Category: Industry

Hillman Library at the University of Pittsburgh

East Coast Metal Systems played a key role in the $130 million makeover of the Hillman Library at the University of Pittsburgh with its EC-200 Dry Joint Panel System. The three-story glass atrium was designed to resemble a stack of books and features a rooftop patio, new study spaces and new areas on its ground floor. The ECMS team fabricated 1,461 metal panels for the building, covering over 20,000 square feet.

OVERLY Wins First Place at 2025 MCA Design Awards

September 9, 2025

OVERLY Wins 1st Place at the 2025 MCA Design Awards for Retrofit

We are proud to announce that the Beth EL Synagogue project has won first place in the Retrofit category at the 2025 Design Awards organized by the Metal Construction Association (MCA). This award recognizes outstanding architectural projects that demonstrate innovative and versatile uses of metal, highlighting exceptional design and the creative integration of products from MCA member companies.

A Testament to the Versatility of OVERLY’s Batten B System

Beth El Synagogue features OVERLY’s Batten B System, along with custom stucco and embossed .050 aluminum panels, ensuring a blend of durability and visual appeal. Faced with unique technical challenges—most notably the difficulty of obtaining precise measurements due to the roof’s intricate curvature and limited accessibility—OVERLY turned to advanced scanning technology. Our team transformed the scan data into accurate fabrication drawings, demonstrating both technical ingenuity and a commitment to precision that ensured successful manufacturing process. “(The project) required custom use of that metal standing seam roofing to create a slope. It was like an inverse curve. Every panel is unique to the slope it’s on,” commented awards judge Kevin Wagner, AIA, associate principal at Substance Architecture.

Blending Innovation with Tradition: Marrying Modern Performance with Historic Design

Metal was selected as the ideal material for this project thanks to its unmatched durability, design flexibility, and ability to meet the synagogue’s unique architectural vision. The roof’s complex tapered concave radius required precise fabrication while ensuring long-term structural integrity—a challenge our team embraced.

The Batten B embossed .050 aluminum panels played a key role in the project’s success, delivering:

  • Long-Term Durability – Engineered to withstand Minnesota’s harsh winters, including heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
  • Architectural Versatility – The Batten B system enabled a seamless, elegant curved design that preserved and enhanced the synagogue’s striking aesthetic.
  • Lightweight Strength – Aluminum provided a lightweight yet durable solution, minimizing structural load without sacrificing stability.

This award celebrates more than just technical achievement—it recognizes the thoughtful integration of form and function. Through the use of metal, the Beth El Synagogue project honors its historic and cultural significance while embracing modern architectural innovation.

For more information on OVERLY panel systems, reach out to our team.