The new Center for Missouri Studies presents an impressive appearance with its futuristic façade made of glass and natural stone. Around 30,000 fischer undercut anchors ensure the secure fixing of the heavy limestone panels that clad the building envelope.
The institution also aims to foster interest in and appreciation of the cultural heritage of the state and its people through education and outreach. The Center also houses a significant collection of regional artworks and exhibits documenting the westward expansion of the US. The society’s administrative centre is also located in the new building, which includes flexible public spaces for events. Given the building’s significance and mission, the contractors placed great emphasis on using typical regional materials during the planning and construction of the new build.
The final design was developed through a collaboration between the Gould Evans architecture firm from Kansas City and Barker Nestor Architecture & Design from Chicago. The façade offers a distinctive look and is made from two types of limestone: the cream-toned Aux Vases Buff from Missouri, which accounts for 80 percent of the exterior, and the grey Pewter Mist. The installation of the natural stone panels posed a significant challenge for the contractors.
The FZP II Zykon panel anchors provide a form-fit installation without expansion pressure in the conical undercut drill holes. Their reverse-mounted installation enables fastenings in the 1/5 point of the façade panel. “This technology achieves significantly lower slab bending moments and higher load-bearing capacities”, says Steven-Henrik Maier. “Our undercut technology also offers optical advantages. Our Zykon panel anchor FZP II allows the panel fastenings to be concealed so that they are not visible when viewed from the exterior, thereby providing a harmonious look.
Completed in 2019, the Center for Missouri Studies constitutes an impressive example of pioneering architecture with regional references. The complex is also in step with the times in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability, as evidenced by its Gold Status Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certificate issued by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
