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When the Flint Cultural Center Academy sought a modern, high-tech aesthetic for its new facility, THA Architects Engineers identified Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) as the ideal solution. IMPs were the only system capable of delivering the dynamic rhythm of shapes and colors envisioned by the Flint, Michigan school district.
“The IMPs also allowed us to use stud and gypsum exterior wall construction to support the watertight, lightweight panels and defer the cost of masonry backup,” explains Jeffrey L. Bennett, AIA, project manager and architect at THA Architects Engineers.
The lightweight nature of IMPs provided designers with the flexibility to extend the roof’s overhang—an essential architectural feature. The prominent overhang above the building’s entrance creates a striking visual, appearing to float effortlessly.
From a performance standpoint, the three-inch panels meet Michigan’s latest energy code requirements, offering a comprehensive wall panel solution. The building’s exterior showcases 28,500 square feet of panels in four distinct colors—yellow and three shades of grey. The artistic arrangement of metal panels and glazing, including a unique curved section, allows for southern exposure and elegantly separates classrooms from the gym and cafeteria areas.
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