Cole Field House, University of Maryland – College Park, MD

A New Home for the Terrapins  

Cole Field House at the University of Maryland is the home of the Terrapins and delivers a world-class facility for student athletes. It is a hub of sports and innovation that includes a research wing and an entrepreneurship center for University of Maryland students.  

 In 2021, the university completed a substantial addition to the facility that includes the Jones-hill House; indoor and outdoor practice fields; football operations offices; team meeting rooms; locker rooms and dining areas; strength, conditioning and hydrotherapy areas; and a career and nutrition support center.  

 As part of the revamp of the facility, the university also commissioned renovations to the main entrance to Cole Field House. To deliver an innovative and modern design to the main hall, architects turned to Metalwërks for durable column covers, beam wraps, and fin tube covers.  

 Wrapping it Up    

 In the open, welcoming entryway and staircase, designers needed a solution for the complex space that would span four levels with varying heights. The space presented alignment challenges – both in the changes in levels and in its close proximity to the back curtain wall, which was only six inches away.  

 Metalwërks fabricated 4,850 square feet of customized column covers and beam wraps, incorporating precise perforations that enclosed radiators and curtain wall supports. The column covers and beam wraps are integrated with galvanized steel angles for attachment to the structural steel.  

 In addition, fourteen fin tube covers (totaling 500 square feet) were fabricated for the Outdoor Field Level to match the two-coat Silver Mica column covers and beam wraps.  

 “The Metalwërks team was fantastic and worked with us from the beginning through design, engineering, and fabrication to ensure that every piece was aligned perfectly, which made our work in the field easier,” said Matt Verderamo, jr. vice president of Alliance Exterior Construction’s panel division. “There was almost no room for error and Metalwërks identified critical dimension points for fabrication to make the project successful.” 

Metalwërks column and beam cladding is engineered to provide expanded design flexibility and is custom manufactured to craft the exact solution needed. The cladding avoids thermo-plastic cores to make the solution non-combustible and is made of solid metal plate to be more durable over time. Enclosures are optimal for exposed columns, beams, pilasters, and custom duct covers, enhancing interior aesthetics with a product that will stand the test of time in high-traffic areas.  

Game Time 

Metalwërks began drawing covers and wrap in the spring of 2020, with the first delivery of materials shipping in August 2020. The renovated Cole Field House opened in April 2021.