Earlier versions of this story incorrectly spelled the name of Matt Lam, senior designer with WDG Architecture of the District. This version has been corrected.
From the Ground Up
Hip Lofts to Bring Glimmer of Zinc to Hyattsville
Monday, April 9, 2007; Page D03
The word "zinc" conjures up vitamins, batteries, pennies.
But lofts?
In a section of Hyattsville not particularly known for hip architecture, developers plan in coming weeks to begin installing curved, low-gloss, gray zinc walls on the front and back of a 22-loft building under construction at the University Town Center in Prince George's County.
The five-story structure -- the first floor will be occupied by a restaurant -- is one of the first residential buildings in the Washington region to install walls made of zinc, a metal that industry experts say is emerging nationwide as a desirable alternative to traditional materials such as copper or less expensive masonry.
"It has a pleasing gray tone and it weathers quite well," said Bill Zahner, author of a book on metals and president of A. Zahner Co. of Kansas City, which manufactures custom architectural and ornamental metals.
"The technology on how to use the metal correctly has really come together in the last five years, he said. "If they're put up correctly they can last 100 years, and they're fully recyclable."
Some institutions, including Howard University, have installed zinc walls on buildings. Metal salesmen say some developers in the Washington region have inquired about zinc or plan to install it in new multi-unit residential buildings or single-family homes.
The loft building in Hyattsville, the Plaza Lofts 22, is nestled among five office buildings; 112 condominiums that are under construction; a 244-unit student apartment building; restaurants and a movie theater. Those buildings are made of brick or precast concrete.
"This is our jewel building," said Chris Hanessian, chief operating officer for developer University Town Center LLC. "The zinc doesn't discolor. It just holds up naturally."
Zinc's reactions with compounds in the atmosphere allow it to effectively heal itself when scratched, like human skin.
"All the other buildings focus in on this building," Hanessian said. "Thousands of office workers look down at the building. Student housing looks down at the building. It's a focal point."
Matt Lam, senior designer with WDG Architecture of the District, who worked on the Hyattsville project, said another benefit of zinc is that it is lighter in weight, which will put "less stress" on the underground parking garage.
