You can make a big impression with the right materials, and that’s just what you get with the grand entry at Silver Stone Castle in
Swansea, Mass., which combines the performance of modern metal with a look that promotes the facility’s medieval aesthetic.
This 90,000-square-foot entertainment destination features a massive two-story go-kart race track, a large arcade and separate virtual reality room, indoor rock climbing, a heated indoor pool and a full-service tavern. The facility also offers a 170-person hall with a dance floor plus six smaller spaces to host celebrations, conferences and group quests.
The grand entrance sets the stage with a gothic-arched portcullis entry that looks and feels like ancient, hearty timbers, but is actually made of modern, durable aluminum finished by Linetec in textured wood grain and terra cotta specialty coatings.
The team at Architectural Glazing Systems Inc. worked closely with glazing contractor North Atlantic Corp. to realize the owner’s vision in durable materials appropriate for the demanding climate conditions and continuous use.
“The owners initially said they wanted a wood entrance,” said Joe Belanger, president of AGS. But without a substantial overhang to protect the area from the elements, such an entry would require time-consuming and costly annual maintenance. “The decision to go with AGS and Linetec was made within a day after the owner was shown a sample of the product with the wood grain finish.”
Unlike real wood, the wood grain coatings for aluminum resist weather, humidity, chemicals, corrosion, fire, UV light, insects and scratches. Once installed, the finished metal does not warp, rot or need extra maintenance. The durability of these products often exceeds their lifetime on the building, as the aluminum can be recycled for future use.
To elicit the intended visual effect, the AGS team custom-designed, engineered and manufactured Silver Stone Castle’s enticing entrance as a four-leaf, wood-look doorway with oversized hardware. Above the doors is a large, curved section that appears to be solid wood. Onto this transom area, AGS applied an overlay resembling an open gate. To convey the gate’s wrought-iron aesthetic, Linetec finished this portion in a dark Terra Cotta Sealskin color. Installed on site, the castle’s grand entrance is surrounded by simulated stonework.
The owners boast that Silver Stone Castle features “some of the most breathtaking and elaborate medieval themed décor.” Guiding its design, the entertainment destination introduces a modern fairytale of an ancient, kind-hearted dragon. After centuries of captivity, she is freed and takes human form to help build a new castle, where families can share happy, fun experiences together.
For More Information:
Silver Stone Castle: https://silverstonecastle.com
Architectural Glazing Systems, Inc. (AGS): http://www.archglazing.com
Linetec, a brand of Apogee Architectural Metals: https://linetec.com