The new Natural Sciences Building at South Puget Sound Community College features 6,592 square feet of Kalzip TF800R on its exterior walls and color matched extruded aluminum flashings.

The 52,000 square foot three-story structure in Olympia, Wash., was designed to complement an existing science lab and classroom building on the western edge of the campus. The Kalzip 0.040 gauge-aluminum décor helped fulfill both aesthetic and functional needs.

“Our design started with a fiber composite panel that was rather high end. The change to metal was actually a value added decision initiated by the owner,” said Ben Dalton, project manager. “We chose Kalzip because it was unique and reinforced the linear building elements. It was something we hadn’t used before and turned out to be less expensive. The panels were very easy to install and the panel profile does a great job of concealing the fasteners. We’re very pleased with the final result.” 

The system offers a twin-triangular micro ribbed profile that creates a sleek appearance through the interplay of light and shade to highlight the individuality and character of a building. Kalzip aluminum products provide color fastness, adhesion and resistance to extreme weather conditions and can be reused or recycled at the end of the building’s life-cycle. 

The buildings of the college, surface parking lots and other improvements, are designed to sustain a close relationship between natural and built elements and is targeted toward achieving gold level certification in the LEED program.