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Cambridge Architectural mesh creates facade for certified green garage

Universities at Shady Grove Parking Garage, Rockville, Md.

A combination of three stainless steel mesh patterns woven by Cambridge Architectural, based in Cambridge, Md., envelop the exterior facade of the new 700-space parking garage at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md. The $20 million project is expected to be one of the first parking facilities in the world to achieve green garage certification under the Green Parking Council’s new rating system.

The custom facade design incorporates more than 31,300 sq. ft. of mesh in three patterns that helps to promote daylight control and ventilation in the garage. Made from recycled materials, the stainless mesh and Cambridge’s eyebolt attachment system hardware contribute to the garage’s pending green certification.

Cambridge—a participant in the International Parking Institute’s Green Star program for sustainability—uses a cold-forming process for the mesh that has less environmental impact than processes for heat-treated products. The mesh is not susceptible to weather, is virtually maintenance-free, and has an indestructible life cycle, says the company. Much of the garage’s construction waste was recycled, and a significant portion of the garage labor and materials was sourced locally.

The garage also generates on-site renewable energy from the photovoltaic panels and features energy-efficient LED lighting.