UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO KIMBALL HALL RENOVATION | Completed 2011

Buffalo, NY

FFAE Architects was engaged to provide complete Architectural Design Services for a comprehensive forensic evaluation, rehabilitation and modernization of Kimball Hall; an existing 12-story high rise tower located at the University of Buffalo’s south campus. Built in 1950, the existing building is a blending of exterior envelope materials. The structure is composed of a poured-in-place concrete frame with brick veneer, terra cotta panels and aluminum curtain wall systems.

FFAE Architects examined new alternatives to exterior cladding systems – appropriate to – the level of design needed for the high rise facade and improve the overall energy performance of the existing envelope integrated with the existing building systems. The concepts explored goals that include preservation, modernization, transformation of the existing high-rise structure image to become an emblem of the function that it houses (i.e., Medical Campus).

The result consists of a new exterior wall insulated metal panel curtain wall system that will provide a more state of the art thermal resistant envelope; transcending the “dated” terra cotta panel to a new energy efficient prospect.