating, delivering what we needed, when we needed it. The project was completed in nine or 10 phases, and like all projects, the schedule changed a few times, but Metl-Span was able to stay on top of it with us.”
Photographs by Mark Kempf