When Granite School District in West Valley City, Utah, was looking to build a new elementary school dedicated to science, technology, engineering and math, its goal was to design more than just an ordinary education facility.

Bearing the name of a great scientist, Neil Armstrong Academy was designed by Naylor Wentworth Lund Architects. Spanning 95,000 square feet, the building includes various classrooms, laboratories, group meeting spaces, a gym, media center and dining hall. Since kicking off the project, the design team was tasked with developing a building and construction plan that was budget-friendly, flexible and engaging.

Working under a tight timeline, the speed of construction and selection of building materials were important factors in bringing the project to life. Choosing coated metal paneling proved to be a cost-effective and efficient method to completing the look of the exterior. CENTRIA supplied the following metal building materials, which were all coated in Valspar’s Fluropon^® Classic, known as Sundance to CENTRIA customers, in Silver:

• 10,842 square-feet of CENTRIA 22/26-gauge, 2-inch horizontal Formawall Dimension Series Panels
• 760 square-feet of CENTRIA 22 gauge, horizontal IW-14A Concealed Fastener Panels
• 3,700 square-feet of CENTRIA 22- gauge, horizontal BR5-36 Exposed Fastener Panels with MircroSeam Corners

Chosen for their maximum thermal performance, moisture control and dynamic visual appearance, Formawall Dimension Series Panels occupy the majority of the Academy’s metal visible space. IW-14A Concealed Fastener Panels and BR5-36 Exposed Fastener Panels with MircroSeam Corners complete the metal façade and provide unbroken aesthetic finish to the design. Mounted over the entrance of the school, the CENTRIA products combine to form a striking metal obelisk that arises from a traditional brick construction. Combined with a stunning Silver coating of Valspar’s Fluropon^® Classic, the Neil Armstrong Academy is truly something to behold.

Valspar’s Fluropon Classic is a high-performance, three-coat system that features a metallic effect, in addition to a clear coat for tremendous shine and protection. Additionally, Fluropon coil coating is know for its durability and ability to resist stains, providing a low-maintenance option for building owners.

The coated metal panels offered a solution that was easy to install by Steel Encounters, Inc., and helped keep the construction process on schedule. The completed project features an angular roofline with a crisp silver finish, providing a stunning entrance to the new school that will inspire students to pursue their dreams. For more information, visit www.valsparcoilextrusion.com.