St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital, Savannah, Ga.
Retrofit Team
Architect: Freeman White, Charlotte, N.C.
Contractor: Rives E. Worrell Co., a J.E. Dunn company, Atlanta
Façade Dealer/Installer: SECO, Snellville, Ga.
Curtainwall Installer: Brinn Glass Inc., New Bern, N.C.
Materials
The following insulated metal panels were installed during the retrofit of the facility:
- Formawall Dimension Series 3-inch-T Vertical; 6,327 square feet; Cypress Olive color; Embossed finished; Duragard Plus coating; gauge: 22/26
- Formawall Dimension Series 3-inch-T; 1,572 square feet; Regal White color; Embossed finish; Duragard Plus coating; gauge: 22/26
- Formawall Dimension Series 3-inch-T; 34,568 square feet; Lee Ivory color; Embossed finish; Duragard Plus coating; gauge: 22/26
The metal panels offer weather resistance by utilizing pressure equalization along the length of the horizontal joinery. The manufacturer’s thermal and moisture protection technology ensures thermal efficiency, moisture control and weather protection. Concealed clips and fasteners eliminate any breaks in the exterior, resulting in a clean look. Formawall Dimension metal wall panels are EPD certified.
In addition, 13,000 square feet—9,000 square feet of spandrel glass and 4,000 square feet of vision glass—of Formavue Window (FV-400) Systems, which are designed for high performance and thermal efficiency, were installed on the building. With integrated details that feature thermal breaks aligned with the metal wall panel insulation, Formavue windows blend seamlessly with the Formawall Dimension Series panels.
The façade also includes 8,000 square feet of hurricane-resistant curtainwall. The largest area consists of custom-designed art glass with an internal frit pattern creating a nearly 7-story-tall Mercy Cross pattern above the hospital’s main entrance.
Finally, C/S Louvers installed on the building provide critical protection in areas where components meet.
Insulated Metal Panel and Window Manufacturer: CENTRIA
Aluminum Composite Panels Manufacturer: Altech
Steel Support System Manufacturer: ProFab Custom Fabricators
Curtainwall Manufacturer: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
Louvers Manufacturer: C/S Group
The Retrofit
In May 2013, St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital representatives announced their plans to renovate the existing 7-story tower façade to create a modern, energy-efficient, state-of-the-art facility that is wind resistant to 130 mph. The owner’s biggest concern was water infiltration and keeping the hospital operational with minimal impact to the patients.
The SECO team was acutely aware of the monumental challenges it faced. Sound tests demonstrative of exterior work were performed at several locations around the façade with measurements taken inside. Structural steel anchor pull-tests were performed on the structure, and hoisting and lifting plans were developed. A 13-phase schedule was mapped out, and SECO’s Engineering Department, spearheaded by Rich McConnaughy, worked hand-in-hand with CENTRIA to develop a method of supporting the new façade material.
SECO engineered, furnished and erected more than 135 tons of steel with all but the tube steel processed and fabricated by SECO’s fabrication division, ProFab.
The exterior façade renovations were completed on time in May 2014 without any injuries. The new façade not only improved the hospital’s energy efficiency, but also gave it a new look and identity.
PHOTO: SECO