“One of the important goals was to make sure the building stood out,” says Anne-Lee Vandenbussche, director of planning and management at Wayne State University. “It’s the first WSU building you see driving down Woodward toward downtown Detroit.”
Both modern and traditional design elements were important for the design, as the building itself is a juxtaposition of existing and new construction. Covering one square block, the facility includes the repurposed space from a former historic 1927 auto dealership, designed by renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn. The historic building was expanded with 7246 m2 (78,000 sf) of new construction.
“Granite as a material selection provides a nice connection between the existing and the new,” says Vandenbussche. “It’s considered a timeless product. Granite gives the appearance of a building with 50 to 80 years behind it, but it looks modern, too.”
Granite’s inherent durability is a good choice for universities, where ease of maintenance and the ability to stand the test of time are two important considerations. The granite’s durability was further enhanced by its incorporation into a rainscreen cladding system.
Achieving success with the rainscreen required close coordination between the stone fabricator and supplier. They designed the track-type hanging system needed to support the granite panels. Ultimately, the fabricator and supplier met the project’s requirements and schedule and achieved the look the university and architect wanted. A team of contractors implemented the plan for a successful installation and completion of the rainscreen. Every team member involved, from design to installation, had to be engaged and precise to ensure the rainscreen was properly completed.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver building is an important project for Wayne State University, as it enables the university to participate in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and initiatives. Further, the university played a key role in the economic revitalization of Midtown Detroit by redeveloping 1.11 ha (2.75 acres) of vacant real estate.
“Everyone loves this building, and we get a lot of compliments on it,” says Vandenbussche. “We’re proud to be the gateway to the university from Detroit.”
Clad with a rainscreen system to prevent moisture and freeze-thaw damage, IBio will provide a long-lasting solution for the students at Wayne State, as well as the people of Detroit.
