New Multi-Use Building in Philadelphia Takes it to the Next Level
Over 14,000 Sq. Ft. of Omega-Lite® ACM Panels Handsomely Clad Exterior
Hatfield, PA – Sitting on the corner of 43rd and Chestnut streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this 250,000 sq. ft., 7-story multi-use building features over 280 luxury apartments and various retail stores. Next LVL (now renamed SOLO on Chestnut) offers state-of-the-art living in the epicenter of University City—just blocks away from the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Residents can choose from several types of apartments including studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms all which have access to a picnic/bbq area, rooftop dog run/pet washing station, conference rooms, community work space, media room, fitness center, parking garage, etc.
The exterior of the building features Charcoal Grey Omega-Lite® ACM panels. The architects from JKRP Architects, Philadelphia, PA chose Omega-Lite panels because they offer a highly decorative, strong, and durable surface finish for exterior wall surfaces. Composed of a polypropylene, corrugated core between two finished aluminum sheets, these panels are non-absorbent, water-resistant and easy to maintain.
Approximately 14,600 sq. ft. of Omega-Lite panels were installed by Makosh Services Inc., Philadelphia, PA, using Laminators’ Clip & Caulk installation system. Overseeing the installation was general contractor, The HOW Group, Conshohocken, PA.
The new and improved Back-Drained and Ventilated Clip & Caulk installation system from Laminators provides the traditional look of a shop-fabricated wet seal system without the added hassle and cost of panel fabrication. The back-drained and ventilated sub-framing provides enhanced system performance through improved moisture management and increased ventilation.
The Clip & Caulk installation system has been successfully tested to the NFPA 285 standard for multi-story fire testing for installations over gypsum sheathing, concrete masonry unit (CMU)/concrete, and Laminators’ Omega CI® Rigid Insulation Panel. This system gives designers and installers the freedom to choose any air and water barrier product that can be installed over plywood sheathing (Note: NFPA 285 requirements were met using Barritech VP).
Laminators’ Clip & Caulk installation system provides the Rout and Return “look” without the hassle of prefabricating the panels, greatly reducing the total installed cost. This easy, field-proven method is the choice of architects and installers who are looking for a very flat look without visible fasteners. The panels can be cut on-site with few peripheral accessories needed for installation.
Color-matched caulk gives a beautiful monochromatic look, while contrasting caulk can be used with eye-pleasing results. Clip & Caulk looks great in combination with masonry, glass, 1-piece extruded molding systems or by itself in a stand-alone application. Since the extrusions are designed to encapsulate sealants, there are no exposed sealants and no maintenance.
Laminators’ Omega-Lite panels installed with the Clip & Caulk system guaranteed next LVL a class A fire rating as well as met NFPA 285, Miami-Dade County Product Control and Florida Product Approval requirements. Laminators Inc. manufactures high-quality ACM panels that meet these stringent performance levels and provide design professionals and building owners the confidence that their cladding will withstand the most extreme conditions.
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