They say not to judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to brands and buildings, that’s exactly what happens. Aspects of an exterior design like materials, colors, textures and form are synonymous with brand, whether intended or not. Keeping that in mind, Sto Corp. can help designers achieve brand expression while remaining code-compliant and durable.
In this post, we’ll explore some very different examples: a high-tech glass facade, a hurricane-resilient masonry exterior, and an envelope with multiple contrasting finishes. Read on to find out how Sto systems were able to deliver on the challenges of both aesthetics and performance for these brands.
Sto’s Atlanta Tank Farm Wall – Atlanta, Georgia
This is an example of a brand putting their money where their mouth is: Sto in this case.
Sto’s manufacturing headquarters in Atlanta houses a tank farm, an industrial area with silos and tanks holding raw materials. These are usually not the best-looking facilities. So naturally, Sto put up a massive sleek wall around it, using StoVentec® Glass.
Installing one of Sto’s most expressive cladding systems on its own facility demonstrates how a wall can showcase both design freedom and seamless system integration. StoVentec Glass conveys technology, modernity, lasting color, and a precisely executed premium finish. Enclosing an industrial tank farm with this high-end glass rainscreen illustrates how Sto systems can transform even the most utilitarian structures into striking expressions of brand identity.
White Castle – Orlando, FL
On May 3, 2021, the world’s largest White Castle (4,567 sq ft.) opened its doors; not in the cold and snowy Midwest as they usually did, but in sunny and hurricane-prone Orlando, Florida. The challenge was translating the 100-year old brand’s iconic stone-and-stucco identity to a market with hurricane-zone code requirements and stringent Notice of Acceptance protocols.
Fortunately, with the combination of an expert project team and the use of Sto systems, the construction of the chain’s first Florida location was a success.
The team consisting of MS Consultants in architecture and design, FBM Orlando in distribution, Rue Quality Systems as applicator, and Arlington Construction as general contractor; relied on the following systems to provide a continuous thermal and moisture barrier while easily supporting the heavy stone aesthetic:
- StoTherm® ci for continuous insulation and integrated AWRB
- StoTherm® ci MVES (Masonry Veneer Engineered System) with stone to deliver the masonry aesthetic
- StoGuard® for full envelope air and moisture continuity.
After the successful completion of the project, Chuck Busch, the Technical Service Manager at MS Consultants, Inc., who oversaw the architectural design for the project, remarked: “Having the flexibility when choosing the products and the variation in the finishes was essential.”
Home2 Suites – Bristol, Connecticut
The planning phase for the Home2 Suites in Bristol, Connecticut involved a two-pronged challenge: long-term energy performance; and a sophisticated, modern look that would effectively represent the hotel brand’s signature elements.
“In researching this project, I drove around to look at other Home2 Suites locations and suggested we use StoVentec Glass for a cleaner, modern look for that accent,” said Andrew Hudson, Vice President of Development at Jersey Panel (a specialized fabricator of exterior wall panels).
To satisfy the strict brand guidelines and tight construction deadlines that come with hotel development, the designers chose systems that allowed for a combination of multiple contrasting finishes (glass accents, masonry, and stucco-like textures) without creating thermal leaks or delaying the build.
The solution involved Sto’s prefabricated panel systems, using StoPanel® Classic NExT ci, StoPanel® MVES ci, and StoVentec® Glass combined into a cohesive envelope. Building the pieces off-site under factory-controlled conditions saved time while ensuring quality.
Smart integration of Sto systems was the key in achieving the aesthetics requirements of this project without compromising performance and stay within the budget.
What These Projects Share
As we just learned, these very different projects with contrasting aesthetics (modern glass, traditional stone, and combined finishes) are more similar than they might seem at first glance.
They employed a single-source envelope strategy with only one manufacturer responsible for the results. The simplicity and peace of mind that comes with this setup is hard to beat. From compatibility of systems, to a single warranty, Sto provided all the necessary tools and resources to succeed without having to look elsewhere.
Neither project required a compromise of design to comply with strict deadlines or codes either, because they used fully integrated systems that accomplished everything effectively and seamlessly.
In all these cases, Sto solutions offered the flexibility (glass, stone, stucco, color, and texture) necessary to translate brand into envelope.
So, how to specify for brand without compromising performance?
Here are a few tips:
- Engage Early: Collaborate with Sto’s technical team early to ensure finish flexibility is incorporated smoothly into system selection instead of having to be retrofitted.
- Explore Digital Tools: Use StoInspire® to visualize the finish. You can also use the Aesthetic+Product Selector or Sto Wall Selector to match the desired look with an engineered wall system.
- Masonry Veneer Engineered System: For projects needing a stone, brick, or cultured stone look on a continuously insulated wall.
- StoVentec Glass/Fiber Cement: Go with this option when the project needs a sleek, noncombustible cladding with brand expression.
A Building Is a Brand Statement That Lasts Decades
After the grand opening day comes and goes, a building’s exterior has two jobs: to communicate the brand, and to do so for years to come. Choosing the right solutions early ensures both are accomplished. Whether it’s through the modern elegance of glass, the traditional comfort of stone, or anything in between; the success and durability of that visual identity relies on the engineering behind the wall.
If you need some inspiration for your next design, check out our Sto Project Gallery. Feel free to experiment with finish combinations using StoInspire. And as always, reach out to our team of experts for early collaboration and support, here.