Embracing modern construction design while paying homage to history
With every building on the Charleston peninsula facing steep scrutiny from the Architecture Review Board to preserve the historic flavor and winsome charm that continually earns Charleston the title of Best City from TODAY, architects seek systems that bridge the divide of traditional and modern design.
At the corner of Calhoun Street and East Bay stood The Three Sisters for 124 years, home to many and also housing the local corner store. After the buildings were razed, the land sat empty for many years. Today, this intersection serves as a transition in the city—to the north are tall, contemporary buildings and to the south are historic, two- to three-story, single house buildings.
The Middleton Group sought to pay homage to The Three Sisters in their design of The Delta Pharmacy. The building had to be constructed with materials that were contextually relevant, specifically at pedestrian scale. Specifically, the front of the building is a reflection of the original corner store, while the back is a reflection of Charleston’s history through a modern interpretation.
With architect Will Morrison having been introduced to CUPACLAD® in 2019, the decision to utilize the CUPACLAD® Rainscreen system was simple. Not only does the system offer a wide choice of solutions ranging from traditional to contemporary, but it also provides the use of high-durability tectonic slate.
“We wanted something that reflected the history of Charleston with natural materials, but in a contemporary way. That’s why we used the CUPACLAD® system because it has the nice, sophisticated stone look while harkening back to traditional building materials,” said Morrison.
Morrison and The Middleton Group chose the CUPACLAD® 101 LOGIC rainscreen system. The 101 LOGIC delivers a balanced design and places the texture and sheer of natural slate on the forefront. The texture and contrast provided by the rainscreen system was particularly appealing—the juxtaposition of CUPACLAD’s natural, dark slate with the white slate color of the façade.
The modern whimsy and historical charm meet in the waterfall effect flowing from the roof that the rainscreen system allowed the architect to achieve.
The Delta Pharmacy has earned high praise from the Charleston community, including:
- Whitelaw Founders Award 2022 – Historic Charleston Foundation
- Carolopolis New Construction Award 2022 – Preservation Society of Charleston
- Student Choice Award – AIA Charleston 2022
“I feel like it was a good relationship, and the CUPACLAD® representatives were very helpful in making sure we covered things early,” said Morris.
PRODUCT USED: CUPACLAD®
The CUPACLAD® 101 LOGIC rainscreen cladding system gives any facade balance, combines ideally with other materials and flaunts natural slate’s texture and sheen.
Other case studies
More than 250 roofs are installed per day around the world with our slate.
Natural slate CUPA PIZARRAS has been highly valued by architects and has been selected for important projects within many cultural and historic buildings of interest, modern architecture or the construction or renovation of traditional housing.
Other case studies
More than 250 roofs are installed per day around the world with our slate.
Natural slate CUPA PIZARRAS has been highly valued by architects and has been selected for important projects within many cultural and historic buildings of interest, modern architecture or the construction or renovation of traditional housing.
If you have any questions, our experienced team on slate is at your disposal.
