University of Dayton, 1700 South Patterson Building, Dayton, Ohio
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT: Martz Architects LLC, Dayton
METAL PANEL INSTALLER: Spohn Associates Inc., Dayton, (937) 299-0781
Materials
Spohn Associates completed a mock-up installation on the structure to help everyone visualize how the metal panels would transform the structure because university officials wanted to maintain the original masonry look. Three colors of metal wall panels created a subtle blended effect that mimics the original terra cotta. The color variations of the metal panels are further enhanced by sunlight, adding a unique look to the façade.
During installation, a Tyvek weather barrier was installed over the existing clay tiles with galvanized hat channels placed at all horizontal joints. The existing tiles did not have to be removed because water damage had not permeated the structure. Spohn Associates then installed 80,000 square feet of rainscreen system. The 0.080-inch aluminum panels were finished in Clay Red, Dark Red Clay and Light Red Clay.
Wall panel and rainscreen system manufacturer: Dri-Design
The Retrofit
The 455,000-square-foot building was built in the 1970s and clad in terra-cotta tiles. After many years of sunlight and water exposure, the tiles started showing their age and some were falling off the building. “This really was a safety issue,” says Sam Davis with Spohn Associates. “This was an occupied building with tiles potentially falling 5 stories to the sidewalk below.”
With safety concerns addressed, university officials can continue to renovate the building’s interior. Reconfigurations have added the University of Dayton Research Institute and Alumni Center, as well as space for graduate classes, executive development programs and conferences, offices, an auditorium and a dining facility. A 1,600-space parking lot addition makes the revived structure accessible for graduate students and employees.
PHOTO: Mark Kempf