In the following case studies, different types of rainscreen systems incorporate stone for a visually appealing result with various applications.
Wayne State Biosciences Center
In the world of higher education, buildings with inspiring designs play a key role in recruitment. When recruiting researchers, the stakes are even higher. The best and brightest in the research field want a standout facility where they can collaborate, test, and develop new technologies for the future. It was Wayne State University’s mission to create this type of environment for its new biomedical research facility project in Detroit, Michigan.
The project architect desired a rainscreen cladding system for the large granite panels, which averaged 2.74 x 1.22 m (9 x 4 ft). The rainscreen protects the building’s exterior wall from rainwater by preventing it from penetrating the interior of the facility. It also lowers the risk of wall rot by leaving space for drainage and evaporation. Further, the rainscreen provides additional benefits such as ease of maintenance, thermal insulation, and enhanced interior acoustic performance.
The $93-million Integrative Biosciences Center (IBio) was the culmiation of years of planning and construction. The building encompasses 19,230 m2 (207,000 sf) and is the largest construction project in Wayne State University’s history. The facility was designed to accommodate research activities for approximately 400 researchers, staff, and more than 50 principal investigators, visiting scientists, and scholars.
Multiple exterior finishes create an eye-catching design for IBio. Approximately 836 m2 (9000 sf) of black granite finish clads the building’s southern face. Other materials, such as glass and brick, were used as well—representing a fusion of modern and traditional design.
