Decker Center, Richland County, S.C.
RETROFIT TEAM
- ARCHITECT: Boudreaux, Columbia, S.C.
- GENERAL CONTRACTOR: H.G. Reynolds Co. Inc., Aiken, S.C.
- METAL PANEL INSTALLER AND DEALER: SECO Architectural Systems Inc., Snellville, Ga.
MATERIALS
Transforming a big box mall, previously composed of a Kroger supermarket and many small stores, into the Decker Center created unique architectural challenges.
Architects from Boudreaux specified Formawall and Versawall insulated metal panels to create a seamless façade for what would become a police station, the municipal court, traffic court, sheriff’s regional headquarters and, most importantly, the magistrate court, which was to be relocated from a less desirable downtown area. In addition, the facility is a community gathering hub, inside and out, hosting numerous community events.
“Visually, the building needed to be unified while eliminating any semblance of its former purpose,” says Justin Lucas, senior project architect with Boudreaux. “We achieved this by blending the metal panels in an artful way, allowing the building’s exterior aesthetic to act as a metaphor for the multicultural area in which it is situated. To add character to the facility, we aimed to break down the scale and have it become a true piece of architecture. This was achieved with the CENTRIA products we used, which allowed us to create an almost musical rhythm and to add a chameleon-like quality to the building.”
Formawall panels in an Off White color with a smooth finish were contrasted with Formawall panels in Chromium Gray across the main building façade. “The panels formed a very specific pattern, which was achieved with different shades and colors. CENTRIA’s selection of standard finishes satisfied our needs,” Lucas adds. “Additionally, the panels were installed quickly.”
Versawall embossed commercial/industrial insulated metal panels in Silver with a metallic Sundance AM coating were used around the rear of the building.
Lucas adds: “Versawall was at a very appealing price point. It was a nice surprise to remain on budget with this volume of panels. It also has the sharp look we were hoping for with its continuous gray tone.”
Dedicated on September 29, 2017, the Decker Center is slightly more than 112,000 square feet.
INSULATED METAL WALL PANEL MANUFACTURER: CENTRIA