RPI Low Center of Industrial Innovation

PROJECT OVERVIEW: VMJR managed the solicitation and selection of vendors to provide terracotta rainscreen products for the 66,000-square-foot exterior surface of the Low Center of Industrial Innovation at RPI's Troy, NY campus. The comprehensive refacing project replaced the existing exterior with a maintenance-free, 60-year terracotta rainscreen system.

TECHNICAL APPROACH: Following vendor selection, VMJR commissioned laser scanning of the entire building exterior to create a precise 3D model. This digital mapping revealed building imperfections in levelness and plane, enabling custom manufacturing of the rainscreen components to accommodate the existing structure's irregularities.

CONSTRUCTION SCOPE: Self-performed work included the removal of existing brick masonry, wall ties, rigid insulation, roof flashings, copings, and concrete sidewalks. The team conducted masonry repair, repointing, and thorough cleaning of remaining brick surfaces. Installation work encompassed sealing brickwork, replacing copings, applying self-adhering and spray-on membranes to CMU backup, and installing the insulated terracotta rainscreen system.

COLLABORATIVE EXECUTION: Specialized subcontractor work included hazardous-material abatement, roof flashing replacement, gutter replacement, and caulking. This division of responsibilities ensured specialized expertise for each project component.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: All work proceeded on a carefully phased schedule with restrictive budgets and defined time constraints. The project delivered a completely transformed building exterior with significantly improved insulation, weather protection, and aesthetic appeal.