PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates Medical Facility in Opelika, AL

Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates broke ground on a new facility in the East Alabama Medical Center on September 6, 2019 to offer physicians more space and technology.  The new 37,700 square foot, two-story facility needed to be built quickly – in just eight months – leaving Architect J. Douglas McCurry looking for solutions.  Mr. McCurry reached out to MaxLife for assistance in designing a building envelope system that would meet code requirements and eliminate the traditional grid (z-girt) system. 

Click here to learn how ArmorWall Symmetrical Panel (SP) and Vapor Permeable (VP) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM were specified for the project and installed quickly, saving a wealth of time and money.

#gym

Life Time Fitness Biltmore in Phoenix, AZ

Life Time Fitness is known for their large fitness facilities that serve hundreds of people per day in urban and rural areas.  After speaking with the MaxLife Industries team for years about ArmorWall Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM, this project became the third Life Time building to incorporate it.  For this project in Phoenix, AZ, constructing such a large building in a densely populated area of downtown surrounded by office, retail and residential buildings presented a few challenges for the project team.  One of great importance was the need for the building’s envelope system to include fire-rated assemblies that would prevent any fire starting at the Life Time building from spreading to others nearby.  Enter ArmorWall.

Click here to learn how Life Time Fitness realized many benefits on this project that resulted in the company including ArmorWall into the design of all of its future gym buildings nationwide.

Restoration Hardware in Charlotte, NC

ArmorWall Vapor Permeable (VP) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM was selected as the exterior sheathing material on the newest Restoration Hardware project in Charlotte, located just an hour away from MaxLife’s manufacturing plant in Salisbury.  The owners and construction team selected ArmorWall VP due to its ability to save time during installation and reduce the number of contractors on-site, which offers further time and cost savings compared to traditional materials and methods. 

Click here to learn more about how the ArmorWall installation went easily and worked well with the stucco finishing.

Cape May Commons in Cape May, NJ

This retail center was in desperate need of renovations that included a new exterior envelope that could better withstand the harsh Northeast winters than the prior. ArmorWall Vapor Permeable (VP) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM was installed by local crews using standard tools and materials.  The ArmorWall VP shipment arrived on time and was stored indoors prior to a quick and easy installation.

Click here for more photos from this project.

Vehicle Storage Facility in Fort Lauderdale, FL

If you were planning to build a collectible vehicle storage building in Florida with millions of dollars of other people’s valuables in it, you’d probably want to make sure that the building is waterproof, durable and able to withstand hurricanes.  Wouldn’t you?  Enter MaxLife Industries’ first project with ArmorWall Non Permeable (NP) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM.  New to the ArmorWall product line, ArmorWall NP offers a non-permeable barrier that addresses unique needs in hot, moist and humid climates in cities like Fort Lauderdale, FL.  For this storage facility, a traditional CMU block wall system was constructed.  But, instead of following the traditional method of filling the blocks with insulation, a better system was sought after that would allow for a stronger attachment with the exterior metal cladding, while still meeting the continuous insulation requirements of Florida’s energy code.  A strong supporter of continuous insulation for many years, the project architect evaluated several product options from Hunter, Kingspan and Centria before specifying ArmorWall.  And why did ArmorWall win out?  The architect realized that ArmorWall’s ability to combine several traditional components into one – while also meeting continuous insulation requirements – would afford the project increased durability and weather protection while also saving time and money during the installation process. 

Click here to learn how the project team used ArmorWall in place of several traditional materials to save time, save money and increase durability and weather resistance.

Anne Springs Close Greenway “Gateway” in Fort Mill, SC

The Anne Springs Close Greenway “Gateway” Welcome Center opened in the fall of 2019 to welcome guests to the 2,100-acre nature preserve and outdoor recreation site in Fort Mill, SC.  The new 6,300-square-foot welcome center provides a “front door” for first time visitors and returning guests to the area.  Mid-way through construction during a rainy spring season, the architect and general contractor realized that a different building enclosure system was needed – one that could be installed in wet conditions – in order to prevent the project from falling further behind schedule. 

Click here to learn how ArmorWall was brought into the project to not only help get it back on schedule, but deliver added value in sustainability and durability.

Municipal Maintenance Facility in Prior Lake, MN

One of the greatest benefits of ArmorWall is its high performance in cold climate zones.  By combining up to four traditional components and trades into one, the installation process is faster, cheaper and easily adapts to harsh weather conditions.  Fasteners adhere the 4’ x 8’ panels to studs or framing, sealants cover fastener holes and seams, and a variety of cladding systems are attached on a smooth and flat surface.  All of this can be done in harsh weather conditions including rain, snow and low temperatures.

Click here to learn more about this project and to read our interview with architect Ron Betcher of OERTEL ARCHITECTS, LTD. in St. Paul, MN to learn how ArmorWall came to be a critical solution on a new municipal maintenance facility in Prior Lake, MN, as well as a new opportunity for future projects.

East Maine Early Learning Center in Des Plaines, IL

Located in Des Plaines, IL, the 40,000-square-foot East Maine Early Learning Center was constructed in 2020 to serve the growing population of preschool children living in the local school district.  The new building provides STEM, nutrition and active play learning hubs and has a large playground area and a separate sensory playground area.  The school building was built with longevity, durability, comfort and low operating costs in mind.  A geothermal heating and cooling system ensures comfort and natural materials are used throughout the interior.  ArmorWall Vapor Permeable (VP) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM was used on the project to help with the tight budget by providing provide low installation and labor costs with lasting durability. 

Click here to learn how ArmorWall was specified for the project after other products were value engineered out due to long installation times and high labor costs.

