One of the largest and most eco-friendly clear-span buildings in Washington state features more than 8,000 square feet of metal wall and soffit panels from Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation. The 83,590-square-foot Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center in Tacoma, WA receives, sorts and transfers municipal solid waste and separates recyclable materials. The facility also houses administrative offices, a maintenance shop and a suspended observation mezzanine.
The project designers aimed to meet current design standards and regulations while increasing facility capacity and providing operational flexibility. The project was completed ahead of schedule, 20 percent under budget and achieved a LEED® Gold rating by scoring high in the construction waste management, indoor air quality and recycled materials categories.
Metal Sales ENERGY STAR® listed paint colors reflect a significant amount of solar heat energy and reduce the amount of energy needed for cooling. The panels are also 100% recyclable and contain up to 30% recycled material.
The concealed-fastener metal panels lend elegance to the structure’s exterior. TLC-2 panels with two pencil ribs in 22-gauge steel and painted a custom Serapi Green were applied vertically and horizontally between columns to evoke visual interest through variety. Horizontal 22-gauge TLC-1 flat panels in Metallic Silver create seamless outside corners and completely obscure the columns from external view. Exterior metal panels also form parapets to conceal roof-mounted mechanical equipment.
“Metal Sales panels were specified because they offer superior appearance and performance compared to standard metal building wall panels,” said Mike MacDonald, Project Manager, CHG Building Systems. “The panels were compatible with the metal building frame and ultimately provide excellent performance.”
Metal Sales has a 50-year heritage of outstanding customer service, and enjoys long-term relationships with many of its customers.
“CHG Building Systems has purchased Metal Sales products for more than 25 years. Metal Sales provides excellent technical support, assistance with submittals and on-time delivery of materials,” said MacDonald.
The Tacoma Recovery and Transfer Center was designed by J.R. Miller & Associates, Brea, CA. It was named the Public Works Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association and received a 2012 Award of Merit from the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association.
The project team included general contractor JE Dunn Construction Co., Portland, OR, and engineer HDR Engineering, Omaha. Varco Pruden Buildings, Memphis, provided the metal frame, erected by CHG Buildings Systems Inc., of Renton, WA.
For more information on Varco Pruden Buildings, visit www.vp.com.