Client: Action Fence
Project: Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Architect: KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
General Contractor: Mortenson
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Product: Nova Privacy Screen
The Challenge: A screening solution to conceal an unsightly Maintenace area
In 2021 the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN underwent a relocation of their electrical services. The architectural team, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., needed to provide a privacy screening around the new maintenance area. The project’s scope included:
- Specific Color Match: Using anodized metal panels to match the existing building
- Structural Integration: Addressing the need for the screen fence to be structurally independent of the building
- Strength and Durability: Using complete-joint-penetration (CJP) groove welds, a high-strength welding technique, for all Hollow Structural Section (HSS) joints
- Custom Perforated Pattern: Creating a specific pattern for the perforated privacy screen panels
The Solution: Custom-Engineered Perforated Privacy Screen
Through the bidding process, our Stellarcraft team was selected to provide the Nova Privacy Screen to meet the project’s specifications. We then worked collaboratively with the teams at Action Fence, Mortenson, and Kimley-Horn to design a structurally independent screen fence. This included:
- Structure and Components: A frame made from anodized carbon steel square and rectangular tubing. The design included all associated components, such as the frame, foundations, and connections. The entire structure, which stood 9′8.5′′ tall, was anchored using 0.500′′ diameter carbon steel torque-controlled expansion anchors.
- Engineering and Design: Mortenson conducted the engineering analysis for the fence with foundation design handled by Dynamic Structures, ensuring the solution was robust and secure.
- Custom Finish: To meet the aesthetic requirements, the metal panels were anodized with color samples submitted for owner review and selection.
- Custom Perforation Pattern: Astro manufactured the screen panels with a precise perforation pattern of 0.08′′ holes with 0.173′′ staggered centers.
- Custom Gate Fabrication: The design also included a gate at the front of the structure to allow maintenance vehicles to enter and exit the site.
The Result: A Durable, Code-compliant privacy screen
The collaboration between Action Fence, Kimley-Horn, Mortensen and Stellarcraft resulted in a successful and compliant installation at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. The Nova Privacy Screen effectively concealed the electrical services while meeting all the architectural and engineering requirements. The highly durable, structurally sound, and aesthetically integrated solution will withstand environmental factors and blend seamlessly with the hospital’s facade for years to come. The use of advanced welding techniques and a well-engineered structure ensured the long-term stability and safety of the installation. This solidified the project as a success for all parties involved.
