Zoller Inc.’s headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI, achieved the company's distinct, corporate-branded façade by relying on CENTRIA Formawall®’s ingenuity and customization. CENTRIA, a leading building envelope science company, provided approximately 24,500 square feet of Formawall high performance building envelope system for the 44,000 square-foot building.

“Zoller is a German manufacturer of high-tech, high-precision equipment and software with worldwide distribution,” said David Gebhardt, President, David R. Gebhardt Architect P.C., the firm responsible for the building’s design. “It was important that this sense of precision and craftsmanship was carried over into the façade via detail, crisp lines, and an overarching modern character. CENTRIA Formawall embodied these qualities, giving it the look and feel we desired.”

Formawall FWDS 3” metal panels were specified in Regal White, Rich Black, and Platinum. The design also required the creation of linear panels with a Laser Yellow, 6” custom reveal. The yellow hue was specific to the Zoller brand, and the overall façade conveyed modernity and the desired low, clean profile.

“The horizontal panel option we selected echoes the surrounding flat area on which the building is located; it gives the structure a low and sleek appearance,” Gebhardt added. “An added bonus, for us, was that the building colors reflect Zoller's corporate color scheme, and CENTRIA was able to provide the special custom color yellow accent band.”

Formawall FWDS metal panels provide outstanding aesthetics and value, along with maximum thermal performance and moisture control – all in a single component. All Formawall products include a halogen-free foam core with enhanced fire resistant properties that comes standard, enabling the architectural community to create a safer and more sustainable building environment.

The design team was also particularly appreciative of the fact that Formawall is all one system and can be easily and seamlessly installed.

“The panels were applied quickly and easily,” Gebhardt said. ‘We were very satisfied with the ongoing service of the design staff and subcontractor. All parties worked as a team, which helped with timing and collaboration.”

The building was completed in October 2017. O’Neil Construction was the general contractor and C.L Rieckhoff Inc. was the CENTRIA dealer and installer.