Henry® Building Envelope Systems® part of a new sustainable, state-of-the-art urban high-rise high school

The Challenge

For Portland’s new six-story, 281 000 square-foot Lincoln High School, project planners employed several efficient construction methods and sustainable building features. For example, a structural steel system with a special side connection system helped speed construction, as did concrete tilt-up panels and modular wall panels.

To help keep materials out of the waste stream, 10 million pounds of recycled concrete was used for the site’s work area and to support the new track and field area. Also, the school chose to operate an array of solar panels on the roof to help keep the building energy efficient. And to make sure the weatherization system would be effective and install quickly in Portland’s moist climate, the project’s waterproofing consultant selected Henry Blueskin® VP160 Self-adhered Water Resistive Air Barrier for the vapor-permeable membrane and Henry Blueskin® Metal Clad® Self-Adhered Water Resistive Air Barrier as the flashing membrane.

The Solution

The contractor chose to apply Blueskin VP160 to modular wall panels on the job site in a controlled environment, which helped avoid weather delays during the winter months. Wall framing, insulation and Blueskin VP160-covered panels – including window panel rough openings flashed with Blueskin Metal Clad® – were then lifted into place with a crane and installed.

While Blueskin VP160 is a self-adhered membrane, it was chosen in part because it is available with a compatible primer that ensures an effective bond despite Portland’s damp environment. Similarly, Blueskin Metal Clad® was chosen for its compatibility with a range of sealants even in wet, cold conditions.

The Results

The Blueskin VP160 Self-Adhered Water Resistive Air Barrier system helped contractors maintain an aggressive construction schedule throughout the Pacific Northwest winter. Long-term, the Henry weatherization products will help the new Lincoln High School deliver decades of energy-efficient, cost-effective building envelope performance for students, teachers, administrators and taxpayers.