BEST RAINSCREEN PROJECT

Palmer Museum of Art, Pennsylvania State University
Local 5 Pennsylvania
Signatory Contractor: Caretti, Inc.

The Palmer Museum of Art at Pennsylvania State University combines innovation, artistry, and technical skill. It is evidence to the talent of BAC Local 5 PA members. The uniquely designed building was completed through 15,616 craftworker hours from local chapters 19 and 71. The Palmer Museum of Art showcases both the beauty of natural stone and the precision of modern construction techniques.

The heart of this project is the building's rain screen wall system, featuring an impressive 8,000 exterior pieces of locally quarried sandstone from Dan Russell stone products, each measuring 2 inches by 1 foot 2 inches by 5 feet.
 Complementing this are 1,216 interior pieces, similarly crafted, sourced from the Roaring Run and Bloom Run quarries. These quarries, known for their rich and varied stone colors and patterns, were carefully selected to ensure a seamless and harmonious aesthetic across the entire facade.

The craftsmanship required to install these pieces was nothing short of exceptional. Each stone was carefully placed on 47,110 square feet of a Gridworx system, ensuring structural integrity and an impeccable finish.  Additionally, eight small stone AV doors, one large stone AV door, and a five-panel stone FACP door located in the main lobby were custom-fabricated and installed in the field. These doors, when closed, concealed all equipment, maintaining the building's sleek and modern design.

The expert craftsmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence from the members of BAC Local 5 PA in rainscreen installation is inspiring. The Palmer Museum of Art is not just a building – it is an enduring work of art in itself, blending natural materials with innovative techniques to create a space that will captivate for generations to come.