As part of the “BUILDING A BETTER DENVER” Bond Program, the new Denver Eastside Human Services facility serves qualifying applicants residing in the eastern portions of the city. The site for the striking new 54,000 sq. ft. building was previously an unused industrial lot but is now thriving in service of an estimated 80,000 individuals. The facility provides family and adult assistance services as well as comprehensive child welfare programs and boosts the area’s image architecturally, thanks in part to the use of DRI-DESIGN metal wall panels in its design.
The dramatic structure utilized approximately 23,000 square feet of DRI-DESIGN wall panels as an integral design component. The .080” aluminum panels were finished in Ultra Pure White and Amber Wave. The patented DRI-DESIGN Wall Panel System is an affordable dry joint, pressure-equalized rainscreen system.
In keeping with the objective of the Better Denver Bond Program to invest in infrastructure and to enhance and construct city facilities that touch lives, the Eastside Human Services Building is designed to engage the populous while providing needed services.
Architectural design was provided by RNL Design, Denver. “The social aspect of the building was one of the drivers,” noted Dominic Weilminster, a project designer. “We worked closely with the local community in the early design stage and took great care to mitigate the scale of the building in relation to the single family homes in the area. At the same time, we wanted a dynamic design that would become a vibrant point for the community around it. That building has clearly become a source of pride in an underserved neighborhood.”
The DRI-DESIGN panels interface with a significant amount of glass to provide openness and transparency in the public spaces. “We wanted the building to have a community center feel,” Weilminster said.
This project was the architect’s first experience with DRI-DESIGN. “While we sought a dramatic design, we also had the normal budget constraints. We had to make material choices that were economical. The DRI-DESIGN system was very competitive cost-wise,” explained Weilminster. “We also liked the range of panel sizes and the easy replaceability of panels should one become damaged.”
Installation of the DRI-DESIGN panels was done by Gen3 Construction, Lakewood, CO.
DRI-DESIGN panels are 100% recyclable and can be made from a variety of materials including zinc, copper, stainless steel and painted and anodized aluminum. Panels are available in any Kynar color and are sized and detailed to meet the specific requirements of each project. This cost effective system is Dade County and AAMA 508-07 approved.
For more information on the DRI-DESIGN® Wall Panel System, call 616-355-2970 or visit www.dri-design.com.