Contrarian Metal Resources' InvariMatte stainless steel finish was selected for the construction of Jamaica AirTrain JFK Terminal, a $350 million multimodal transfer point that links the new light rail system from JFK International Airport to the Long Island Rail Road, New York City Transit subway lines, and ground transportation centers.
In 2001, construction began on the terminal, which is located in the Jamaica section of Queens. It was completed in 2006. The AirTrain terminal enables passenger connections to the AirTrain JFK system. The spacious and functional design features glass and aluminum curtain wall, terrazzo floors, stainless steel, granite and veneer plaster walls, and durable stainless steel roof panels.
"InvariMatte stainless steel was a great choice for the Jamaica AirTrain Terminal because of its uniform, low-glare finish, combined with perfect roof panel execution on the part of Overly Manufacturing, and an excellent design," said Jim Halliday, president, Contrarian Metal Resources. "The result is a beautiful and enduring piece of architecture."
"I've worked with Contrarian for many years and have always been pleased with the performance of their stainless steel finishes," says Jim Mersich manager of Overly Manufacturing. "Due to the surrounding hi-rise buildings and condominiums, and the fact that this is a multimodal transfer point, reflectivity was a concern. InvariMatte's low-glare finish and uniformity was the perfect solution."
Overly Manufacturing's Batten B Roof System allowed for the sweeping design of the terminal's portal roof structure. The system features an internal drainage component which removes any moisture that migrates into the system and carefully designed joints that allow for controlled expansion and contraction in all directions. The InvariMatte stainless steel material was also used on the extensive platform roof areas.
"InvariMatte is a sensible choice as a cladding material in dense urban environments," continued Halliday. "While stainless steel addresses corrosion and paint failure concerns due to smog and jet fuel residue, other stainless steel finishes are just too bright to be used in glare-sensitive locations like transportation centers. The uncoated InvariMatte texture delivers the sustainability of stainless steel without concern for glare. The highly-engineered finish is also very uniform, which creates a beautiful installation."
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, served as the project's architects. Contracting duties were performed through a joint venture of Perini Corp. and Tutor-Saliba Corp., Peekskill, NY. Greensburg, PA-based Overly was the roof system manufacturer while installation was handled by Tuckahoe Metal & Roofing Co., Yonkers, NY.
InvariMatte is a non-directional, low gloss, uniformly textured stainless steel finish designed for use in architectural applications. While its lower reflectivity lends itself to roofing applications, it can be applied to wall panels, coping and trim. The reliable consistency of the finish results in excellent panel-to-panel matching. Since InvariMatte has no coatings to deteriorate, it will last indefinitely with little maintenance. InvariMatte is readily welded or soldered and available in coils and cut lengths up to 288” and widths ranging from 0.75” to 49”. Because stainless steel is dimensionally stable up to 2000-degrees Fahrenheit, InvariMatte provides an added measure of protection in the event of a fire. Contrarian Metal Resources offers a 30-year warranty on Grades 304, 304L, 316, and 316L.