Located on the historic East Central College campus, the newly renovated Buescher Hall – featuring metal products from CENTRIA – previously served as the institution’s library. Established in 1968, East Central College is a two-year institution that serves a wide variety of students in the Union, Mo. area. Currently the college offers more than 30 different associate programs and educates approximately 4,200 students each semester, providing a much needed service to the region.

This retrofit was named in honor of the late George H. Buescher, who served as the first board president and co-founder. The renovation expanded the pre-existing building to a total of 61,166 square feet and now houses the library, learning center, six classrooms, lounge area, administrative offices and the student service center.

As the oldest on campus, the previous facility lacked the modern amenities necessary to facilitate an engaging learning environment. The new structure included both interior and exterior renovations and was designed to reflect the modern architecture found on other campus buildings, unifying the campus. The precast panels that had previously been on the exterior of the facility were removed and replaced with windows to usher in natural light. Green products were utilized throughout the structure, including skylights, energy-efficient windows and water heater, a reflective roof surface, and a high-performance HVAC system.

CENTRIA’s Formawall Dimension Series panels create an aesthetically pleasing, exceptionally smooth building surface with mitered corner details and a concealed fixing system that produces sharp clean lines and corners. Designers mixed and contrasted colors on the new exterior to provide a contemporary look and revitalize the once-aging facility. In addition to a wide variety of color and coating options, Formawall panels are available in flat and embossed surface treatments and can be curved or formed into a variety of shapes for design flexibility.

Unlike many metal panel systems on the market today, Formawall provides both advanced thermal and moisture protection (ATMP®) in a single panelized component, decreasing both installation time and expenses. Panels offer a factory foamed-in-place core, minimizing insulation gaps and contributing to an impressive R-value of up to 21.

Formawall’s unique design offers energy-efficient measures. A thermal break between the panel face and liner gives efficient ‘U’ values, while high strength steel panels offer increased spanning capabilities, saving on support costs. Trimless ends eliminate the requirement for extrusions or trims at panel joints, windows and other openings. Panels can also be integrated with louvers and solar shading. In addition to its impressive performance, Formawall Dimension Series panels achieved Cradle to CradleCM Certification at the Silver Level, proving to be a sustainable and eco-friendly option.

With outstanding weather resistance due to double tongue-and-groove joinery, CENTRIA’s Versapanel provides a quick and efficient way to install metal paneling in any conditions. These lightweight, insulated metal composite panels feature concealed fasteners and offer advanced thermal and moisture protection. The panels’ increased span capability reduces support steel requirements. The thermal break between the face and liner and CFC-free foam insulation saves on energy costs, while the panels’ ability to be installed even in harsh weather conditions allow for faster and easier construction, saving time and reducing cost. An environmentally conscious choice, Versapanel has also received Cradle to CradleCM Certification at the Silver Level.

CENTRIA Formavue FV-300 windows are designed to provide a high-performance, thermally efficient window, panel and sunshades interface. With Formawall’s unique ability to seamlessly integrate windows and other features, designers were able to remove some of the former pre-cast panels and replace them with Formavue windows. The result is a window system that not only maximizes natural light but also eliminates receptor extrusions and ensures superior weather resistance. In addition, CENTRIA’s Formavue windows employ an advanced, thermally improved design with a thermal barrier to minimize conductivity and maintain structural integrity.

C/S Sunshades, a joint creation of CENTRIA and Construction Specialties, Inc. (C/S Group), were chosen to shade the building without sacrificing aesthetics. These sunshades are engineered for seamless and thermally isolate integration with Formawall Dimension Series panels, allowing for easy installation and ensuring long-term product cooperation.

The architect on this project was The Lawrence Group of St. Louis, MO. The CENTRIA products dealer was Mays Maune McWard Inc. of Fenton, MO. The CENTRIA products installer was Missouri Builders Service Inc. of Jefferson City, MO. The contractor was K&S Associates Inc. of St. Louis, MO.