American AgCredit’s new headquarters in Santa Rosa, Calif., speaks to the company’s ever-growing, ever-changing business model. The energy-efficient building, designed by TLCD Architecture, Santa Rosa, is distinctive for its curved forms and natural materials. Perforated Series Wall Panels from Dri-Design, made from VMZINC, add a timeless warmth, durability and beauty.

Located in the Airport Business Center, the 3-story building is composed of two curving segments, creating an oval courtyard in the middle. The exterior, a mix of glass and perforated zinc, was designed to enhance the work environment and highlight the surrounding views.

“The zinc is perforated to create a veil that wraps playfully around the building to allow views of the gorgeous Sonoma County landscape and creates a screen that modulates the sun, providing efficiency and comfort for the users,” says Jeff Blechel, an architect with TLCD Architecture.

The 1-mm Perforated Series Wall Panels are made from VMZINC Pigmento Red, a colored zinc. The Perforated Series Panel provides necessary airflow and shade to a structure without sacrificing style or design. Virtually any shape and pattern can be perforated into the panels and used for a myriad of applications.

“Dri-Design was selected for its panel fabrication technology, including customization and coordination of panel bending and perforation,” Blechel says. “Also, Dri-Design’s fastening system allowed the material to be adapted to curvilinear forms.”

Architectural Metal Inc., Hopland, Calif., installed 48,198 square feet of Dri-Design panels for the project. Dave Roderick, president of Architectural Metal, notes: “The walls on this building were curved on a radius, so the layout had to be precise. The panels had to be fastened to the arc in segments of 6 feet and aligned with the windows.”

Sustainable materials and daylighting play a major role in creating a light-filled, healthy work environment. Daylighting harvesting systems reduce the amount of electric lighting used in the building; roller shade systems change positions during the day to reduce glare; a displacement ventilation system chills outside air and distributes it through under floor penum to individual air diffusers; and a sound making system optimizes acoustics. Zinc adds to the efficiency of the headquarters with its innate characteristics. Zinc lasts longer than other building materials because of its natural protective layers that are developed over time. At the end of its use on a building, zinc can be recycled—indefinitely.

“Zinc is a beautiful natural material that offers a unique depth and richness,” says Brad Zeeff, president of Dri-Design. “Working with zinc is an art form, and this project highlights the technical capabilities and high manufacturing standards of Dri-Design.”

For more information about the Dri-Design Wall Panel System, visit www.dri-design.com.