NEWS

New Multi-Use Building in Philadelphia Takes it to the Next Level

Over 14,000 Sq. Ft. of Omega-Lite® ACM Panels Handsomely Clad Exterior

Hatfield, PA – Sitting on the corner of 43rd and Chestnut streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this 250,000 sq. ft., 7-story multi-use building features over 280 luxury apartments and various retail stores. Next LVL (now renamed SOLO on Chestnut) offers state-of-the-art living in the epicenter of University City—just blocks away from the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Residents can choose from several types of apartments including studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms all which have access to a picnic/bbq area, rooftop dog run/pet washing station, conference rooms, community work space, media room, fitness center, parking garage, etc.

The exterior of the building features Charcoal Grey Omega-Lite® ACM panels. The architects from JKRP Architects, Philadelphia, PA chose Omega-Lite panels because they offer a highly decorative, strong, and durable surface finish for exterior wall surfaces. Composed of a polypropylene, corrugated core between two finished aluminum sheets, these panels are non-absorbent, water-resistant and easy to maintain.

Approximately 14,600 sq. ft. of Omega-Lite panels were installed by Makosh Services Inc., Philadelphia, PA, using Laminators’ Clip & Caulk installation system. Overseeing the installation was general contractor, The HOW Group, Conshohocken, PA.

The new and improved Back-Drained and Ventilated Clip & Caulk installation system from Laminators provides the traditional look of a shop-fabricated wet seal system without the added hassle and cost of panel fabrication. The back-drained and ventilated sub-framing provides enhanced system performance through improved moisture management and increased ventilation.

The Clip & Caulk installation system has been successfully tested to the NFPA 285 standard for multi-story fire testing for installations over gypsum sheathing, concrete masonry unit (CMU)/concrete, and Laminators’ Omega CI® Rigid Insulation Panel. This system gives designers and installers the freedom to choose any air and water barrier product that can be installed over plywood sheathing (Note: NFPA 285 requirements were met using Barritech VP).

Laminators’ Clip & Caulk installation system provides the Rout and Return “look” without the hassle of prefabricating the panels, greatly reducing the total installed cost. This easy, field-proven method is the choice of architects and installers who are looking for a very flat look without visible fasteners. The panels can be cut on-site with few peripheral accessories needed for installation.

Color-matched caulk gives a beautiful monochromatic look, while contrasting caulk can be used with eye-pleasing results. Clip & Caulk looks great in combination with masonry, glass, 1-piece extruded molding systems or by itself in a stand-alone application. Since the extrusions are designed to encapsulate sealants, there are no exposed sealants and no maintenance. 

Laminators’ Omega-Lite panels installed with the Clip & Caulk system guaranteed next LVL a class A fire rating as well as met NFPA 285, Miami-Dade County Product Control and Florida Product Approval requirements. Laminators Inc. manufactures high-quality ACM panels that meet these stringent performance levels and provide design professionals and building owners the confidence that their cladding will withstand the most extreme conditions. 

Click here to view more project pictures.