UNM Lobo Welcome Theatre - 2024 RAiNA Award Winner!
This past week in Chicago, our University of New Mexico Lobo Welcome Theatre project received RAiNA's Design & Technical Excellence Award for 2024! The RAiNA Awards recognize exceptional technical innovation, design creativity, sustainability, and construction management accomplishments.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our partners at McClain + Yu Architecture & Design and DKG and Associates, who played a pivotal role in transforming the vision of this project into reality. Additionally, we're grateful to Cladding Corp and Skyline Architectural for their support and collaboration on this award-winning design!
As a founding member of the Rainscreen Association in North America (RAiNA), we are grateful to have the opportunity to showcase our involvement in pioneering sub-framing support solutions for some of the most unique facade designs.
Innovation & Creativity
The Lobo Welcome Theater entrance embodies McClain + Yu Architecture & Design's bold vision, featuring a captivating facade adorned with vertically oriented baguettes in seven vibrant colors. Overcoming the challenge of creating a random pattern with these colors, while ensuring the ease of individual baguette removal and replacement, is a testament to both creativity and functional design. Our solution, which allows for interchangeable baguettes using a simple Allen wrench, showcases the combination of innovative design and practicality. The high-gloss finish of the Terra5 Baguettes supplied by Cladding Corp accentuates the visual impact of the facade, accomplished through a unique glazing/firing technique.
Construction Drawings & Specifications
As part of the design-assist process, we supported the detailing of the project’s construction drawings and material specifications enabling seamless coordination between design intent and installation. This ensured that the baguette facade could be modified if necessary without compromising its aesthetic or structural integrity.
Building Science & Problem-Solving
The technical excellence of this project is evident in the seamless integration of design, sustainability, and functionality. Our engineered system allows for individual baguettes to be removed and replaced with ease, fulfilling the architect’s requirement for flexibility. Additionally, overcoming the technical challenge of achieving a high-gloss finish on the baguettes, in consideration of exposure to the elements, reflects our commitment to durability and visual impact.
Integration of Sub-Trades
The installation process required significant coordination between the design team, DKG and Associates, and other sub-trades involved in the building envelope. Preassembling components off-site streamlined the installation process, minimizing on-site labor and potential complications, while ensuring efficient collaboration among sub-trades.
Streamlined Installation
The innovative use of preassembled components not only saved time and costs for DKG and Associates but also facilitated a swift and unobtrusive installation process. This approach aligns with the University of New Mexico’s dedication to bold design, sustainable practices, and technical excellence.
Looking to embark on a unique rainscreen or sunscreen project? Our proven design and technical support will assist you in navigating the complexities and achieving results that stand the test of time. Connect with us today to get started!