CENTRIA Products Complete New England Conservatory Student Life and Performance Center

Moon Township, PA… CENTRIA, a leading building envelope science company, contributed its innovative metal panel and window products to satisfy the design and performance requirements of the New England Conservatory Student and Life Performance Center (SLPC.) The 135,000 square-foot building facade features Versawall® insulated metal panels in Pewter, EcoScreen® Cascade perforated screenwall, and Formavue® windows, which nodded to the institution’s rich history, and aided in the presentation of an innovative, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

“The New England Conservatory wanted a unique identity and more creative expression for their new campus center,” says Steve Gerrard, AIA, LEED GA, and Principal, Ann Beha Architects. “With the terra cotta rain screen, staggered windows and 40’ tall perforated metal screen, the façade composition reflects the Conservatory’s own ambitions: creative, contemporary, exploration combining tradition and innovation.”

The first New England Conservatory building to be added in 60 years, the SLPC sits at 10 stories tall and holds over 250 residential units in addition to orchestra and jazz rehearsal rooms, a black box opera workshop, the NEC library, 250 student rooms, a dining commons, and spaces for collaboration and gathering. On the building façade, CENTRIA EcoScreen contributes to the formation of a 40-foot tall metal screen to act as a curtain which allows for glimpses of the performance spaces and activity within.

“The CENTRIA EcoScreen panels help distinguish the curved form of the Performance screen, creating a shimmering veil expression,” explains Gerrard, “The screen diffuses street noise, and filters southern light into the orchestra rehearsal space.”

EcoScreen aluminum panels were also used to conceal some of the building’s mechanical equipment at the penthouse level. Additionally, CENTRIA Versawall lightweight insulated panels clad the building where it faces an inner alley creating long, sleek lines and providing superior protection against the elements.

“The modular aspect of CENTRIA’s products made the system easy to panelize and install on large surfaces,” Gerrard says. “The ’Cascade’ profile of the EcoScreen made for unique vertical texture that catches light in dramatic ways.”

The SLPC qualified for LEED® Silver certification. Ann Beha Architects collaborated with Gensler on the project’s design, marking their fourth successful effort. The general contractor was AECOM Tishman, and the installer was Sunrise Erectors.