Partitions Add Aesthetics, Durability To Science Center

Above. HDPE, designed to look like metallic or wood fi nishes, is becoming popular among aesthetic-minded designers and maintenance managers who oversee cleaning staffs.

Top. The panels have a pattern of raised dots with a ridged texture. Though they are manufactured of solid plastic, the partitions have a metallic look without the cost of stainless steel.

Above. The goal for the new Science Center at Lake Forest Academy was to create a learning environment that was clean and modern looking, with natural stone, concrete, and steel/chrome accents throughout the structure.

Partitions Add Aesthetics, Durability To Science Center Easy-to-clean HDPE partitions have the look of stainless steel, contribute LEED points, and reduce maintenance time and costs.

Although Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, IL, has a long history, construction of a new science center gave Kelly Mede, director of facilities, an opportunity to specify building materials from the ground up. “Since this was a science center, our goal was to create a learning environment that was clean and modern looking,” said Mede. “The plan was to have natural stone, concrete, and steel/chrome accents throughout the structure, as well as an atrium in the center.”

Selection of the bathroom partitions for the new science center was easy; Mede knew exactly what had worked in other buildings. “We’ve done several renovations here on the campus and, for the bathroom partitions, we had started to move away from traditional metal to HDPE, a material that is much more durable and easier to maintain,” said Mede, who oversees the repairs and maintenance of all the buildings on the campus. “The metal partitions had rust problems and required a lot of maintenance. Hinges need to be replaced frequently and the partitions peeled, so they often required repainting.”

With the help of their architectural specialties vendor, Prestige Distribution Inc., Northbrook, IL, Mede and the facilities team chose Scranton Products, Scranton, PA, Hiny Hiders solid-plastic bathroom partitions because they found them to be a durable product that would also alleviate many of the maintenance and cleanliness issues associated with the metal partitions. Constructed from HDPE, they also offer a sustainable solution for restroom stall partitions.

Mede suggested to the science building committee that they continue to use the Scranton partitions, and they concurred, choosing the Metallic collection’s stainless color with EX texture. The texture has a pattern of raised dots with a ridged texture. Though they are manufactured of solid plastic, the partitions feature a bold, metallic look without the high cost of stainless steel. Seven partitions were furnished and installed by Prestige Distribution in the science center—three in the men’s bathroom and four in the women’s bathroom.

“The key to this project was finding an alternative to expensive stainless-steel restroom partitions. The color and texture look just like stainless steel and are perfect for the contemporary design of the new science center,” said Mede. “Their sleek, modern look is exactly what we were going for.”

Cleaning can be a problem with wood or metal partitions, especially with mars in surfaces that can harbor bacteria or that are prone to graffiti. That is why HDPE, designed to look like metallic or wood finishes, is becoming popular among aesthetic-minded designers and maintenance managers who oversee cleaning staffs. Lake Forest Academy is fortunate not to have the vandalism issues that occur at many other schools and high-traffic facilities, but the EX finish that was chosen offers an additional layer of protection against scratching, markers, and other forms of vandalism.

From a cleanliness point of view, the partitions provide the academy with another substantial benefit. The non-porous surface of HDPE is naturally resistant to bacteria, odors, mold, and mildew. HDPE won’t retain germs, and the surface is easy to clean. Graffiti also wipes off easily with most non-abrasive cleaners. The partitions can be power washed and steam cleaned without the worry of rust eventually forming.

Today, according to Mede, the partitions have proven to be low maintenance. “We’ve had virtually no maintenance issues in any of the restroom stalls, and they look as good today as when we first installed them. We simply wash them down from time to time and they look virtually brand new after almost a year of use.”

The partitions are Greenguard Gold certified for improved indoor air quality, especially important in schools. They also contribute points toward LEED certification, another factor in Mede’s selection of the product. CBP

Want more information? The resources below are linked in our digital magazine at cbpmagazine.com/digital/apr2015. Circle 4 on the Reader Service Card.

Download a Scranton product brochure.

Download a materials brochure.

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