Feature Wall Metal Panel Installation at Charles Schwab, Austin Texas

Project Details

• Client: General Contractor & Glazing Contractor
• Location: Charles Schwab Campus, Austin, TX
• Scope: Design, fabrication, and delivery of over 4,000 linear feet of recessed aluminum lighting coves.

Project Overview

Astro collaborated closely with the general and glazing contractors on the Charles Schwab Campus in Austin, TX, to develop and fabricate custom aluminum coves designed to house lighting fixtures and air conditioning diffusers. The coves needed to meet the architect’s aesthetic vision while ensuring ease of installation.

With more than 4,000 linear feet of .063” aluminum coves, the project required careful planning, precise fabrication, and effective coordination. Astro utilized architectural drawings and field measurements to guarantee the accurate integration of light fixtures and air diffusers, resulting in a smooth installation experience.

Challenges & Solutions

1. Large-Scale Custom Fabrication

• Challenge: Over 4,000 linear feet of aluminum cove panels required careful coordination and precision fabrication.
• Solution: Astro designed a system allowing streamlined manufacturing, efficient packaging, and straightforward on-site installation.

2. Integration of Lighting & Air Diffusers

• Challenge: The coves needed to accommodate air conditioning diffusers and lighting fixtures while maintaining a seamless, recessed aesthetic.
• Solution: Astro collaborated with the glazing contractor and the general contractor to incorporate fixture locations based on architectural drawings and field measurements. Each section was fabricated with precise cutouts for diffusers and lights.

3. Organization & Installation Efficiency

• Challenge: Each part needed to be installed in a specific location, requiring a systematic labeling and delivery process.
• Solution: Astro created detailed part drawings, labeling every piece to ensure the correct parts were installed in the right locations, reducing confusion and delays on-site.

4. Aesthetic & Durability Requirements

• Challenge: The coves needed a sleek, uniform black finish while durable enough for a commercial environment.
• All fabricated parts were powder-coated black, providing a durable, high-quality finish that beautifully contrasted with the wooden ceiling.

Fabrication & Installation Process

1. Design Development & Coordination
   • Collaborated with the general and glazing contractors to refine the cove design.
   • Ensured that lighting and air diffuser placements were adequately accounted for.
2. Precision Fabrication
   • Laser-cut .063” aluminum panels to precise specifications.
   • Integrated cutouts for air diffusers and lighting fixtures.
   • A black powder-coated finish was applied for durability and aesthetics.
3. Labeling & Logistics
   • Each part was labeled and mapped for an organized installation process.
   • Panels were packaged and shipped to Austin for on-site installation.
4. Seamless On-Site Installation
   • The glazing contractor installed the coves quickly and efficiently, thanks to precise labeling and pre-planned integration.

Results & Impact

• Architectural Excellence: The recessed black coves strikingly contrasted with the wooden ceiling, enhancing the space’s visual appeal.
• Seamless Integration: Proper planning ensured lighting and air diffusers were perfectly positioned.
• Efficient Execution: A well-organized fabrication and labeling system allowed for a smooth installation with minimal adjustments needed on-site.
• Durability & Longevity: Powder-coated aluminum ensures long-term durability, maintaining the sleek black aesthetic.

Conclusion

Astro’s strategic design approach, precise fabrication, and detailed planning were key to the success of the Charles Schwab Campus lighting cove project. By combining technical expertise with smart organization, Astro delivered a flawless installation experience that resulted in a beautifully integrated ceiling feature.

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Charles Schwab Austin Campus