For a four-building renovation project, 11,800 sq. ft. of new metal wall panels may not seem like a lot. But without question, the visual impact of the inclusion of Laminators' Omega-Lite panels on the exterior of the Moda Sorrento complex in San Diego, CA was significant.
Moda Sorrento is a 4-building life sciences lab and office complex located in the Sorrento Mesa sub-market of central San Diego. Situated on a 6.58-acre lot, Moda Sorrento was transformed from a dated development into a highly attractive, ultramodern, Class A office campus. All four single-story buildings feature multiple store-front entrances, loading doors and extensive amounts of glass.
Moda Sorrento's transformation began with the transfer of ownership in August 2014. Hannah Gabriel Wells, a San Diego-based architectural firm, and general contractor Lusardi Construction Co., San Marcos, CA, were then retained to give the property a total makeover, which included a dramatic facelift, new landscaping, lobby upgrades and more.
As part of the significant exterior upgrade, Sylvester Roofing, Escondido, CA, installed almost 12,000 sq. ft. of Laminators Incorporated Omega-Lite AMC panels. The specified color was classic Bone White. Architectural Building Products, Buffalo, NY was the product distributor.
Omega-Lite panels offer a highly decorative look but also have the strong, durable finish necessary for exterior use. Composed of a corrugated polypropylene core between two finished aluminum sheets, these panels are non-absorbent, water-resistant and easy to maintain. They also maintain a class A fire rating and are NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 285 approved for four of Laminators proprietary installation methods.
Knowing unique geometry was the focal point of the exterior facade, the architect specified Laminators' Clip & Caulk installation system for the Moda Sorrento project. The Clip & Caulk installation system provides a Rout and Return "look" without the hassle of prefabricating the panels, greatly reducing the total installed cost. It is a popular choice among architects and installers who are looking for a flat look and hidden fastening. Panels can be cut onsite with few peripheral accessories needed for installation.