More than 14,000 sq. ft. of Dri-Design® panels was utilized to create a contemporary look for the new East Park Community Center in Nashville.  The .050 aluminum panels were finished in three complementary colors:  White, Patina Green and Orange.

The patented Dri-Design Wall Panel System is an affordable dry joint, pressure-equalized rainscreen system.

The dynamic new 33,000 sq. ft. facility, located in the historic East Park district adjacent to downtown, provides a gateway to this diverse neighborhood.  The center houses an indoor pool, gymnasium, community meeting rooms, fitness/aerobics space and walking/jogging track.

The designer and architect of record, Everton Oglesby Architects, Nashville, lead multiple community meetings to gather public input as well as coordinate contemporary design concepts within the framework of the historic district guidelines.  According to project architect Tracey Ford, “We wanted to relate to the historic neighborhood but in a contemporary way.  We knew from the beginning that metal panels would be a component.  They’re durable yet dynamic.  And we loved the design flexibility of the Dri-Design product.  The rainscreen system was particularly appealing to us because of its high performance.  We knew we didn’t want a caulked system because of potential staining issues.”

The mixed-material project also utilized generous amounts of brick and glass.  “We wanted the community to be able to see inside,” Ford said.  “There’s lots of interaction between inside and outside.”

Ford said this was the first time Overton Oglesby Architects had used Dri-Design.  “We loved the whole experience,” she said.  “We’ve had lots of calls asking about the panel system.”

The Dri-Design panels were installed by JWC Specialties, Nashville.  The general contractor was R.G. Anderson Company, Nashville.

Dri-Design panels can be made from a variety of materials including painted aluminum, zinc, copper and stainless steel.  Panels are available in any Kynar color in both standard and custom sizes.