Case Study:
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EIFS is no longer just a pragmatic solution—it’s a tool for expressive, high-performance design. For architects pushing boundaries in design while meeting rigorous performance standards, EIFS offers an unmatched combination of beauty and function.
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Project Overview
As retail brands compete for market share and customer attention, architecture plays a pivotal role in defining the experience. The new Bloomie’s concept in Skokie, Illinois—developed by Bloomingdale’s to attract a modern, trend-focused consumer—demonstrates how Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) can deliver striking visual identity, design flexibility, and thermal performance in one cost-effective solution. This project illustrates why EIFS should be at the forefront of modern façade design for retail and beyond. |
Key Project Highlights
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The Challenge: A Modern Brand, a Complex Façade
To convey a fresh brand ethos, the design vision for Bloomie’s called for a dramatic 2-foot by 2-foot box pattern on the exterior envelope—each box projecting at various depths to create movement, dimension, and visual rhythm. Achieving this aesthetic without sacrificing performance or exceeding budget constraints presented a technical challenge.
The design team needed a cladding system that could:
To convey a fresh brand ethos, the design vision for Bloomie’s called for a dramatic 2-foot by 2-foot box pattern on the exterior envelope—each box projecting at various depths to create movement, dimension, and visual rhythm. Achieving this aesthetic without sacrificing performance or exceeding budget constraints presented a technical challenge.
The design team needed a cladding system that could:
- Accommodate variable wall thicknesses (6", 9", 12").
- Deliver consistent visual quality across complex geometry.
- Meet or exceed energy code requirements for insulation.
- Provide moisture protection and long-term durability.
The Solution: EIFS as a Design and Performance Engine
EIFS provided the architectural flexibility and construction efficiency needed to bring the design to life. The system was selected for its ability to support deep relief, offer continuous insulation, and allow for seamless color and texture control.
Key Strategies Included:
The Result: A Dynamic Retail Façade with Lasting Impact
The final façade at Bloomie’s Skokie is a vivid expression of modern design. The interplay of light and shadow across the 2x2 grid creates a sense of movement and energy, aligning with the retailer’s brand intent. At the same time, the building envelope meets the high-performance standards required for retail environments—comfort, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance.
This project demonstrates the unique advantages EIFS offers to architects seeking both creative freedom and building performance:
EIFS provided the architectural flexibility and construction efficiency needed to bring the design to life. The system was selected for its ability to support deep relief, offer continuous insulation, and allow for seamless color and texture control.
Key Strategies Included:
- Expanded EPS Thicknesses (1”–12”): The use of EIFS allowed walls at varying depths by customizing insulation thicknesses, eliminating the need for structural modifications.
- Thermal and Moisture Control: The system provided an uninterrupted thermal barrier and integrated moisture management, meeting energy code requirements while protecting the building envelope.
- Value Engineering: EIFS allowed the team to level old and new wall planes without demolition—saving time and cost.
- High-End Finish Application: A carefully selected dark color palette (charcoal and graphite) was applied across the grid pattern using EIFS finishes that offered durability and colorfastness.
The Result: A Dynamic Retail Façade with Lasting Impact
The final façade at Bloomie’s Skokie is a vivid expression of modern design. The interplay of light and shadow across the 2x2 grid creates a sense of movement and energy, aligning with the retailer’s brand intent. At the same time, the building envelope meets the high-performance standards required for retail environments—comfort, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance.
This project demonstrates the unique advantages EIFS offers to architects seeking both creative freedom and building performance:
- Design Flexibility: Easily sculpted façades, varied thicknesses, and custom reveals.
- Energy Performance: Continuous insulation enhances occupant comfort and sustainability.
- Cost Effectiveness: Reduced labor, simplified detailing, and minimized rework.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Broad range of colors, textures, and integrated detailing.
