When Aesthetics Aren't the End Goal - Coatings That Last
March 2017
Previously published in Design and Build with Metal - Read Here
From colour and texture to sustainable features, today’s design options are endless. This is especially true within the architecture industry, as innovative and advanced technologies are allowing buildings to show off more personality than ever.
Specifically within this industry, coating manufacturers are constantly providing new and improved coating options and formulations that offer a variety of colours and effects. With these options, businesses and buildings in industries across the board are able to achieve a unique design goal — whether it’s increasing a brand identity or attracting new visitors.
A Natural Aesthetic
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication at Arizona State University cuts a striking figure in downtown Phoenix. The boxy building features the exterior architectural coating colours of Colonial Red, Terra Cotta and Copper Penny — all specifically selected to match the nearby desert. The colour design was also selected to mimic the FCC’s radio spectrum chart — helping the building both fit in with its surroundings and tell a story about its purpose.
A Cohesive Aesthetic
Chaffin Junior High School wanted to spark creativity and innovation with its massive renovation in 2014. Matching the school’s colours and creating a distinctive appearance and entrance, the coating colours Gold Watch, Harvest Gold Seawolf, Coronado Red and Dark Green were used across the front of the building.
A Bold Aesthetic
Bold colours don’t often come to mind when picturing copper mines. In an effort to provide a cost-effective yet highly visible design, the builders of the Caserones and Sierra Gorda mines in Chile took an unconventional approach and coated the dome-like structures in a bright green colour to help the structures stand out, even in snow.
A Cheerful Aesthetic
Summer camp is a cherished tradition for many families, giving kids an outlet to connect with new friends, learn new skills and enjoy the great outdoors. But for children with life-threatening illnesses, this tradition is one amongst many that can autumn by the wayside, taking a backseat to medical appointments and health concerns. The Centre for Courageous Kids in Scottsville, Kentucky helps children experience the same feelings from summer camp while being near the onsite care facility. The facilities feature a white building with a metal roof finished in a vibrant blue exterior architectural coating that stands out against the surrounding green acres. The white and blue combo was selected because it provides a cheerful, happy and crisp aesthetic, showing in a very visual way the happiness provided by this facility.
A Changing Aesthetic
The revitalisation of the Exploration Tower at Florida’s Space Coast and Canaveral Cove coincided with the Port’s 60th anniversary. Taking cues from the shapes and hues of the port, a seven-story sail-shaped structure was developed to express the common characteristics of “transience, function and imagery.” A chameleon-like mica coating was spray-applied to the exterior of the structure, contributing to a constant sense of movement as the sun plays across the structure — causing a shift in colour and exposing an iridescent-like skin.
A Lasting Aesthetic
An Arkansas homeowner, who works within the architectural industry, knew he wanted a metal roof for his home because of its added durability and fewer required repairs. To achieve added protection, he chose to apply an architectural metal coating with a crinkle finish to the metal roof panels. This coating further protects exterior metal panels from harsh environmental elements and offers resistance to abrasion, chipping and marring. In addition, not only does the crinkle finish hide any imperfections in the roof, it also provides the home with a unique appearance, different from most other options on the market.
Although the range of design opportunities already seem endless, it’s important for coating manufacturers to continuously provide new and innovative choices to our customers, in order to help them achieve their desired sustainability, durability and aesthetic goals.
Jeff Alexander has been with Valspar for 19 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for the company’s Coil and Extrusion Businesses. He is also a past president of the National Coil Coating Association.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 1, 2017. Valspar was acquired by The Sherwin-Williams Company on June 1, 2017.
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication, photo courtesy of Metal Sales
Chaffin Junior High School
Caserones and Sierra Gorda Mines
The Centre for Courageous Kids, photo courtesy of Petersen Aluminium
Explortation Tower at Port Canaveral
Batterton House
