Sometimes it’s the little things that count. Case in point is the Sorensen Station Parkade and Transit Terminal in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. The design of the three-story parking deck was elevated significantly by the incorporation of a relatively small amount of 4mm-thick Prismatic-finish ALPOLIC/fr aluminum composite material (ACM). Burnt orange-colored Prismatic-finish ACM panels trim the structure’s curved rooftop canopy while multiple colors of Prismatic-finish panels adorn the parking structure’s sidewalls. ALPOLIC/fr is a product of Mitsubishi Plastics Composites America Inc.
Igloo Erectors Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta, called the project one of its most interesting and challenging jobs. The company was responsible for the fabrication of the ALPOLIC panels, as well as their installation.
ALPOLIC’s Prismatic finish aluminum composite material uses FEVE technology with specialized mica flake pigments in the paint composition that causes light to reflect differently depending on viewing angles and time of day. The result is a surface that shifts colors or sparkles like diamonds. Those involved with the project commented on the “awe” of the color-changing ALPOLIC material, and are pleased with the facility’s contribution to Red Deer’s overall downtown revitalization.
John Murray Architectural Associates of Red Deer designed the parking structure and chose The firm called for the use of ALPOLIC’s Prismatic series to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the new facility and chose a custom color resembling orange juice for the main areas of the Parkade. The other Prismatic shades were personalized selections as well.
Work on the Sorensen Station Parkade and Transit Terminal was completed in mid-2010. It is named for one of Red Deer’s most well respected citizens, Gordon Lloyd Sorensen who began the city’s bus system back in 1957. The parking deck offers 300 monthly parking stalls as well as 100 daily spots. The structure also allows for expanded Transit office space, public washrooms, kiosk rentals, and a customer service center.
Shunda Consulting & Construction Management Ltd.; Red Deer, was the general contractor.