Permasteelisa Group to create bespoke façade for Northeastern University’s Alfond Center
Permasteelisa Group has been appointed to design, engineer, manufacture and install the façade for the Alfond Center, a new academic and research building at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine.
Spanning 142,684 sq ft, the unitised curtain wall system will feature on the exterior of the building known as the Alfond Center. The facility has been designed by architect CambridgeSeven and is being built by Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Following advanced parametric analysis, the curtain wall will maximise natural daylight, control solar glare and reduce solar heat gain.
Permasteelisa North America will lead the project management and installation. The Group’s European colleagues will provide a structural glass fin wall together with stick-built systems, to be assembled piece by piece on site. They will also take care of the unitised façade elements, including shaped metal panels and granite sunshades.
The installation will start in September and be completed by January 2028.
Lance Howard, President & CEO of Permasteelisa North America Benson, said: “This contract follows our successful completion of the pre-construction and design services agreement and is a fantastic example of our Group-wide expertise.
“Our team is looking forward to delivering the unique curved façade for this impressive new academic and research facility. As well as providing a visually stunning exterior, the extensive curtain wall system will contribute to the building’s wider sustainability aims.”
Once complete, the Alfond Center will house laboratories, research spaces, classrooms, and meetings rooms. Designed to be fully electric, the building will incorporate advanced geothermal wells, air-source heat pumps, an electric boiler, and a chiller for heating and cooling.
Photo credit: CambridgeSeven