Architect：BCWH Architects Tappé Architects

Location：3504 King Henry Ct, Richmond, VA 23223, USA

Project Year：2019

Category：Libraries

The weather conditions in Virginia (United States) led the designers to choose an innovative solution for the new library in town. 

CUPACLAD® 101 PARALLEL

 system was the final decision due to slate’s performance and its distinguishing aesthetic touch.

The original 

Fairfield Library

 opened in 1976, so the neighbours were asking for a plan to extend the building in order to adapt it to the new needs of the community. The design team held into account the local demands before planning the enlargement.

The architects also decided to deliver a 

contemporary solution

, and this included the building envelope to be clad with a natural state rainscreen. For the library’s exterior façade, they ordered 1.500 square meters of the CUPACLAD

 Parallel 101 System.

Matt Berk

, co-owner of 

EcoSupply Center

, the distributor which provided the slate material, stated:

“T

he collaboration of 

Tappé Architects

 of Boston and 

BCWH Architects

The hot, humid summers of the county and the moderately cold winters were a main challenge for the designers. The project lost over 100 days due to harsh weather conditions, but the county didn’t agree to extend the deadline.

Site conditions were challenging due to drainage problems that probably should have been considered early in the process. Additionally, slogging through wet Virginia clay while moving materials and machinery to-and-from the jobsite, presented extreme challenges, as well”

, explains Berk.

Due to these delays in the construction, the cladding project had to start before the exterior structure was ready for it.

This had to take place prior to the windows being installed!

”, summarizes Berk.

Once installed, 

slate guarantees a perfect performance

 in any weather condition. Fire-resistance and waterproofing of the slate also made this material the perfect solution for a large building that can host hundreds of visitors and all sorts of cultural events.  

Ken Rule

, CEO of The 

Vermont Slate Company

, stated:

“The materials are 100% sustainable. Unlike artificial products, skilled craftsmen handcraft our natural slate, with no additional surface treatment required. Additionally, our systems are quick and easy to install by any facade contractors. Once installed, the slate is permanently fixed in a safe manner; therefore, no maintenance is ever needed”

“And last,” concluded Rule, “

The CUPACLAD

 System is very modern. There are so many possibilities offered in designing with natural slate. The systems used are light and versatile… and, can be adapted to virtually any exterior façade

.”

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