Panda Express, Philadelphia
RETROFIT TEAM
METAL PANEL INSTALLER: J&G Building Group, (302) 275-8824
MATERIALS
The former Mallas Building, constructed in the 19th century, has experienced many new tenants. As Panda Express prepared to move into the building, a facelift was needed to distinguish it from past tenants. The installation of Dri-Design with Perforated Imaging panels, which can be created from any digital picture or pattern, brings a sense of art and style to the bustling Philadelphia corner.
J&G Building Group installed 2,000 square feet of copper anodized Perforated Imaging panels. For the install, metal Z-furring was attached to the masonry walls of the building, followed by a layer of 3/4-inch plywood. The plywood was painted for weather protection. The crew then installed another layer of Z-furring to the plywood and attached the metal panels.
Dri-Design with Perforated Imaging uses advanced computer-based manufacturing to create complex images with perforations. By varying the size, location and density of the perforations, areas of light, dark and shadows in between are created to form an image or pattern. These perforations also allow the panel to provide airflow and/or shade to a structure.
Working on an older building always comes with challenges. “We assessed the existing conditions before construction began,” says Alexis King, project manager/estimator with J&G Building Group. “There were many inconsistencies in the existing masonry, which led to a fair amount of shimming of the Z-furrings to achieve a flat and straight substrate.”
Panda Express’ design team provided three patterns that are repeated throughout the perforated panels, creating a unique façade.
PERFORATED METAL PANELS: Dri-Design
PHOTOS: Dri-Design