The US Bank Stadium is the new home of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and is considered the largest construction project in Minnesota history. Ground breaking began in 2013 after the former Vikings’ Metrodome collapsed for the fifth time. The replacement facility, which was completed in July 2016, is a 1.75 million square-foot site that is the pinnacle sustainable design. Designed by HKS Architects, the new stadium is capable of seating 65,400 spectators and, when expanded, can accommodate up to 72,000 people.
HKS Architects note that the goal of the project was to “…create a resource that welcomes all the people of the Twin Cities and the state of Minnesota.” The end product is a modern and economical design that not only serves as a state-of-the-art venue for culture and sports events, but also provides an elevated fan experience. Openness and transparency are reoccurring themes in the design, as the stadium was built with a transparent façade and is topped with the US’ largest transparent ethylene-tetraflouroethylene (ETFE) canopy, which produces the illusion of sitting outside and interacting with Minneapolis’ open spaces. The transparent roof and façades invite abundant natural light and also help reduce the building’s energy consumption.
The sophisticated and sleek exterior design features a subtle contrast between the black zinc predominantly featured throughout the façade and the soffits and wing walls of the venue. For these details, Pure + Freeform created a rust-copper hybrid in dry, lusterless metal that was fabricated by MG McGrath. The metal was prefinished with Lumiflon FEVE Resin and ensures the coatings will last for an extended period of time without having to recoat. FEVE-based fluoropolymers have exceptional color and gloss retention and outstanding weatherability, which prevents coating degradation due to UV radiation, water, and salt. These long-lasting coatings are ideal for high-profile projects in high exposure areas like the US Bank Stadium.
Photos courtesy of Pure + Freeform
Categories Architecture