To achieve the aesthetic goals of the building, material availability was crucial. There was an emphasis on using materials that were readily available and could be quickly secured without long lead fabrication times. This made insulated metal panels a clear choice for the building envelope.

To meet the Rainforest habitat’s criteria, the glazing replacement had to support temperatures of between 75°F and 85°F, humidity levels between 50% and 87% and light transmittance of between 54% and 75%.

The multi-level expansion, which houses the hospital’s Emergency Department, presents dramatic glass curtain wall and metal panels on its south and east façades.

Building Enclosure was recently joined by Jason Dries Daffner, principal and chief operating officer with MBH architects. Jason sat down to talk about his experience with eco-friendly design strategies, and how MBH has implemented these strategies to combat severe weather.