Sometimes it’s about substance. SHW Group’s floating conference room, designed by architect, Mike Hall sits above the lobby of their atrium in Plano, Texas. The lofty conference room’s western side is covered with Austenite 55 Stainless Steel, a handsome finish that captures the light and reflects it, adding interest and distinction to the room.
The loft is cantilevered out into the atrium forming the office and is visible from the outside. It makes a statement when entering the atrium that was designed to interest clients as well as future employees. It is a remarkable way to add space without relocating or the expense of a major renovation. It uses less power than a roof top system. It is a very green space as it uses the natural light of the atrium, utilizes existing space and is clad in Austenite 55 stainless steel which will stand the test of time as it is fingerprint and corrosion resistant as well as easy to clean. The soft savings of minimal maintenance should not be underestimated in these trying economic times.
The design and development of the Cube began with the branding of SHW Group two years ago. Employees were asked to put things that they valued about SHW Group into a 3” x 3” cube.
When it came time to expand our space, architect Mike Hall suggested the Cube as an idea that was a symbolic element for their organization. A team of eleven led the project and as it progressed a sonnet was written by Ellis Heitzke-Kirkdorffer. The sonnet appears below to add a rare personal glimpse into the creative development.
SHW Group’s entrance has 2-1/2 story volume and the cube added interest visible both inside and outside the atrium. The cube is 22’x22’, has glass on 3 sides and Austenite 55 on the other. It is 10’ above the floor, 12’ in height, high enough, yet low enough to draw interest. Sound is absorbed with a textile ceiling and carpeting. Mecho shades are used on the windows to diffuse the light.
When researching finishes, what caught the SHW Group material coordinator’
SHW Group is currently LEED Silver on their space. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures.
Austenite 55 is rated best for corrosion resistance, cleanability and fingerprint resistance. It has better visual uniformity and good flatness for installation. Contrarian Metal Resources in Pennsylvania distributes the product, which is manufactured by Thyssen Krupp Nirosta®. According to Jim Halliday, President of CMR, “Austenite 55 is a remarkable finish with a variety of facets in the surface that create a dramatic effect from reflected light. It sparkles as you walk past it.”
“The finish looks architectural grade,” says Randy Richenberger, of Eklund’s, Inc., the installer on the project. “It is a very attractive metal, a great substitute for standard stainless steel for not much more money that brings out that architectural element.” he added.
Contrarian Metal Resources manufactures and distributes an unrivaled selection of finishes in stainless steel, titanium, and other high performance metals designed for architectural applications. Architectural finishes from Contrarian Metal Resources create an environmentally responsible solution for roofing and wall panel systems, elevators, column covers and other building elements. CMR's products are green in every sense as they are produced from recycled materials, require little maintenance and offer low life cycle cost by virtue of their sustainability.
For more information call 1-866-360-5100 or visit www.metalresources.net.
