Utilize What's In Your Own Backyard
When we first decided that we were going to move into the Cobblestone Building the first thing we did was sit down with architect Brad Wales and the crew from Savarino Development to discuss plans moving forward. One of the first items to be brought up regarding the building process was where to run the HVAC system (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning). Because we were new to this process we asked if there were any options when it came to what the HVAC would look like. The answer was no... HVAC is basically dulled-down, industrial-metal, cylindrical tubes that run along the ceiling and there were no options when it came to choices. Oh well.
One week later I was sitting at the Swannie House waiting for a Sabres' game to begin when in walked Dave Smith from Rigidized Metals. I told Dave about the dilemma and expressed our desire to incorporate attractive HVAC ducts into the office build-out. Since Rigidized Metals specializes in textured metals, I assumed that it might be possible. Dave was interested in the idea and we chatted about the concept over a few beers. Before long there was a scope in place that positioned Rigidized Metals as the only company in the country that could custom make sleek, machine-rolled, silver-embossed, exposed piping for residential and commercial properties.
Of course, ideas like these rarely make it off the drawing board, let alone out of the Swannie House, right? The next day I kept thinking how cool the concept was, but after a few more days I assumed the idea was dead in the water. One week later I got a call from Dave saying that he talked to Rick Smith (owner) and the designers, and they were going to build a prototype. Rick and Dave came over to the office to see the floor plan and to talk about the office as a possible showroom for the new product. Rick held up a chain full of Rigidized Metal sample designs to choose from and after looking through the various textures we chose one. "That's called Cobblestone…" he replied (top photo).
Three weeks later the first sample arrived in the form of a half tube of Cobblestone Rigidized. The design was flattened out at the top to sit somewhat flush with the ceiling, and the underneath was rounded out like a typical HVAC duct. The machine rolled duct looked super sharp, and the first thing that crossed our minds was, "What snazzy restaurant or Class A office building would not want to replace the old system with this custom-stylized one?"
Yesterday the rest of the Rigidized arrived (top photo), and by the weekend it will be hung (photos to come). We're excited to have the new product in our space, and at the same time we hope that the product takes off for an already successful Buffalo manufacturer. If your company is interested in replacing HVAC ducts, or you are a developer with a new project and would like to see product, contact Dave Smith at Rigidized Metals.
Rigidized Metals Corporation
658 Ohio Street
Buffalo, NY 14203 USA
Toll Free: (800) 836-2580
congrats to all on your continued success. this is good karma all-around!
Friends in Manhattan recently installed a/c in their townhouse - and there are NO ducts at all. The main unit sits on the roof, and small pipes (hidden in closets) carry refrigerant to discrete units mounted high on the walls of 2 rooms on the 2nd and 2 rooms on the 3rd floors. Each unit is independent, and has a remote for complete control. They are almost silent, too. There's enough cooling capacity so the cold air can flow down the stairs & cool the first floor.
So, ducts are not the only game in town - depending on who you ask. :)
It's great to buy local. There are many benefits.
Not only does it support our neighbors, and the local economy (local dollars stay in the communtiy) but it's good for the environment.
Increasingly, our products are being shipped to us from farther away. This means more energy has to be used (oil, electricity, etc) to get them to us. This leads to increased pollution and harm to the environment.
QE - Will there be an open house for BRO readers to check out the new space once renovations are complete? Maybe a housewarming party?
Rigidized was long known for use in elevator cabs... But people have been finding more creative uses for it by the "boatload" (watertaxi - get it?). But anyway, I personally used it as kitchen backsplash in my home renovation, and they make custom countertops, tiles, etc. I've been anxious to incorporate some of their awesome rigidized tube railing intothe house soon as well!
agree whole heartedly with hamp.
ES... Does that mean we all need to wear little name tags with our monikers on them?
The best ideas are always started with a few beers and colleagues. good to see the tradition carry on and hopefully a new lucrative product for Rigidized Metals..
Excellent! Thinking outside the box and buying locally. Things are definitely looking good.
I would love to see an open house. Could this place hold all of us?
Sbrof - Don't like nametags? Try a bowling shirt with your name on it. Works for me..
But Queenseyes, how will you ever manage to function without sushi within walking distance?
Hint to area sushi chefs: open a shop near BRO. They'll single-handedly put your kids through college!
You could drop QE in the middle of the Gobi and he could find Sushi within walking distance.
What a great idea! I heard that Rigidized Metals bought a company called Star Stainless. Now this is Class-A material. I recommend checking it out @ http://www.starstainlessdesign.com/html/index.htm