Metal roof provides contemporary pop for Illinois farmhouse
Although situated on a cul-de-sac with four neighboring homes designed by the same architect, the “contemporary farmhouse” style of the Private Residence in Burr Ridge, Ill., makes it unique. The owners of the 5,000-sq.-ft. residence voiced a desire that their new residence have a farmhouse look with a metal roof, so their architect created a unique design.
“We wanted something unique to us,” the owner said. “We liked the idea of something distinctive. And the longevity and low maintenance aspect of metal was important, too.”
Farmhouse or American Foursquare projects are always fun, said architect Michael Buss of Michael Buss Architects in Hickory Hills, Ill. “The project uses the farmhouse vernacular which is essentially the gable roof and lap siding and a bit of stone base. The metal roof is really indicative to the style. When the owners decided they wanted a metal roof, we were all-in. We were looking at renderings on the computer and when we put the metal roof on the design, all of the sudden this quaint house became stunning.”
Approximately 5,900 sq. ft. of Petersen’s Snap-Clad panels met the owners’ desire for a distinctive design. The .032 aluminum panels were finished in PAC-CLAD Charcoal color. Buss said that most of the metal roofs he previously designed have been on retrofit projects. “I’ve always wanted to do one from scratch,” he said. “While metal may be more expensive than a normal roof, it lasts a lot longer and has zero maintenance compared to traditional materials.”
Installation of the Snap-Clad panels was done by Complete Flashings in Bensenville, Ill. “The installation was first-rate,” Buss said. Mark Rosal, president of Complete Flashings, commented on the use of aluminum versus steel. “I like aluminum,” Rosal said. “There are never any issues with scratches and it fabricates easier than steel. My guys can bend and cut the pieces easier.”
Complete Flashings has completed several projects using Petersen PAC-CLAD profiles and has several more coming up, Rosal said. “The Snap-Clad profile is really a good one—everyone wants to use it,” he said. “I use Petersen products all day long.”
Architect Michael Buss also likes the profile. “The Snap-Clad panels helped achieve the shadow lines to pick up movement across the elevation and make it a bit more lively,” Buss said. “We would easily do another big project with Petersen. They were great to work with. I wish every job went that smoothly.”
The general contractor on the project was McNaughton Brothers Construction in Burr Ridge, Ill.
“We had a great team,” Buss concluded. “The owners, the builder, the installer—all were totally committed to the quality of the project.”
