Dorchester Retrofit: Project Complete and New Systems Tested

We’re thrilled to share that our Dorchester project is now complete! As we worked our way around the building, each phase provided new insights that helped us refine both our processes and our understanding of the system. Every panel we installed brought lessons that informed the next step, allowing our manufacturing to become faster and our tolerances even tighter. The iterative nature of the project meant that with each section, our team became more efficient, our techniques more precise, and our problem-solving more creative. It was inspiring to see how these incremental improvements translated into a smoother overall installation and a more cohesive final product.

In addition to completing the main installation, we also took the opportunity to test a new variation of our system, which we’re calling the “direct apply.” This approach eliminates the need for a subframe, relying instead on manually fastened clips that the panels sit on. Testing a system that we had never installed before was a bit nerve-wracking. However, once we found the rhythm and adjusted to the nuances of the method, the process went far more smoothly than anticipated. The result is a system that installs even faster while maintaining the high level of precision and quality.

One of the most exciting parts of this test was how seamlessly the direct apply panels integrated with the previously installed GRID systems. From a distance, it’s impossible to tell the difference between the two approaches. This cohesion demonstrates not only the flexibility of our system but also our commitment to producing a visually consistent, high-performance retrofit.

The Dorchester project has been an invaluable learning experience. Each phase taught us something new, from manufacturing efficiencies to installation techniques, and the direct apply test has opened doors for future innovations. We’re excited to take these lessons forward and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible!