Product performance promotes QuickPanel^® to the front of its class.

Background

With society’s everchanging taste in aesthetic preferences, architects must ensure that projects are not only built to withstand years of weathering, but also boast a timeless yet contemporary appeal. The architectural design must be supplemented by building products that offer the durability, sustainability, and innovation to maintain premier performance. With strong collaboration amongst architects, contractors, installers, and suppliers alike, projects shall unfold with envious results.This case study profiles one architectural firm—Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. (ARFAi)—and one of its buzz-worthy projects utilizing QuickPanel®  Systems:  Kingsland Junction by Trico Communities.

The Kingsland Junction Project

At approximately 180,000 square feet, Kingsland Junction is the largest QuickPanel® Systems project in North America to date. Kingsland Junction is a five-building multi-family property in Calgary boasting retail, commercial, and rental residences. With a substantial emphasis on rental properties, the project team selected QuickPanel® Systems to allow for maintenance-free upkeep.

Near the Heritage LRT Station by Macleod Trail in south Calgary, ARFAi envisioned the aesthetic being appropriate for an urban environment, quoting “we wanted to do something a bit higher tech.” With an eye for a flat roof and cantilevered eyebrows, Principal Architect Fritz believed QuickPanel® Systems responded perfectly to the vision. Historically, ARFAi would have cladded a building such as this in cementitious materials; however, Principal Architect Fritz cites “QuickPanel® Systems afforded an excellent alterative.”

During the initial consultation phase, Trico Communities wanted to ensure the exterior colors were able to match that of their logo. By utilizing QuickPanel® Systems’ patented ColorMatch® technology, the panels were a direct reflection of Trico Communities’ red and blue logo. On the Kingsland Junction project, the QuickPanel® Systems used are Alucoil® with a durable PVDF Kynar® finish. Principal Architect Fritz proves delighted when reviewing the outcome: “It’s nice when the outcome exceeds expectations. To have something that is impervious, beautiful, and will stand the test of time—it’s exciting.” Elaborating further, Principal Architect Fritz believes “You can’t quantify ethereal success.”

Utilization of Engage Building Products

Initially introduced to QuickPanel® Systems by Wayne Chiu and Wes Reinheller of Trico Communities, ARFAi sought to use a product that would carry a long warranty on the durability and finish of material. DCORE Project Solutions Inc.—a company with a longstanding relationship with Trico Communities—recommended changing from cementitious panels to QuickPanel® Systems: a change that would allow for increased durability, and faster and easier installation. “The fit, finish, durability, and outcome is phenomenal,” states Principal Architect Fritz. “QuickPanel® Systems responded perfectly to the vision for something higher-tech—something more contemporary.”

With the December 2019 rollout of the 2017 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB), the carbon footprint and sustainability changed dramatically. With urgent implementation of the new Code required, ARFAi switched to QuickPanel® Systems for Kingsland Junction buildings 4 and 5; buildings 1 through 3 were completed prior to the Code’s execution. “QuickPanel® Systems had to respond and react to three generations of building types and was quick to respond to the Code.”

Although the Kingsland Junction project solely used QuickPanel® Systems, ARFAi is a proud customer of all three of Engage’s products: FastPlank™ Systems, QuickPanel® Systems, and EasyTrim® Reveals.

About the Architectural Firm

Founded in 1989, Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architectural Inc. has since grown to have corporate offices in Nanaimo, Calgary, and Lethbridge—the latter of which houses their main production office. Situated in the Coach House adjacent to the picturesque Norland Estate, the main office offers an idyllic landscape for superior creativity. “It’s like a 1910 Gone With the Wind southern mansion,” states Principal Architect Alvin Reinhard Fritz.

Ranging from individuals to corporations, ARFAi’s clientele extends from British Columbia to Ontario and several U.S. states. The extent of clientele would not be possible, however, without the trust and passion of the staff. “We’ve got a family culture here. We have an incredible team of professional staff who embrace their work with passion. The combination of trust and high performance gives us an edge,” states Principal Architect Fritz. ARFAi prides itself on employing individuals who not only boast passion and integrity, but also have direct experience—most notably highlighting the work, on this specific project, of Project Delivery Manager Dan Kain. With over 30 years’ experience, Dan was previously employed by ARFAi’s competition in a small town parallel to Principal Architect Fritz. Upon introduction, however, the duo seemed to be an unquestionable match. “Danny has a totally different appreciation for the product and ultimate details. This comes out in construction drawings where things aren’t overlooked. For Danny to have that level of expertise with that history, it has us perfectly poised.”

ARFAi operates within high-tech interactive offices. Boasting an entirely electronic database, Principal Architect Fritz states “We’re able to pullup drawings from 1989 and carry on with designs.” With boardrooms boasting 80-inch SMART Boards and state-of-the-art computer hardware, ARFAi is a leader in utilizing emerging technologies.

Conclusion

The ongoing appeal and performance of structures are directly reflective of the design, installation, and products used. Since applying QuickPanel® Systems, ARFAi is excited to promote the products to others. With various developers contacting ARFAi and numerous projects underway, ARFAi “look[s] forward to promoting and making people aware.”

Alongside ARFAi, the Kingsland Junction properties would not have come to fruition without collaboration from all parties involved. Specifically, Principal Architect Fritz acknowledges the unparalleled partnerships and support with Vic Zuczek, DCORE Projects; Trico Communities; photographer Jeff Hinman; and the QuickPanel® Systems (Engage Building Products) team—specifically, District Sales Manager Joseph Gair and Estimation Manager Rakelle Peralta. Upon treating the building to a high-pressure wash and witnessing the final reveal, Principal Architect Fritz stated:

“I am so pleased with the outcome. It’s like you took the building to the carwash; it glows. It’s so high-tech and beautiful.”

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