Originally built in the 1960’s, the exterior envelope of Mattahunt Elementary School in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston was failing. In considering repairs, the Boston Public Facilities Department sought to a new, long-term, high-performance, cost-effective building envelope that would express the education aspirations of the school. The solution was found with a new Dri-Design Rainscreen Metal Cladding System. In addition to meeting the established performance requirements, the new system—featuring .080” aluminum panels in Gray, Cool Gray, Daredevil, Orange, Resoant Blue and Clear Anodized—gives the building a modern, graphic appearance.

Architectural services for the renovation were provided by Gale Associates, Inc., Weymouth, MA, working in conjunction with Utile, Inc. Architecture + Planning, Boston. “The original exterior was a 40-year-old, 2” insulated metal panel system that was deteriorating and leaking at the U channel joint between the two floors,” noted Brian Neely, project architect with Gale Associates. “We looked at several exterior systems and selected the Dri-Design system based on high performance and cost benefit. It also allowed us to bring a lot of life and color to the renovated building.”

The Dri-Design panels also were used in a unique application regarding signage. Select panels were perforated to prominently spell out the name of the school on the exterior. “We were looking for a way to bring the name front and center,” Neely said.

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.

Photos by Mark Kempf, St. Louis, MO.