Custom sunshades add unique character to Georgia’s student residence

by arslan_ahmed | February 24, 2024 10:00 am

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In Midtown Atlanta, Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD’s) FORTY FIVE creates a remarkable street presence with its custom-designed twisted sunshades, combining aesthetics and functionality.

With more than 400 art students calling it home, FORTY FIVE is equipped with amenities such as a rooftop pool, a 700-seat mainstage, a 150-seat black box theater, a courtyard for outdoor performances, and expansive academic spaces spanning 2,500 m² (27,000 sf).

The project’s architect, Mackey Mitchell Architects, was creatively challenged for FORTY FIVE, as it had to integrate public-facing elements into its street presence.

A pivotal element in this vision, the twisted sunshades from Construction Specialties, offered a dynamic facade that mirrored SCAD’s creative spirit. These metal extrusions, with a consistent twist, provide an illusion of movement. Available in two blade types, they cater to diverse design needs, creating a unique visual impact. They feature:

• 305 mm (12 in.) airfoil blades that have a maximum twist rate of 18.45 degrees/m (5.625 degrees/ft)
• 51 x 305 mm (2 x 12 in.) rectangular tube blades with a maximum twist rate of 14.35 degrees/m (4.375 degrees/ft)

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“We were fortunate enough to be able to go check out CS’s facility and watch the process. People think it’s just twisted metal, but what they’re able to do is pretty remarkable. They can take a straight-as-an-arrow piece of aluminum, twist it for about 20 seconds, and then it’s ready to go,” notes project manager Forrest Shaw with Southeastern Architectural Systems.

Functionally, the sunshades reduce glare, create a filtered light ambiance, and minimize solar heat gain, contributing to energy efficiency. Moreover, the twisted sunshades act as a fixed facade barrier, enhancing building safety.

 

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/custom-sunshades-add-unique-character-to-georgias-student-residence/

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