Case Study:
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Modern EIFS technology, when applied strategically, can meet rigorous design and performance demands typically reserved for higher-cost cladding systems. High-performance building enclosures do not require a tradeoff between cost and design integrity.
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Project Overview
Clovis Community Medical Center – Phase C exemplifies the use of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) as a cost-effective and design-compatible alternative to aluminum metal panels. The project’s shift from conventional metal cladding to EIFS with Drainage was driven by performance requirements, budgetary constraints, and the need to maintain architectural continuity. This case study provides a reference for the technical feasibility and economic benefits of specifying EIFS in healthcare applications. |
Key Project Highlights
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Design Challenge
The original tower featured extensive use of aluminum metal panel systems. For Phase C, project stakeholders needed to match the aesthetic of the existing building while achieving significant reductions in both material cost and construction schedule.
Key design and construction criteria included:
EIFS as an Alternative System
Quantifiable Benefits
Metric Metal Panels (Est.) EIFS with Drainage (Actual)
Material Cost (per sq. ft.) Higher Significantly lower
Installation Duration Several months Reduced by ~30%
Weight (per sq. ft.) ~2.5–4.0 lbs. ~1.0–1.5 lbs.
Continuous Insulation Not inherent Integrated
Maintenance Requirements Moderate to High Low
The transition to EIFS on Phase C resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in cost savings and a significant reduction in construction duration. EIFS with Drainage offers a technically viable substitute for metal panel systems.
The original tower featured extensive use of aluminum metal panel systems. For Phase C, project stakeholders needed to match the aesthetic of the existing building while achieving significant reductions in both material cost and construction schedule.
Key design and construction criteria included:
- Maintaining visual continuity with existing aluminum cladding
- Reducing installed costs
- Compressing construction timeline
- Providing durable, energy-efficient exterior envelope performance
EIFS as an Alternative System
- Aesthetic Equivalency - The design team achieved a metallic panel appearance using EIFS with Drainage finished with a proprietary metallic coating. The EIF system was custom colored and detailed to visually align with the metal panels used in the earlier phase, offering a near-identical façade at a fraction of the cost.
- Thermal and Moisture Control - The selected EIFS assemblies incorporated continuous insulation and integrated drainage planes, in compliance with energy code and water management requirements. This allowed the enclosure to meet California Title 24 energy standards without added complexity.
- Construction Efficiency - EIFS enabled faster installation compared to traditional panel systems. The lighter material reduced structural support needs and allowed for streamlined field application, contributing to a significant reduction in overall construction time.
Quantifiable Benefits
Metric Metal Panels (Est.) EIFS with Drainage (Actual)
Material Cost (per sq. ft.) Higher Significantly lower
Installation Duration Several months Reduced by ~30%
Weight (per sq. ft.) ~2.5–4.0 lbs. ~1.0–1.5 lbs.
Continuous Insulation Not inherent Integrated
Maintenance Requirements Moderate to High Low
The transition to EIFS on Phase C resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in cost savings and a significant reduction in construction duration. EIFS with Drainage offers a technically viable substitute for metal panel systems.
