The Plymouth State University Ice Arena in Plymouth, New Hampshire includes a 4,000 sq. ft. welcome center component and stands as the “front door” to the expanding campus. The 60,000 sq. ft. facility includes an innovative geothermal system that actually creates ice as well as heats the building. Featured on the exterior of the building is some 15,000 sq. ft. of Metl-Span CF-36 Architectural Flat insulated wall panels. The 3” panels were finished in Metallic Silver, Regal Gray and Polar White.

The facility is an integral component of the ALLWell Center, a master-planned 60-acre campus dedicated to athletics, recreation and related academic programs. The area was designed by Sasaki Associates, Boston. “Plymouth State is committed to respecting the environment,” said Bill Massey, principal. “Working within a very tight, fixed budget, we sought to implement ambitious sustainability initiatives. There are only a few ice arenas in the country that have a similar geothermal system.”

The facility features an NHL-size rink, locker rooms, athletic training rooms and coaches offices. The arena seats 860 fans and also serves the surrounding community as a venue for recreational skating and special events.

The Metl-Span panels interface with masonry on the Welcome Center portion and a CME block base that runs the length of the arena. “We looked at a lot of panel systems and ended up with Metl-Span because of its aesthetic character and high performance,” Massey added.

The Metl-Span panels were installed by Construx, Inc., Plymouth, NH.

The general contractor was Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc., Portland, ME. Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering, Laconia, NH, was also involved with the project.