City of Mason Municipal Aquatic Center in Mason, OH

Can a single building enclosure system save time and money on multiple building projects?  ArmorWall can!  In the fall of 2019, the City of Mason began demolition of an outdoor pool in order to make way for the construction of a new state-of-the-art aquatic center with both indoor and outdoor amenities, and an addition to follow, that would serve as a premier amenity for City of Mason residents.  The new center features a heated leisure pool, an enclosed 50-meter pool, a community room, a catering area and covered entrance that welcomes guests.  Like other projects where our products are used, ArmorWall wasn’t specified in the original design.  For this project, a traditional building enclosure system had been planned, but, a cost-benefit analysis performed once construction began revealed that a less expensive system was needed.  When assessing ArmorWall, the project team determined that the slightly higher up-front costs of the ArmorWall product would yield $11,000 in total project savings through a faster installation time and less labor on the job, and an overall increase of 6 – 9% energy efficiency! 

Click here to learn how the project team evaluated ArmorWall’s ability to save time, save money, improve energy efficiency and enable the City to expand the building at a lower cost.

North Carolina School of Science and Math in Morganton, NC

Thanks to a forward-thinking architecture firm and project team, this building was the first to specify ArmorWall Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM in its original plans!  In 2019, Duda Paine Architects LLP was looking for a building envelope solution that could be installed quickly and in many different types of weather to help clients save time and money on projects, particularly those taking place in the rainy spring season of North Carolina.  Through an educational lunch-n-learn with MaxLife’s National Sales Manager, Beau Preston, the firm’s staff was introduced to ArmorWall.  Soon after, the firm specified ArmorWall for a new project.  Through a very extensive submittal process, ArmorWall Non-Coated (NC) was first specified but was later value-engineered out in favor of ArmorWall Vapor Permeable (VP).  Doing so further reduced installation costs from the original plans as ArmorWall VP costs less than NC when a spray applied air barrier is used.  Switching to VP saved an entire trade from being added to the job, reducing trade overlap and creating less work for the general contractor.  Installer Precision Walls started with ArmorWall Below Grade (BG) around the foundation and followed up with ArmorWall VP on the above grade exterior walls.  The installation went so fast that the Precision Walls install team had to slow down several times!

Click here to learn how the project team used ArmorWall above and below grade to meet continuous insulation requirements while saving costs through a rapid installation performed in a wet spring season.

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC has been in dire need of expansion for its growing congregation over the past several years.  Through a five-year capital fundraising campaign that began in 2014, the church met its funding goal and began construction on a new building called Fellowship Hall in mid-2019.  The Committee tasked with overseeing the construction project was incredibly conscious of the project budget, “watching every penny” along the way.  ArmorWall was selected as the building envelope system for the new addition to ensure lasting durability and help to lower the energy and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the building. 

Click here to learn more about how ArmorWall was selected for this project.

Mixed-Use New Construction Building for Sawyer Yards in Houston, TX

A strong and durable building enclosure system was needed as the first wall in a new two-story mixed-use development.  To keep the project on schedule and budget, a solution was needed hat could be installed quickly ,cost-effectively and offer the strength and durability needed to meet racking and other structural requirements.

Click here to learn how ArmorWall Non-Coated (NC) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM became an invaluable part of this project.

Mixed-Use Building in Hoboken, NJ 

Courtesy of Cladding Concepts International:

In today’s challenging construction climate, it is critical to do more, faster and with less! ArmorWall allows you to complete crucial building envelope installation faster, with less staff and with increased transparency to ensure quality.  Here is a current CCI project at 401 Jackson in Hoboken, NJ. Our inspection photos show after 5 days that a major portion of the pictured façade has had ArmorWall VP board installed. The crew is made up of 3 people, using no scaffolding, just a boom lift with cleats. Since ArmorWall is easily installed, and is also structure, the boards and the façade itself can be installed more easily, and in some cases without the need for costly scaffolding.

Click here to learn how a 3-person crew is able to install up to 1,100 sf of panels per day!

Energy Square Multifamily Net Zero Energy Building in Kingston, NY

Located in New York’s Hudson Valley area, RUPCO is the region’s leading provider of and advocate for quality, affordable housing and community development programs aimed to provide opportunity and revitalize communities.  In 2019, the 501(c)(30 agency broke ground on the region’s first net zero energy mixed occupancy multifamily building.  Named “Energy Square” for its net zero energy, energy efficiency and sustainability characteristics, upon completion the building will serve as a testament to sustainable housing and rental opportunities that fosters community development and revitalization.  ArmorWall was specified for the project as the high R-value of our continuous insulation will help the building meet its net zero energy goals.  In addition, the added durability and water resistance will help ensure that tenants have a comfortable, energy efficient and low maintenance housing complex to live in for many many years.  These energy and durability benefits are great for the occupants, but the project’s architect, general contractor and installer are certain to enjoy the reduced time and labor costs realized from the fast installation process offered by ArmorWall.

Coming soon: See for yourself how the ArmorWall installation process saves time and money while helping RUPCO achieve its goal of net zero energy to benefit itself and enrich the lives of the building’s tenants.

Multifamily Building in Rego Park, Queens, NY

Coming soon: Learn how ArmorWall was specified on this multifamily building in Rego Park, Queens, NY.

Cape May Commons in Cape May, NJ

This retail center was in desperate need of renovations that included a new exterior envelope that could better withstand the harsh Northeast winters than the prior. ArmorWall Vapor Permeable (VP) Structural Insulated Sheathing^TM was installed by local crews using standard tools and materials.  The ArmorWall VP shipment arrived on time and was stored indoors prior to a quick and easy installation.

Click here for more photos from this project.