While just a small part of the overall design, the entrance canopy plays an important role in creating a positive first impression for visitors to the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston, MA. Completed in September 2006, the building was designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects of Boston. The aluminum plate panels utilized so extensively around the main entrance were fabricated by SAF Metal Fabrication of Atlanta, GA.

Southern Aluminum Finishing distributes aluminum sheets and extrusions for the commercial architectural market but in the case of this project, the company’s SAF Metal Fabrication division also provided complete design and fabrication services, including painting. The .125”-thick panels feature a custom Atlantic Silver PVDF paint finish by PPG. The panels were then used to wrap the columns, canopy framing pieces and soffits. Karas & Karas Glass of South Boston handled the installation.

In all, some 5,000 sq. ft. of the aluminum plate panels were incorporated on the exterior design of the building, which was completed in September 2006. Bovis Lend Lease of Boston was the project’s construction manager.