The SCAD Forty tower is constructed of structural precast concrete and punctuated with large expanses of curtainwall glass systems. Given the predominance of concrete, steel, and glass in the building materials palette, SCAD Design Group was interested in incorporating natural and tactile materials at the human scale.

“Smith & Fong’s Deco palm served as the perfect panel product applied in high-traffic gathering spaces, lobbies, and near the elevators,” Vu said. “The rich, dark and modelled colors and texture of the palm provides a much-needed contrast to the cold concrete and glass, but still remains a neutral back-note to the vibrant artwork, furniture, and accessories featured in all SCAD interiors.”

The Right Halls

Deco panels are used in other dormitories across the campus, including Ruskin Hall and Herstand Hall. SCAD is also currently installing the Linear Line collection in its newest student housing project, Victory Village.

SCAD Design Group is the internal architecture and interior design office of SCAD. The SCAD Forty residence hall was designed in cooperation with Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and was constructed by Clayco.

“The Savannah College of Art and Design is the most prominent design school in the South,” Smith & Fong founder and CEO Dan Smith said. “We’re delighted the college’s interior design group chose Durapalm for not one but four different student housing projects.”

All Durapalm carved wall and ceiling panels are manufactured in the USA with imported and domestic materials. Panels are Class C fire-rated and surpass the requirements under CARB II formaldehyde emissions standards utilizing (ULEF) resins. Finished dimensions are 0.75”x47.75”x95.75”. Durapalm panels can contribute to USGBC’s LEED credits for Low-Emitting Materials and Biobased Materials.