Built in 1984, this commercial office building at Halsted and Armitage was showing its age.  Its original dark-tinted windows were failing, and its beige EIFS exterior was  dated and stained.

Due to poor energy performance and ongoing water infiltration problems, the existing windows needed replacement.  The building’s owners saw this as an opportunity to comprehensively improve the building and enlisted Field Guide to develop solutions.

Multiple concepts, ranging from a simple re-painting to a more comprehensive recladding were considered.  Three-dimensional models allowed for quick studies of the various options.

Ultimately, the owners decided to pursue a new, ventilated rain screen system installed over the existing facade. After reviewing available products, the design team specified CeraClad, a prefinished cement board system widely used in Japan.

CeraClad’s narrow panels (120″ x 18″) employ a tongue and groove connection on the long edge.  When utilizing textured panels, the joint effectively disappears. 

The existing building’s ribbon windows and continuous spandrels meant that virtually no horizontal seams were required. A single panel spans from window head to window sill, and the vertical joints disappear, creating a seamless effect.

The ventilated rain screen provides improved building performance and its dark, seamless color contrasts with the new clear anodized aluminum window frames, resulting in a crisp and fresh aesthetic.