Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, part of the Nemours Children’s Health System, is one of the top rated children’s hospitals in the United States. Located in Wilmington, DE, the hospital just completed a $25 million, state- of-the-art, expansion project. Opened in October 2014, the already sprawling campus added 450,000-square-feet to its footprint and now offers additional patient amenities such as:

• Larger ER with a Fast Track unit where children with minor injuries and illnesses can be seen quickly and return home

• Two fully equipped trauma rooms for quick access to ambulances, helicopters, medical imaging, operating rooms and ICUs 

• 144 single-patient rooms with private bathrooms and sleeping accommodations, so that families can stay close by

• Playrooms, pocket parks, a Healing Garden, solariums and family lounges to provide places for families outside the intensity of the hospital room

The construction was slated to begin in the second quarter of 2013 and completion by the end of 2013, however site conditions and weather proved to delay the project into the horrific winter of 2013/2014 and well into the following summer and fall.  

This building design included a number of challenging geometry and wall transitions. Such as the various curtainwall bays making up the two “almond” shaped phases.

The first task for Metalwërks was taking the architects glazing concept design and developing prototypes for an entirely custom three dimensional glazing panel never seen before. Comprising 400 triangular and diamond shaped 6’ x 6’ panels,  The visual affect is truly three dimensional given the two dimensional flat panel design which required panel seams to be virtually invisible.

This facility required many types of construction, products, phases and logistics.  Only a company with the integrated design, manufacturing and installation experience capable of pulling all the various product elements, design, production, coordination and skillful erection could deliver this jewel of a project.

Founded in 1968, Metalwërks is a second-generation, family owned product manufacturer and specialty contractor of architectural metal cladding and ornamental metal. Based in Kennett Square, PA, Metalwërks partners with architects, contractors and owners to bring their visionary designs to life with precision engineering, fabrication and installation. 

Metalwërks fully supports all market sectors and has been instrumental in a number of award-winning LEED projects, including the Plaza at PPL in Allentown, PA (LEED Gold) and PNC Firstside Center in Pittsburgh, PA (LEED Silver). The high level of post-consumer recycled content in their aluminum and stainless steel plate as well as the 100% recyclable nature of their systems make Metalwërks a smart choice for sustainable building.