Transforming Historic Architecture at The Atrium
Preserving the character of historic buildings while upgrading them to modern standards is a complex challenge in contemporary architecture. The renovation of the multi-family residential and commercial building at The Atrium, located at 1079 Commonwealth Avenue in Allston, MA, showcases how innovative building envelope solutions, such as ECO Cladding’s Vci.10 subframing system, can effectively achieve both aesthetic and performance goals for reclad and retrofit projects.
The property, originally constructed between 1915 and 1930 as the iconic Packard car dealership and manufacturing facility, comprises two structurally separate buildings situated on an 85,000-square-foot lot. Converted in the 1980s into a mixed-use complex, it features roughly 300,000 square feet of residential space distributed across five upper floors above a commercial and parking base.
The current renovation entails significant upgrades to the building’s core and shell, including structural repairs, modernized mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, as well as a complete replacement of the façade with a cutting-edge metal panel system housed within the preserved historic masonry frames. This facade modernization brings abundant natural light into the high-ceiling residential units through maximized window openings on commercial and apartment levels.
ECO Cladding Vci.10: Subframing System Excellence
A standout feature of this renovation is the deployment of ECO Cladding’s Vci.10 panel sub-framing system. Designed with precision engineering in mind, this sub-frame uses stainless steel Sigma wall brackets with visible rivet attachment. This rivet method not only guarantees exceptionally high pull-out strength but also simplifies installation, enhancing construction efficiency.
The Vci.10 system supports various exterior claddings such as fiber cement, high-pressure laminate (HPL), or fiber concrete panels, making it versatile for different façade aesthetics and performance demands.
Thermal Performance and Structural Integrity
Central to the design are the ECO Cladding Sigma U brackets crafted from stainless steel, which combine structural strength and thermal efficiency. These brackets feature an isolator pad that significantly reduces thermal bridging, minimizing heat loss compared to traditional metal brackets, an important factor in meeting contemporary energy codes.
Additionally, the system is engineered to address multiple critical load conditions: dead loads from cladding weight, wind pressures, seismic forces, thermal expansion and contraction, and material deflections. This adaptability allows the framing system to perform reliably whether anchored to steel stud or concrete backup substrates, a flexibility critical in renovation projects involving varying structural elements.
The 1079 Commonwealth Avenue project exemplifies how thoughtful integration of advanced building systems like ECO Cladding’s Vci.10 subframing can rejuvenate historic structures, blending architectural heritage with high-performance, energy-efficient, and durable materials. The stainless steel Sigma bracket system’s combination of superior structural capacity, thermal protection, and installation ease is a model for future facade renovation efforts aiming for sustainability and modern luxury.
Learn more about ECO Cladding’s innovative subframing solutions.