SMARTci Projects

Category: Residential & Recreation

Size: 24,000 SF

System: 3 in 1

Girt Size | Orientation | OC: 2.5” | H | 16”

Insulation Type: Polyiso

Cladding: Steel Panels

Substrate: Open Framing Metal Studs

Architect: Johnsen Schmaling Architects

Contractor: Wenger Roofing & Sheet Metal

Installer: Wenger Roofing & Sheet Metal

Project Description:

Indoor rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in urban areas. A unique addition to Milwaukee’s North Side, Phase II of the Rivercrest Development included a mixed-use multi-purpose building which includes 46-apartments paired with an 18,000 sq/ft indoor rock climbing gymnasium. Phase II of the Rivercrest Development followed the completion of townhomes, forming RiverCrest Condominiums. With the intentions of attracting young, active Milwaukee-residents, the latest phase of the Rivercrest Development, Belay Apartments and Adventure Rock, stands out among the cities several new high-end apartment buildings.

Adventure Rocks, founded in 1999, decided to expand into a second facility within the city of Milwaukee in hopes of attracting more residents to the sport. The concept of the project was to combine living space with the rock climbing gym. Adventure Rocks is a family-oriented, strength-building activity offering rock climbing, bouldering, fitness training, yoga classes, climbing competitions, as well as event spaces.

Reflecting Milwaukee’s industrial past and growing development, the second phase of the Rivercrest Development brings life back to the city along the Milwaukee River. Johnsen Schmaling Architects completed the Belay Apartments and Adventure Rocks gym in 2016. Schmaling worked alongside Wenger Roofing & Sheet Metal to construct the building envelope.

Schmaling and Wenger incorporated the SMARTci 3 in 1 continuous insulation system into their project as the best practice, cost-effective solution for energy efficiency. This system offered a structurally sound surface to support the building’s unique exterior cladding. Schmaling Architects utilized weathering steel to embrace the building’s large scale and emulate the industrial, rusty buildings previously weathered by the Midwest climate, which once occupied the same space.

Click here to learn more about the SMARTci 3 in 1 continuous insulation system.