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Simply the Best

The 2006 Walls & Ceilings Excellence in Design Awards
Showcases this year's finest craftsmanship in the industry

For its third year, the Walls & Ceilings staff is honoring contractors whose work deserves recognition in our annual Excellence in Design Awards.  The categories awarded this year are: Drywall (residential and commercial), EIFS/Stucco, ICFs, Ceilings and Metal Framing.  The entries were judged by a panel of W&C staff and members of its editorial advisory board.

We asked each company to submit a profile of the job.  In their own words, they talk about the job, some of the challenges, an overview of the finished product and why they should win.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the awards and to all those that submitted to this contest.  Please look for next year's contest information in mid-2007

COMMERCIAL DRYWALL CATEGORY:
This project is a theme-based medical spa with a design based upon an ancient Greek goddess of eternal youth and beauty.  The technical requirements and procedures to be offered presented a test of efficient use of space.  Many of the system required special environmental considerations.

While the client was highly qualified in the "Medspa" field, the opposite was indeed the case where construction was concerned.  After assessing the functional requirements, the job of interpreting the client's dream was entrusted to designer Ms. Adrien Sebestyen. The overall flavor of an intimate Greek temple, with certain 21st century upgrades, was achieved.

Along with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals, intricate intersecting archways became a primary focus.  Each specific public area or room became unique through  the interplay of columns, archways and indirect lighting at the ceiling.  Additional impact was added with elegant chandeliers and accent lighting.  Pulling the entire package together with subtle paint color and material textures gave the client's dream legs.

Without a contractor who had not only experience but also enthusiasm for the design, the final outcome would not have been possible.  Under the direction of Perkins Construction, the metal framing and drywall work became the foundation from which the rest of the project grew.  The use of flexible steel stud tracks allowed the contractor to built the archways just intended.  Once finished, the metal framing became so appealing that there was some reluctance to cover it.  Careful drywall installation and discreet molding placement resulted in a distinctly clean and finished appearance.  The ceiling soffits and reglet detailing required great attention.

As with nearly all projects, the client's initial desire to accomplish the "atmosphere" on a strictly limited budget became a challenge that was successfully achieved.  A close working relationship between the client and Ms. Sebestyen allowed for the interpretation to become a fiscal reality.  Ongoing coordination between Nardini and Stanley and Perkins Construction smoothed over field issues that might have stalled a less motivated team.

Completed in January, the business is running as would be expected of an ancient Greek goddess.  Eternal youth and beauty are being dispensed from an intimate 21st century temple.