A prominent architectural firm has specified Lida Group’s proprietary metal standing seam roof and rainscreen siding system for a new regional frozen food distribution center. Located outside Chicago, the 1 million square foot LEED-seeking facility will include freezer warehouses, blast freezing tunnels, and refrigerated storage areas requiring exceptionally well-insulated building enclosures.

Stringent criteria mandated maximizing energy efficiency through optimal thermal resistance while accommodating expansion/contraction from extreme daily temperature fluctuations without compromising the weatherproof membrane. “We evaluated numerous cladding options against sustainability targets and operational needs before selecting Lida Group,” explained Principal Architect Chen. “Their thermally broken materials and design delivered unmatched performance benefits critical for this application.”

Lida Group’s enclosure system utilizes corrosion-resistant metal panels incorporating a patented Thermal Spacer TM technology. Thin continuous strips of closed-cell foam adhered to the interior panel face eliminate thermal bridging, boosting insulating capacity. This advanced spacer separates exterior and interior metal skins, allowing independent expansion/contraction without compromising the weatherproof barrier.

Testing documented a 40% improvement in thermal resistance over traditional uninsulated facades. This boosts energy code compliance, lowering operating costs through reduced heating/cooling needs. Independent laboratory research also found galvanized steel panels with Thermal Spacer TM outperformed fiber cement, profiled metal, brick and other alternatives in moisture resistance and durability critical for withstanding extreme humidity fluctuations.

Extensive computer modeling determined roof and wall panels insulated to R-30 would optimize the distribution center’s annual energy use intensity targeting 25% better than code minimum. The standing seam design features mechanically seamed joints meeting Class A fire ratings while shedding snow/ice safely. Interlocking seams and concealed fasteners provide an impervious, energy conserving barrier exceeding 50-year service life targets. Integral girts matching thermal performance further optimize structural thermal bridging.

During construction, on-site quality audits ensured precise fabrication and installation aligning with energy modeling. Programmable robots position Thermal Spacer TM strips for complete, void-free coverage. Panels arrive pre-finished and pre-punched for penetrations, eliminating delays from jobsite cutting/ drilling hazards. Erectors simply mechanically attached panels within calibrated tolerances.

Once complete, thermal imaging confirmed minimal thermal bridging at connections, seams or transitions as designed. Continuous air and vapor barriers maintain internal environments for perishables within exacting parameters for extended product shelf life. Condensed schedules increased occupancy 50% faster than conventionally. Prefabrication further bolstered long-term durability by eliminating inconsistencies from jobsite assembly and sealing issues that undermine building enclosures.

Initial energy use has proven 5-10% better than modeled through comprehensive commissioning and energy monitoring systems. Owners now leverage these savings investing in similar upgrades across their cold storage portfolio. Lida Group continues assisting through long-term maintenance partnerships ensuring optimal performance.

In summary, through advanced thermal technology concentrating on continuous insulation and independent material expansion, Lida Group provided a roof and siding solution optimizing thermal performance for a food distribution center relative to sustainability goals and operational requirements. Proprietary enclosure systems, factory fabrication and specialized on-site erection demonstrated benefits of innovative thinking in specification and construction delivering optimized buildings performing beyond expectations.

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