Category: News & Announcements

September 10, 2025

East Coast Metal Systems has proudly received national recognition with a 2025 Metal Construction Association (MCA) Design Award, earning Second Place in the Retrofit Category for their exceptional work using the OVERLY Batten B Panel System at the iconic 101 Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. This high-profile project demonstrates the transformative power of architectural metal systems in modern retrofit applications.

The MCA Design Awards are among the most respected honors in the metal construction industry, celebrating outstanding innovation, aesthetics, and functionality in metal building design. Each year, the Retrofit Category spotlights projects that reimagine existing buildings through sustainable upgrades and forward-thinking design. East Coast Metal Systems’ award-winning project exemplifies these principles by revitalizing one of Washington’s most prominent rooftop spaces.

A Rooftop Transformation at a Capitol Landmark

Located just steps from the United States Capitol, 101 Constitution Avenue is known for its commanding views and architectural significance. The awarded project focused on transforming a once-underutilized rooftop terrace—formerly covered by a temporary tent structure—into a permanent, elegant, and structurally sophisticated space using 1,435 square feet of 18-gauge bone white aluminum panels.

The design called for the perfect balance between modern visual impact and contextual sensitivity, blending seamlessly into the historic and political landscape of the surrounding Capitol Hill area.

Expert Collaboration and High-Performance Materials

The retrofit was made possible through a collaborative effort with globally renowned architecture firm Gensler, general contractor DPR Construction, and installation partner Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, a firm respected for its precision in complex metal applications. Together, the team delivered a structure that is not only visually stunning but also technically advanced.

The chosen OVERLY Batten B System was integral to the project’s success. Known for its versatility, durability, and architectural refinement, the system enabled designers to achieve the sharp lines and clean finishes essential to the rooftop’s modern look. Beyond aesthetics, the aluminum panels contributed to the building’s energy efficiency, weather resistance, and long-term performance—key considerations for any urban retrofit project.

A Testament to Architectural Metal Excellence

This recognition underscores East Coast Metal Systems’ reputation as a leader in architectural metal design, particularly in retrofit and adaptive reuse projects. Their ability to merge technical expertise with visionary design continues to set a benchmark in the industry.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the Metal Construction Association,” said John Trifonoff, Vice President of East Coast Metal Systems. “This project showcases how high-performance metal systems can elevate both form and function, especially in high-profile retrofit applications.”

As architectural metal continues to shape the future of urban design, projects like 101 Constitution Avenue are leading the way—proving that even historic buildings can benefit from bold, innovative thinking.

To learn more about the MCA Design Awards and explore other winning projects, visit www.metalconstruction.org.

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.

ECMS recently completed this design-build project on the Teletech Building in Moundsville, WV. Our team worked alongside JD&E Construction Services to install 150 sq. ft of Flat Lock Zinc Diamond Panels and (2) Zinc Column Covers.

Chris Beall and Greigh Richardson, both ECMS employees, did an outstanding job on the installation and even helped fabricate the materials used on this facility. The two were integral throughout the design process with our sheet metal shop and we are grateful for the hard work they put in to make this project a success!

On March 31st, ATAS visited East Coast Metal Systems Headquarters in Triadelphia, WV to discuss their capabilities and potential partnerships on projects. In attendance were ECMS Estimators and Project Managers, and our sales reps attended virtually. Thank you ATAS!

On April 2nd, the East Coast Metal Systems team showed their support on World Autism Awareness Day by wearing the color blue! Blue is not only the color associated with “Autism Speaks“ , but it also can symbolize a feeling of calm and acceptance in a world that can be very loud and challenging sometimes. Way to go, East Coast!

During the week of March 7-13th, East Coast Metal Systems took to social media to show support for our “women in construction!”

The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for the NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. We are grateful to have each and every one of the women on our team in ALL of our locations!

Esperanza Health Brighton Park is a marquee project consisting of 9,200 square feet of Alucobond’s Cupral Spectra and 1,200 square feet of OPT Mica Platinum sheets. ECMS fabricated the unique panels utilizing our EC-200 Dry Joint Rainscreen system. This landmark building in Chicago, IL meets the “bold & beautiful” design intent of the project and will most certainly bring bright and energizing vibes to all who visit!

           

This year, National Engineers Week was celebrated February 21-27, and we have some of the very best engineers here at East Coast!

The purpose of National Engineers Week is to call attention to the contributions to society that engineers make and it is also a time for engineers to emphasize the importance of learning math, science, and technical skills. Without their expertise, our company wouldn’t be where it is today. Thank you to our Engineering team for their continued hard work!

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) awarded its Chairman’s Award in the education (primary and secondary) category to a member company that contributed to the creation of Northridge Local Schools in Dayton, Ohio. Winners were announced February 3, 2021, at MCA’s Winter Meeting. East Coast Metal Systems provided Secure-Scan 3D Laser Scanning services and fabricated 243 metal composite panels for this project.

This is a very distinct project because of the Iceberg feature that goes along with their mascot, a polar bear! Northridge Local Schools will always be one of our favorite projects to watch come to life!