North Dallas Bank & Trust – Dallas, Texas
Client: Waterproofing Contractor
Location: Dallas, TX
Industry: Commercial & Architectural Design
Challenge
The North Dallas Bank and Trust headquarters required a full replacement of the dark bronze band of metal panels at the top of the building. The existing thin painted steel panels had deteriorated over time, leading to visible damage and bending. The challenge was fabricating and installing a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution while ensuring a seamless process that minimized disruptions to the building’s operations and its obvious presence along a major highway.
Solution
Astro was responsible for designing, fabricating, and coordinating the installation of over 120 aluminum panels, ensuring a structurally sound and visually appealing result. The solution included:
- Field Measurement & 3D Modeling: Conducted rooftop field measurements and created a precise 3D model of the existing steel framing using AutoDesk Inventor.
- Precision Fabrication: Produced over 120 custom 4-foot x 8-foot panels from .125” aluminum, ensuring a perfect fit.
- High-Quality Finishing: Powder-coated all panels in a dark bronze color to match the building’s aesthetic.
- Innovative Attachment System: Designed a concealed fastener system, where structural attachment units were adhered to the back of each panel with epoxy, eliminating visible fasteners.
- Curing Process: Allowed the epoxy to cure for several weeks in Astro’s shop before installation.
Process
- Site Analysis & Measurement: Took precise rooftop field measurements of the existing steel framework.
- 3D Modeling & Panel Layout: Modeled the structure in AutoDesk Inventor and assigned identification numbers to each panel for accurate fabrication and installation.
- Fabrication & Powder Coating: Manufactured the panels from durable .125” aluminum and applied a dark bronze powder coat finish.
- Structural Attachment Preparation: Adhered attachment units to the backs of the panels using epoxy, ensuring a seamless look with no exposed fasteners.
- Installation Coordination: Scheduled fabrication and delivery to align with removing the old panels and electric signage, ensuring minimal disruption to the building’s high-traffic location.
- Final Installation & Signage Reinstallation: The waterproofing contractor installed the new panels, then reinstalled the electric signage, completing the updated look of the building.
Results & Impact
- Enhanced Durability & Aesthetic Appeal: The new aluminum panels provide a long-lasting, visually appealing solution that resists weathering and damage.
- Seamless, High-End Finish: The concealed fastener system ensured a sleek and modern look without visible hardware.
- Efficient & Coordinated Execution: Astro’s precise scheduling and coordination with contractors minimized disruptions and allowed a smooth installation process.
- Prominent Visual Presence: The updated façade presents a polished and professional appearance, maintaining the bank’s prestigious image along the highway.
Conclusion
Astro revitalized the North Dallas Bank and Trust headquarters by replacing its aging panel system with high-quality, powder-coated aluminum panels. Through meticulous planning, advanced fabrication techniques, and seamless coordination, Astro delivered a durable and visually striking solution that enhances the building’s presence and longevity.
Keywords:
Astro Sheet Metal
Sheet metal Dallas
Architectural metal
Custom architectural metal
Custom metal fabrication
Custom sheet metal
Sheet metal Texas
Sheet metal Fort Worth
Sheet metal Grand Prairie
Custom brake metal
Custom decorative metal
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Architectural metal
Decorative metal
Ornamental metal
Shearing
Forming
Laser cutting
Welding
Refinishing
Autodesk Inventor
CAD Design
Submittal drawings
Mockup samples
Aluminum panel
Powder coated panel
Aluminum accent band
