Case Study:
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By leveraging EIFS, the project team successfully balanced aesthetics, energy efficiency, and structural economy—delivering a high-performance, visually compelling student facility that reflects the innovative spirit of the institution it serves.
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Project Overview
The Impact & Prosperity Epicenter at the David Eccles School of Business is a 780-bed student housing and learning center designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. This integrated environment blends residential and educational spaces to support student success in a modern, sustainable, and highly functional facility. |
Project Details
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Design Intent and Energy Performance Goals
The original architectural concept called for a full brick façade to evoke a traditional aesthetic in harmony with surrounding campus architecture. However, conventional brick construction lacked the insulation performance required to meet the project’s ambitious energy efficiency targets. In pursuit of a high-performance envelope that could support all-electric HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances, the design team sought an alternative solution that could deliver both visual fidelity and thermal performance.
The original architectural concept called for a full brick façade to evoke a traditional aesthetic in harmony with surrounding campus architecture. However, conventional brick construction lacked the insulation performance required to meet the project’s ambitious energy efficiency targets. In pursuit of a high-performance envelope that could support all-electric HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances, the design team sought an alternative solution that could deliver both visual fidelity and thermal performance.
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EIFS with Thin Brick: A Strategic Solution
To reconcile the need for energy efficiency with the desired traditional brick appearance, the project team selected an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) integrated with thin brick veneer. This innovative approach provided the aesthetic integrity of a full brick façade while delivering the high R-values and continuous insulation (CI) required to meet performance standards.
The chosen EIFS system included:
To reconcile the need for energy efficiency with the desired traditional brick appearance, the project team selected an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) integrated with thin brick veneer. This innovative approach provided the aesthetic integrity of a full brick façade while delivering the high R-values and continuous insulation (CI) required to meet performance standards.
The chosen EIFS system included:
- Continuous insulation to eliminate thermal bridging
- Single-product air and water-resistive barrier for consistent moisture management
- Thin brick veneer finish for aesthetic alignment with traditional masonry
Innovative Integration of Materials
The integration of thin brick into the EIFS assembly allowed the team to replicate the texture, scale, and timeless appeal of full-depth brick without compromising thermal performance or increasing structural demands. This approach significantly reduced the cladding weight, enabling lighter framing systems, smaller footings, and simplified structural engineering. The reduced dead load contributed to both cost savings and construction efficiency.
Additionally, the EIFS system's prefabricated capabilities and application flexibility helped maintain schedule timelines while minimizing jobsite waste, further aligning with the project’s sustainability objectives.
The integration of thin brick into the EIFS assembly allowed the team to replicate the texture, scale, and timeless appeal of full-depth brick without compromising thermal performance or increasing structural demands. This approach significantly reduced the cladding weight, enabling lighter framing systems, smaller footings, and simplified structural engineering. The reduced dead load contributed to both cost savings and construction efficiency.
Additionally, the EIFS system's prefabricated capabilities and application flexibility helped maintain schedule timelines while minimizing jobsite waste, further aligning with the project’s sustainability objectives.
Overcoming Traditional Brick Limitations
Traditional brick veneer systems pose challenges related to thermal performance due to interruptions in the insulation plane and potential for moisture intrusion. The EIFS with thin brick system addressed these concerns through:
Traditional brick veneer systems pose challenges related to thermal performance due to interruptions in the insulation plane and potential for moisture intrusion. The EIFS with thin brick system addressed these concerns through:
- Integrated CI and moisture control layers, enhancing building envelope performance
- Reduced material mass, lowering thermal lag and structural requirements
- Improved airtightness, minimizing energy loss and improving indoor comfort
Functional Performance and Long-Term Benefits
The completed Epicenter showcases the synergy of EIFS technology with a classic brick aesthetic, delivering long-term functional benefits:
The completed Epicenter showcases the synergy of EIFS technology with a classic brick aesthetic, delivering long-term functional benefits:
- Enhanced energy efficiency through uninterrupted insulation and air sealing
- Durability from advanced system components and thin brick facing
- Sustainability through reduced embodied carbon and improved operational performance
- Design flexibility, enabling the architectural vision without compromising building science.
