Glidewell Investments & Insurance Group, Missoula, Mont.
Retrofit Team
Architect: Eric Hefty & Associates, Missoula
Panel Installer: Sapphire Construction, Florence, Mont., (406) 880-2749
Materials
Approximately 2,000 square feet of RHEINZINK Flat Lock Tiles were installed on the building. The 0.08-millimeter panels were finished in prePatina graphite-grey.
“I like the RHEINZINK material but had never used it before,” says Eric Hefty, architect. “The use of the zinc was an easy sell with the owner. I’ve worked with them before and we have an excellent relationship. The design drawings didn’t adequately show the beauty of the materials and everyone was even more excited when they saw the new building.”
To give the building greater dimension, Hefty designed unfinished steel frames on the exterior as an accent component with a steel wainscoating around the base. “The steel and RHEINZINK fit together really well,” Hefty says. “It’s a great combination of materials.”
Flat Lock Tiles: RHEINZINK
Fabricator and Panel Distributor: Sheet Metal Supply
The Retrofit
The contemporary new home of Glidewell Investments & Insurance Group barely resembles the 1960s concrete-block structure that preceded it. Hefty created a design that met his client’s desire to present a modern, stylish appearance. “They were expanding and wanted an impressive look,” Hefty says.
The 10,000-square-foot building is located in an emerging area of the city and qualified for tax relief from Missoula’s Redevelopment Agency. “The city approved the project as soon as we presented it to them,” Hefty recalls. “Zinc is a great material to work with. The patina gives it a life of its own. I think this is the only building in town that has zinc on it. I anticipate there’s going to be more as other people see it.”
Photo: RHEINZINK