High Profile Mixed-Use Project Team Relies On Fortifiber
Eugene, OR – Paradigm Properties challenged themselves to create a highly energy efficient and enduring mixed-use project in Eugene’s university district called “The Patterson”. To achieve these ambitious goals, the project’s architect, general contractor, and consulting engineering firm turned to Fortifiber Building Systems Group.
A seven-story mixed-use building located at the gateway to the university district, The Patterson’s amenities include ground floor retail and five levels of upscale student housing.
According to Dustrud Architecture’s Paul Dustrud, the project’s modern design uses durable, high-quality materials, upgraded windows and exterior siding coupled with a “robust waterproofing system” to achieve Paradigm’s goal of “a building that has a longer life expectancy than the usual 50-year life span of buildings built in the United States today. Here in Eugene, where we get over 50 inches of rain per year, protecting our buildings from water intrusion is critical.”
“The Patterson’s owner group is committed to quality,” says Dustrud, “that is one reason why this siding and weatherproofing system was chosen.”
Eugene-based Essex General Construction, The Patterson’s general contractor, turned to Portland-based Alliance Project Engineers and Construction Consultants to detail all elements of the cladding and secondary weather protection.
The Northwest’s newest project engineering and construction consulting firm, Alliance’s building envelope design team constructed and tested full-scale mockups of exterior details onsite and conducted monthly site inspections. Alliance’s project engineering professionals are well acquainted with Fortifiber products.
“The greatest benefit to using a Fortifiber-manufactured weatherproofing system is the integration where all products are compatible, exponentially increasing the expected useful life of any of our projects. Our specialty is building envelope consulting and the coverage of each product, in conjunction with the others allows for water-tight walls, windows, and doors, as well as proper moisture egress,” said Zach Gollier, PE, principal with Alliance.
The Patterson was pre-wrapped with WeatherSmart® Commercial weather barrier; FortiFlash® and FortiFlex® flashings were installed at rough openings and in conjunction with Moistop Corner Shields® at window sills. Moistop® Sealant was installed in appropriate joints and along the window nailing flange. By using the complete Fortifiber weatherization system, the building qualified for the 10-year FortiShield® Warranty.
“Alliance Project Engineers and Construction Consultants have specified and overseen the application of Fortifiber products on commercial, mixed-use, and residential projects across the Western U.S. The outstanding quality of each component, as well as the intercompatibility of their products, creates a sensible choice for our weather barrier, flashing, and sealant needs,” said Alliance’s Gollier.
During the design and build of The Patterson, Essex General Construction and Alliance Project Engineers and Construction Consultants staff worked closely with Fortifiber representative Frank Mendez to specify a fully-integrated reliable weatherization system.
“Frank Mendez of Fortifiber is a true asset to our projects. He brings a wide knowledge base of best practices in a variety of settings, and the essential knowledge of what not to do,” says Mark Bruer, Vice President of Operations for Essex. Essex has worked with Fortifiber products on several projects, including The Pearl, The Prefontaine and several other large apartment buildings.
Alliance’s Zach Gollier adds, “Customer service is also excellent in terms of education and overall product selection assistance. With Fortifiber, we have additional confidence in our building projects, keeping the moisture out and interior building components dry.”
About the Project Team
Dustrud Architecture’s projects have been recognized as energy efficiency leaders: In 2012, The Westgate received the first Platinum LEED certification for homes in the entire Pacific Northwest. The Pearl, another Dustrud project, garnered LEED Gold certification.
Essex General Construction is a member of US Green Building Council and Cascadia Green Building Council. Six Essex staff members are LEED AP. All receive training in sustainable practices. Founded in 1987 as a commercial general contractor in Eugene, Essex has grown, constructing commercial buildings throughout Western Oregon and Western Washington.
Founded in 2012, Alliance Project Engineers and Construction Consultants have worked on hundreds of building envelope projects, serving homeowners, HOAs, architects, and contractors. From the outside – cladding, windows, doors, sealants, moisture barriers, foundations, etc. – to the inside – indoor air quality, structural integrity, etc. – Alliance staff will observe, analyze, interpret, and redesign problematic elements of your building, common or unique.
The Fortifiber Building Systems Group manufactures building products that help protect builders and owners from water intrusion and moisture that can damage residential and commercial buildings. These products, called Moisture Control Systems, bring together sound building science principles and proven product designs. They provide effective protection against water intrusion and moisture, increasing building durability and reducing energy requirements.