Eclad is proud to have partnered with our Chicago-based EAI, ALL Masonry, on the Northwestern Medicine Old Irving Park Outpatient Center project in Chicago.
This striking four-story medical facility exemplifies the seamless fusion of traditional masonry with cutting-edge building technologies. Designed by CannonDesign, the center not only delivers state-of-the-art healthcare services but also stands as a beacon of innovative architectural design. The project demonstrates how traditional materials like limestone and terracotta can be harmoniously integrated into modern rainscreen systems, resulting in a visually stunning and energy-efficient building. It sets a new benchmark in the masonry industry, offering a roadmap for future sustainable construction.
Limestone Rainscreen System
Covering 4,700 square feet, the limestone rainscreen system is a defining feature of the building’s facade. Utilizing the Eclad Natural Stone Cladding system, this approach showcases exceptional versatility by accommodating both standard limestone panels and intricate bullnose cap pieces. This architectural flexibility allowed for a design that is not only aesthetically appealing but also highly functional, significantly improving the building’s thermal efficiency. The limestone facade offers a timeless, classic appeal, providing a tactile link to the rich history of masonry while benefiting from modern rainscreen technology.
The system’s lightweight design offers several key advantages over traditional gravity-load stone paneling. For instance, it enabled the installation of a limestone wall in an interior location without overloading the structural slab. The system’s adaptability also simplifies future maintenance, as individual stones can be removed and reinstalled without damaging the structure. In a medical facility, this is especially valuable, allowing for the easy introduction of large equipment or other modifications without disrupting the aesthetic continuity of the building’s facade.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
The Northwestern Medicine Old Irving Park Outpatient Center stands as a
testament to the potential of blending traditional masonry materials with
advanced rainscreen systems. The project illustrates that materials like
limestone and terracotta can be reimagined to meet modern architectural and
environmental challenges. CannonDesign has crafted a facility that not only
fulfills the functional needs of a contemporary healthcare center but also sets
a new standard in masonry design. The innovative use of rainscreen technology
showcases how traditional craftsmanship can be preserved while embracing new
technologies, methods, and materials. This approach not only honors the
heritage of masonry but also advances it, pointing the way toward sustainable
and visually compelling architectural solutions for the future.
