According to John Jackson, director of architecture at San Francisco–based Project Frog, the lead architect, the team used a prefabricated kit of parts to design and build the structure. “In a matter of weeks we had a high-quality, energy-efficient building envelope, ready for the interior tenant improvement work to begin,” says Jackson. The firm chose Nichiha's Illumination Series panels to help the building become “a modern interpretation of other masonry structures” on the historic site, including administrative buildings and the Art Deco Round House, says Jackson. He also cites the moisture-control benefits of the rainscreen system, the durability of the fiber-cement material, and the straightforward custom-color system that allowed the team to relate the building to the bridge. Containing 40% recycled content, the cladding works in tandem with other sustainable features, including Serious Energy suspended film glazing and interior and exterior LED lighting.

 

Nichiha uses a hidden-clip system that holds the panel ¼” from the vapor barrier, creating an air space for moisture to drain away from the building. Michael Cobb, vice president of sales and marketing for Nichiha USA, says the fire-resistant panels were produced by the Japanese building industry–which has had its fair share of experience with earthquakes–making them a good option for San Francisco. The ¾”-thick fiber-cement composition includes portland cement, wood fibers, and fly ash. A built-in gasket system and V-groove panel joints help prevent moisture penetration.

 

The 18"-x-6' panel dimension allowed Project Frog to use the panels straight from the box, eliminating extra cutting and waste and saving time. In the end, the material felt right to Jackson: “All the other boards had a flat finish to them, which is great in some applications. In this one we really liked the actual texture on the panel itself.” nichiha.com