Case Study:
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Waco Family Medicine is a model for cost-effective, design-forward construction in the healthcare sector—and a compelling case for the continued evolution of EIFS and cladding technologies.
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Project Overview
Waco Family Medicine, located in Waco, Texas, underwent a significant 25,000-square-foot expansion with the goal of improving healthcare accessibility and creating a welcoming, community-centered facility. The project team—led by architect Michael Malone of HKS and general contractor Beck Group—was challenged with delivering a high-end, wood-clad appearance within a strict budget. Through close collaboration with specialty subcontractor Baker Triangle, the team turned to a novel solution: combining a continuous insulation Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) with prefabricated resin cast wood planks. The result was a visually striking, high-performance façade that fulfilled the architect’s original vision while saving the project over $400,000. |
Key Project Highlights
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Aesthetic Appeal and Design Integration
The architectural concept centered on warmth, approachability, and natural materials—ideals symbolized by wood cladding. Initially, real wood planks were specified, but bids exceeded the budget. The team pivoted to prefabricated resin cast wood, which mimics the grain, tone, and texture of real wood while offering superior durability and lower lifecycle costs. Installed in 6” x 6’ planks and finished in a soft Alder stain, the product delivered over 15,000 square feet of natural-looking wood tones to the building’s exterior. The resin cast elements seamlessly integrated with the EIFS, supporting continuous insulation and providing a clean, modern finish. The consistent appearance and grain variation offered by 45 unique mold patterns enhanced the authenticity of the design, reinforcing the building’s role as a place of healing and trust. |
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Innovation and Creativity
This project marked the first known use of resin cast wood in Texas, showcasing a bold and innovative solution to cost and material limitations. With traditional materials ruled out, Baker Triangle introduced the resin cast alternative and orchestrated a full-scale mockup to demonstrate the product’s aesthetic, structural compatibility, and ease of installation. The mockup was critical in gaining confidence from the architect and owner, dispelling concerns around durability, warranty coverage, and visual appeal.
EIFS used beneath the resin cast wood included integrated air- and water-resistive barriers, ensuring performance without the need for disjointed systems or multiple warranties. This creative fusion of emerging material technology and proven thermal envelope systems enabled both form and function to shine.
This project marked the first known use of resin cast wood in Texas, showcasing a bold and innovative solution to cost and material limitations. With traditional materials ruled out, Baker Triangle introduced the resin cast alternative and orchestrated a full-scale mockup to demonstrate the product’s aesthetic, structural compatibility, and ease of installation. The mockup was critical in gaining confidence from the architect and owner, dispelling concerns around durability, warranty coverage, and visual appeal.
EIFS used beneath the resin cast wood included integrated air- and water-resistive barriers, ensuring performance without the need for disjointed systems or multiple warranties. This creative fusion of emerging material technology and proven thermal envelope systems enabled both form and function to shine.
Challenges and Resolutions
The core challenge was budget. Traditional wood systems were unaffordable, yet the design depended on a warm, wood-based aesthetic. Introducing resin cast wood addressed this tension but brought its own hurdles: unfamiliarity with the product, performance questions, and skepticism from stakeholders.
By installing a detailed mockup and emphasizing the single-system warranty offered by integrating resin cast shapes with EIFS, the team demonstrated that this alternative not only met aesthetic expectations but also exceeded performance standards. This hands-on approach ensured stakeholder buy-in and maintained the design integrity originally envisioned.
The core challenge was budget. Traditional wood systems were unaffordable, yet the design depended on a warm, wood-based aesthetic. Introducing resin cast wood addressed this tension but brought its own hurdles: unfamiliarity with the product, performance questions, and skepticism from stakeholders.
By installing a detailed mockup and emphasizing the single-system warranty offered by integrating resin cast shapes with EIFS, the team demonstrated that this alternative not only met aesthetic expectations but also exceeded performance standards. This hands-on approach ensured stakeholder buy-in and maintained the design integrity originally envisioned.
Functionality and Performance
EIFS with Drainage used on the Waco Family Medicine expansion incorporated continuous insulation, a drainage cavity, and an integrated moisture barrier—key elements for long-term energy efficiency and envelope durability. The prefabricated resin cast wood cladding worked in tandem with this system, providing a breathable, insulated, and low-maintenance exterior.
Thanks to its lightweight construction, the resin cast wood minimized structural loads and streamlined installation. Additionally, the system’s unified warranty offered peace of mind and simplified ongoing building management. With high performance, long-term durability, and a design-forward aesthetic, the project exemplifies how EIFS systems can elevate healthcare facilities both functionally and visually.
EIFS with Drainage used on the Waco Family Medicine expansion incorporated continuous insulation, a drainage cavity, and an integrated moisture barrier—key elements for long-term energy efficiency and envelope durability. The prefabricated resin cast wood cladding worked in tandem with this system, providing a breathable, insulated, and low-maintenance exterior.
Thanks to its lightweight construction, the resin cast wood minimized structural loads and streamlined installation. Additionally, the system’s unified warranty offered peace of mind and simplified ongoing building management. With high performance, long-term durability, and a design-forward aesthetic, the project exemplifies how EIFS systems can elevate healthcare facilities both functionally and visually.
