Design for the C.F. Martin Co., Inc. (Martin Guitar) Façade Cladding Project started to address issues that Martin Guitar was experiencing with their building envelope. As a result of the high level of humidity required and maintained within their manufacturing facility they were experiencing condensation forming on their windows and doors that caused ice accumulation in the winter months.

The project goals included, creating a more attractive façade, providing additional insulation to the building envelope and installing more energy efficient windows and doors. Since the existing facility had been renovated and expanded many times over the years there were differing substrates in multiple planes with which to contend to ensure the final product would finish in a consistent single plane.

The original building dates back to 1963 and the exterior concrete tilt-up panels were found to be severely deteriorated in numerous locations while prepping for new windows.  In some instances the panels were split in half and rebar deteriorated to pencil-thin sizes.  The resolution was to remove the existing concrete walls and replace them with new insulated metal panels. The challenge was to complete the work without disrupting production or affecting the safety of the adjacent employees.

To facilitate the removal and replacement, extensive planning and pre-fabrication took place.   Work was completed during a one week shut down over the July 4^th holiday and in between numerous thunderstorms.

While the resulting new façade appears to be just an aesthetic upgrade, the complications experienced and a manufacturing facility with critical environmental requirements, and over a month of weather-related delays, made for a very challenging project that was managed to be successfully completed under budget and on schedule.