At the new 30-story McMaster Graduate Residence Tower in Hamilton, Ontario, Diamond Schmitt architects crafted 550 single-skin metal wall panels to create a dynamic aesthetic and revitalize the downtown core.

Inspired by the chevron floor plate façade design on the neighboring Hamilton City Hall, the angular, dimensional cladding begins at the podium level and extends vertically across all façades.

Winning a MCA 2025 Design Award in the Single-Skin Metal Wall Panel category, Judge Kevin Wagner, AIA, associate principal at Substance Architecture in Des Moines, remarked, “The folds of the metal, it’s really captivating—just thinking about what it took to fabricate because every piece is custom. It’s this totally unique, sculptural piece of art.”

“The closer you get, the more refined it gets,” observed Judge Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder, ISTUDIO Architects, Washington, D.C. “There’s one gesture repeated at different scales in different materials.”

“Some of the paneling is perforated, so it’s even more intricate,” added Judge Dan Rodriguez, principal founder at Rodriguez Romero Design and Architecture in Los Angeles. “You almost couldn’t use any other cladding because of how intricate it was.”

To achieve the architect’s vision for the metal façade, PPG Duranar Sunstorm Aluminum Plate panels were selected. For fabricator Sobotec, the aluminum panels were an ideal material to create the varying geometric shapes comprising the modern, finned design. The fabricated panels can also be individually removed and repaired on a panel-by-panel basis, allowing any scrapes or dings to easily be fixed in the long term.

Duranar Sunstorm is a mica-effect, two-coat system which adds pearlescent mica flake to the color layer to create a metalescent look. The long-lasting, weather-resistant, aesthetic finish is achieved without aluminum flake or a third clear coat layer.

The angled panels, perforated metal and curtain wall — combined with an expansive public plaza — engage the surrounding community. A rooftop terrace with panoramic urban views, an integrated cycling path system and convenient access to public transit further enhance the student experience. Building amenities include a fitness center, outdoor rooftop running track, movie room, study spaces, music room, games room and a rooftop BBQ area.

The building is tracking LEED Gold and features a high-performance building envelope and operable windows for individualized comfort. The extensive green roof offset stormwater, reduces the heat island effect and supports biodiversity.

The high-rise houses 600 graduate students and their families and contributes to a vibrant, inclusive campus culture that enriches community life.

In sum, Wagner concluded, “The McMaster University tower is above and beyond. It deserves all the recognition.”