Case Study:
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EIFS played a crucial role in bringing the vision for the Global Ambassador Hotel to life—not only showcasing its aesthetic potential but also demonstrating its performance capabilities in real-world applications—ensuring the hotel stands as a model of modern architectural excellence.
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Project Overview
The Global Ambassador Hotel blends world-class luxury with modern aesthetics, offering an extraordinary experience to guests, visitors, and locals alike. Nestled against the striking backdrop of Camelback Mountain, the hotel’s design reflects the owner’s passion for international travel, incorporating functional, yet beautiful elements into both its interior and exterior architecture. With over 140 rooms, a wellness center, event spaces, and five distinctive restaurants, the hotel serves as a prime example of modern luxury. |
Project Details
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Aesthetic Appeal and Design Integration
The Global Ambassador Hotel’s exterior design integrates a balance between classic brick elements and modern architectural innovations. Initially, the hotel’s cladding design included traditional brick over lath and plaster with EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems). However, the architect’s previous exposure to EIFS insulated masonry veneer systems led to a collaborative discussion with the general contractor to explore this innovative system for the hotel’s façade.
The decision to utilize EIFS with an insulated masonry veneer system came from the following considerations:
The Global Ambassador Hotel’s exterior design integrates a balance between classic brick elements and modern architectural innovations. Initially, the hotel’s cladding design included traditional brick over lath and plaster with EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems). However, the architect’s previous exposure to EIFS insulated masonry veneer systems led to a collaborative discussion with the general contractor to explore this innovative system for the hotel’s façade.
The decision to utilize EIFS with an insulated masonry veneer system came from the following considerations:
- Seamless Aesthetic Integration: EIFS allowed the design team to achieve the desired traditional brick look while maintaining the modern, clean lines integral to the hotel's luxury aesthetic.
- Uninterrupted Air and Water Management: EIFS offers a continuous air and water-resistive barrier, which prevents moisture infiltration and energy loss.
- Efficiency in Application: EIFS streamlined the construction process, providing significant time savings compared to traditional masonry methods.
Innovation and Creativity
The installation of EIFS on the Global Ambassador Hotel highlighted significant innovation in building technology. The system’s integration of continuous insulation and an air/water-resistive barrier ensures maximum energy efficiency and consistent internal climate control. This not only boosts the hotel’s performance but enhances the guest experience throughout the year.
Key Features of Innovation:
The installation of EIFS on the Global Ambassador Hotel highlighted significant innovation in building technology. The system’s integration of continuous insulation and an air/water-resistive barrier ensures maximum energy efficiency and consistent internal climate control. This not only boosts the hotel’s performance but enhances the guest experience throughout the year.
Key Features of Innovation:
- Continuous Insulation: EIFS eliminates thermal bridging, ensuring enhanced insulation and temperature comfort year-round.
- Air and Water-Resistive Barrier: A key benefit of EIFS is its ability to prevent moisture penetration, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the building envelope, especially in a desert climate like Phoenix.
- Thin Brick Veneer without Fasteners: A specialized high-strength setting bed mortar was used to adhere the thin brick veneer to the system, maintaining the continuity of the insulation and air/water-resistive barrier. This method removed the need for mechanical fasteners, preserving the system’s performance and preventing any puncture points in the air/water barrier.
Challenges and Resolutions
Throughout the project, the design and construction team encountered several challenges that were efficiently resolved through the use of EIFS.
Throughout the project, the design and construction team encountered several challenges that were efficiently resolved through the use of EIFS.
- Challenge: Complex Transition from Classical to Modern Design
The project demanded a seamless integration of traditional design elements (such as classical bands, reveals, and window trims) with modern construction methods.
Resolution: EIFS with EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam provided the flexibility to sculpt intricate classical details while maintaining a modern, clean finish. These elements were easily incorporated into the overall façade, creating a cohesive and timeless appearance. - Challenge: Maintaining Thermal Integrity
Traditional masonry methods often create thermal bridging, leading to energy inefficiencies and temperature inconsistencies within the building.
Resolution: EIFS, with its continuous insulation, successfully addressed this issue, ensuring consistent temperature control and reducing energy consumption across the hotel’s extensive exterior walls.
Functionality and Performance
EIFS performance at the Global Ambassador Hotel exemplifies the benefits of modern exterior insulation and finish technologies. The integration of EIFS enabled the building to achieve both aesthetic and functional goals, including the creation of architectural details such as:
EIFS performance at the Global Ambassador Hotel exemplifies the benefits of modern exterior insulation and finish technologies. The integration of EIFS enabled the building to achieve both aesthetic and functional goals, including the creation of architectural details such as:
- Classical EIFS Elements: EPS foam was used to create custom architectural features, including cornices, reveals, and window trims, which added sophistication to the hotel’s exterior.
- Seamless Transition: The smooth integration of traditional EIFS elements with the thin brick veneer ensured that the hotel’s exterior design remained cohesive without compromising its aesthetic goals.
- Energy Efficiency: The continuous insulation layer of EIFS helped regulate internal temperatures, contributing to the hotel's energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
