McNICHOLS® PERFORATED METAL CASE STUDY
THE SUMMIT ACTIVITY CENTER
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX
CUSTOMER VISION
The architectural team of The Summit, an adult activity
and fitness center in Grand Prairie, TX, needed an overall
design that would reduce the solar impact from Texas’
summer heat and improve the building's energy efficiency.
HOLE SOLUTION
Designers created a series of canopies made of
McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal that helped reduce
the effects of the summer heat and as a result, lowered
utility bills. Using Aluminum Perforated Metal on such a
large portion of the structure, many up to two stories tall
and nearly 23 feet wide, gave it a light and airy appearance.
In addition to the solar concern, the team considered
the activities at the center. Open at night, the facility’s
McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal canopies provide a
decorative backdrop for evening illumination.
Perforated Metal, Round, Aluminum,
.2500" Thick (1/4" Gauge), 1/4"
Round on 1/2" Staggered Centers,
23% Open Area
©2018 866.754.5144 mcnichols.com
Photography on this page: © Charles Davis Smith / Brinkley Sargent
Perforated Metal, Round, Aluminum,
.1250" Thick (8 Gauge), 3/16"
Round on 5/16" Staggered Centers,
33% Open Area
More than 1,000 McNICHOLS®
Perforated Metal panels were installed
in two sizes: .2500" Thick (1/4" Gauge)
Aluminum with 1/4" round holes on 1/2"
staggered centers and .1250" Thick (8
Gauge) Aluminum with 3/16" round holes
on 5/16" staggered centers. To install
the canopies, the panels were hung on
pin heads welded to the steel columns,
allowing the panels to be removed
for cleaning and maintenance of the
lighting system within the trellis. The
design team was also able to achieve
air circulation and light transmission by
applying the panels to the face of the steel
columns, which are set approximately
four feet apart. In addition, the canopies
were set on a curved radius and installed
at a 45-degree angle, adding another
dimension to the aesthetics and practical
means of reinforcing the material.
McNICHOLS was honored to be
selected to help the customer see their
vision become a reality!
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