In the ten years between 1990 and 2000, the Boise Airport in Boise, ID, became an important domestic hub in the mid-northwest for both passenger and cargo traffic. Unprecedented growth--the result of a number of major employers relocating facilities to the region-- taxed the existing airport facilities beyond their capacity. In addition, the old structure was in need of a security upgrade. The City of Boise and the Federal Aviation Authority formulated a plan in 1999, and initiated construction in 2001. Two local architectural firms, CSHQA and HNTB, were charged with designing an open, airy structure that would meld with the immediate environment of the airport while reflecting a Boise River Valley theme, putting Boise’s best foot forward as a fitting gateway to the state of Idaho.

In response, the architects designed a 361,473 sq. ft., three-level terminal building with scooped, swooping roof trusses that resemble waves. The structure, which is primarily glass, is clad in Reynobond® ACM accented by a base of natural local sandstone. “One of our main criteria for the exterior cladding material was that it be a lifetime-duration building material that required little or no maintenance, and is contemporary in appearance,” said Ted Isbell of CSHQA. “We selected Reynobond® ACM because of the consistent and uniform quality of the material, its flatness, light weight and its sleek, modern appearance. Our major challenge was to find creative ways to make the ACM panels work with our creative concept without sacrificing the design. We’re very pleased with the results. The Reynobond® blends exceptionally well with the other materials, and has already exhibited extraordinary durability and strength. And, by employing a concealed Rain Screen system we were able to maintain the streamlined appearance of the terminal building.”

The new Boise Terminal was dedicated in June 2003. Custom Metal Contracting Ltd, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada fabricated the 30,000 sq. ft. of Reynobond® 4mm PE in a Platinum, PVDF/Kynar 500® finish for the structure’s exterior wall and fascia areas. Installed in CMPS' CP Series 30 Rain Screen System, the platinum ACM was accented with black vertical and horizontal joints. “The project took extensive layout and programming to maintain flowing lines through direction and plane changes,” said Jack Agnew of Custom Metal Contracting, Ltd. “The swooping curves of the roof line required the use of elliptical manufacturing techniques to fabricate panels for soffit and sunscreen to the Rotunda.” Layton Construction of Sandy, UT, was general contractor on the project, which was managed by AvAirPros of Florida.