Transforming a dated fortress into an open and modernized gathering spot was the
vision city planners in Santa Rosa, California set into motion.To get
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The goal was to refurbish an abandoned AT&T switching station to create
a revitalized core within the city’s downtown area. The new plan had to
attract and accommodate multiple uses. These ranged from restaurants,
to banks, to offices, and the California Wine Museum (or “Wineseum”).
Building owner, developer, and contractor Hugh Futrell Corporation
partnered with TLCD Architecture to produce such an establishment.
Hugh Futrell Corporation sought to bring natural light into the space.
However, the windowless cement building presented a unique set of
challenges. In order to achieve their objective, they needed to find a
way through the 18-inch exterior concrete walls.
Five-foot diamond saw blades were required to demolish the fortified wall. Large
portions of the building came tumbling down to form 17 openings. These
openings, each averaging 250 square feet, were assembled into glass
sections and balconies. The glass would require a sunscreen, and the
next challenge would be finding the right one.
The solution was found in McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal. The material, both decorative and
functional, was an ideal choice for the light filtration this project
called for.
Lead Project Architect and TLCD Partner Don Tomasi, AIA incorporated this material into an expansive metal façade. In total,
6,000 square feet of McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal panels were used. The
team selected Round Hole panels made from Aluminum Type 3003-H14, .250”
Thick, 5/8 Round on 7/8 Staggered Centers, 1-1/2” Solid Margins- All
Sides, 46.3% Open Area.
Approximately 150 perforated panels were applied as cladding over the original cement façade and the new glazed
glass. The design specified that the panels be coated with a white,
resin-based finish. This powder-coating added to the modern
transformation and provided an intriguing contrast to the original
industrial exterior.
