Ashley McGraw Architects were recently tasked with the renovation of Binghamton University’s Science IV building which houses the Universities renowned Psychology Department. The existing reinforced concrete facility constructed in 1973 underwent a two-part retrofit; in the summer of 2018 phase one was completed to reveal a new Alucobond® cladding facade and partial interior renovation and design. Phase two will consist of completing the interior and an expansion of the Science IV building.
Ashley McGraw Architects intent was to stabilize the existing brick façade and modernize the exterior. It was important for Ashley McGraw Architects to integrate the existing brick into the cladding design in order to develop upon the buildings original character. The entire brick façade was encapsulated in spray foam insulation and Alucobond rainscreen cladding was installed to weather wind load. Ashley McGraw explains, “In this case it was decided to completely re-clad the building in order to significantly improve thermal performance and thermal comfort, as well as address deterioration in the façade.”
Jason Evans, Associate Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects described the inspiration for the recladding of the façade, stating “Our team’s inspiration was a take on DNA mapping, we wanted to recreate the look of the horizontal bars expanding in a 3-dimensional way, while maintaining readability from all angles. Alucobond® achieved this look and made the most sense as we were able to score and bend the façade.”
The Primary façade utilized 4mm Alucobond® Anodic Satin Mica and additions and infill utilized Alucobond® Durabrite Brushed Carbon for contrast.
The retrofit marvelously transformed the building into an iconic entrance to the campus and inspires innovative space and design. The project was a well-deserved renovation for the Psychology department and Binghamton University, an elite ranked public research university located in New York State. Science IV is part of a larger complex of buildings that make up Harpur College of the Arts & Sciences, characterized as the “cultural and historical heart of Binghamton University”.
Information Courtesy of Ashley McGraw Architects
SNAP Architectural News and Products November/December 2018
Architectural Record
Binghamton University’s Science IV Building Upgrades Look
December 1, 2018
