CENTRIA, a building envelope science company, provided 6,570 total square feet of metal panels from its Formawall Dimension Series, Graphix and Ecoscreen perforated screenwall lines for the new Kent Police Station in Kent, Ohio.

 

Designed to represent the neighborly relationship between police and the local community, the structure provides an aesthetic transition between the modern Kent State College Architecture and Design Building and the more classic structures on campus and in the area.

 

“CENTRIA was an integral part of the design solution from start to finish,” says Eric Pros, director of design, DS Architecture, the firm responsible for the design. “The Formawall metal plate and Ecoscreen perforated screenwall were utilized to effectively establish the Kent Police station as a transition between the historic downtown district and the more modern developments on campus. We selected the Allura Terra Cotta finish to echo the masonry context around this site, aiding in unifying the community — visually and physically. The large format metal panels we specified added a unique rhythm and pattern, which allowed us to create a more distinct, cleaner façade, which breaks down the larger masses of the building, and makes it feel more approachable.”

 

The Formawall Dimension Series Graphix panels achieve unique project aesthetics with a limited number of panels, and diminishes the likelihood of air or water infiltration. The selected Allura Terra Cotta finish is a premium PVDF coating, presenting a matte, low-gloss finish. CENTRIA’s DS60 Formawall panels present a distinct profile, which further adds aesthetic interest to the structure. Additionally, CENTRIA’s Ecoscreen perforated screenwall was specified on a unique fin where the building name is prominently displayed. LED lighting will soon be incorporated into the Ecoscreen panels to make the station more visible and accessible to community members.

 

“CENTRIA’s Ecoscreen allowed our team to incorporate lighting into the structure,” Pros added. “The entrance to the building can be accessed from two different sides and is visible from four different directions. The Ecoscreen fin and signage will seem to glow from within, establishing the police station as a safe haven in the community.”

 

The project was completed in April 2018, and staff are currently preparing to move into the building. The general contractor was RFC Contracting. Vulcan Metal Sales was responsible for installation.