Brewing up bold design

By Dani Sheehan.

Contractors can leverage metal wall systems to expand their service offerings and meet the increasing demand for high-performance exterior solutions.

The new headquarters and production facility of Omega Yeast, a fast-growing yeast producer in Chicago, features metal wall panels that give the building a sleek, modern aesthetic while delivering exceptional structural benefits. This project highlights the versatility and advantages of architectural metal cladding, making it a compelling case if you’re looking to broaden your skill set and add exterior wall systems to your services and offerings.

About the yeast business

Chicago has a deep history in brewing, dating back to the 19th century when German immigrants established the city as a major hub for beer production. While the industry faded in the mid-20th century, the craft brewing movement has seen a resurgence, leading to an even bigger demand for high-quality ingredients. Unlike mass-market yeast producers, Omega Yeast sets itself apart by cultivating custom yeast strains tailored to the specific needs of craft brewers. Researchers have gathered strains from around the world, and this success has led to expansion.

About the new production building

Situated in Chicago’s Northwest Side, Omega Yeast’s new research and production space required a design that seamlessly integrated into a neighborhood characterized by both residential homes and elevated commuter rail tracks. The design team at Valerio Dewalt Train responded to this challenge by using PAC-CLAD metal wall panels from Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC) to blend the exterior facade behind landscaping while offering long-term durability to keep up with the needs of this established business.

The project features 6,015 square feet of PAC-CLAD 7/8” corrugated panels in Onyx and 1,080 square feet in Bone White, all fabricated in 32-gauge aluminum. The panels were installed by All American Exterior Solutions out of Lake Zurich, Illinois. The success of the exposed-fastener panels highlights the versatility of metal solutions beyond traditional roofing applications to meet the increasing demand for high-performance exterior solutions.

Learn more about the Omega Yeast project and explore PAC-CLAD's range of metal wall panel solutions to stay ahead of new industry trends and incorporate innovative materials in your modern commercial construction.

Photo source: alanblakely.com