Architect Nate Kipnis, FAIA, and his Evanston, Ill.-based firm, Kipnis Architecture + Planning, have earned a national reputation for sustainable design. The firm was among the first to join the American Institute of Architects’ 2030 Commitment, a pledge to work toward designing only net-zero energy projects by 2030. This Chicago residence illustrates the creativity that goes into such efforts, and a Snap-Clad metal roof from Petersen plays a prominent role in the project’s environmental – and aesthetic – success.
Kipnis has done his fair share of work in Chicago’s tightly spaced residential lots, but this project provided something unique: space. The clients’ property spans five of the city’s standard 100-ft.-by-125-ft. lots. Located at the end of a dead-end street, the backyard abuts the Chicago River, with views across the river of a large city park.
Kipnis developed an el-shaped plan that focused views toward the river and the park beyond. His clients’ collection of farmhouse images inspired the barn-like exterior, complete with a silo-like turret and, of course, a standing-seam metal roof. Specifically, 8,500 sq. ft. of PAC-CLAD’s Snap-Clad 24-gauge panels in a Weathered Zinc Cool Color finish.
“The standing seams are just a nice element,” Kipnis said, also noting an advantage of the material: “It’s so easy to attach solar panels to it – it’s easy to clip on and it’s raised up off the roof, so you get some air underneath.”
The Weathered Zinc roof is one of 45 standard colors offered by Petersen, and has a 30-year, non-prorated finish warranty.
Owner Sock Woodruff of Custom Installations Inc., Lake Forest, Ill., said this job posed some challenges, both in its scope and detail. The turret, in particular, called on their expertise. As aerial photos show, that roof is ovoid, not circular, and it comes to a point where it intersects the home’s two wings.
Kipnis, who recognized the challenge his unique roof plan created, was impressed with the artistry in the finished product. “I don’t know how the roofers did it,” he said. “That’s a little bit of magic.”
Both architect and installer frequently specify PAC-CLAD, and appreciate the quality, breadth of options and customer support. “We’ve had a very good working relationship,” Kipnis said. “We like the color selections and the Cool Roof technology on the finish.” Woodruff is equally complimentary: “We’ve worked with PAC-CLAD for a number of years – they’ve got great customer service and their staff is really experienced…and their color selection stands out.”
Shardon Builders of Mount Prospect, Ill., was the general contractor on the project.
Petersen manufactures PAC-CLAD metal products in multiple gauges of steel and aluminum, including roof and wall panel systems, flush and soffit panels, perforated metal, fascia and coping systems, composite panels, column covers, coil and flat sheet. All are available in full 70% PVDF finish in 45 standard colors that include a 30-year finish warranty. Most colors meet LEED, Energy Star and Cool Roof Rating Council certification requirements. Founded in 1965, Petersen has facilities in Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Maryland, Minnesota and Arizona. For more information, visit PAC-CLAD.com or call 800-PAC-CLAD.
Photos: ajbrownimaging.com
Contact Info:
Phone: 800-PAC-CLAD
Email: info@PAC-CLAD.com
Website: PAC-CLAD.com
A PAC-CLAD roof tops this sustainable Chicago residence. Learn how Snap-Clad is good for the environment, and a perfect support for solar panels.