Imagine School

Construction on Imagine School  was completed a mere 14 weeks after groundbreaking due to the use of CarbonCast^® High Performance Insulated Wall Panels.

Unlike other precast panels, these are outfitted with C-GRID® carbon fiber grid, a technology with low thermal conductivity for sheer transfer between the outer and inner wythes of concrete to create a fully structurally composite panel.

“The precast panels were organized to maximize production and ease construction. The quick erection of the precast allowed the building to be quickly closed-in, thus allowing for interior construction,“ said Ron Talens, architect at Perkins+Will.

CarbonCast™ High Performance Insulated Wall Panels are superior at load bearing, thus eliminating the need to build a substructure, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

Block and brick construction was originally considered, but eliminated by officials when the masonry work could not satisfy the tight deadline.

However, portions of the exterior were coated with a red stain and the balance coated in white to add visual interest. The interior was rendered to feature a trowel finish and ready to paint upon installation.

“The panels themselves were consistent in their dimensions, texture and finish and took our specified concrete stains very well,” says Pasquale Battaglia. Superintendent, Bouma Construction.

An added benefit of CarbonCast® High Performance Insulated Wall Panels is their reduced risk for mold and mildew, since the concrete prevents water penetration.

CarbonCast® High Performance Insulated Wall Panels reinforced the sort of innovation students attending Imagine School will be inspired by for years to come.