Mirabella Retirement Community

Company: Sapa Extrusions
Architect Firm: Ankrom Moisan
Customer: Hoffman Construction
Medium: Extruded aluminum

The Mirabella Portland is a retirement community in the heart of Portland’s South Waterfront and is anticipated to reach LEED® Platinum Certification. Sapa Architectural Products provided the black anodized custom designed aluminum railing system, aluminum trellis and barbeque canopy to match. Each trellis was built with 6” square aluminum posts and Epi wood across the top. The trellis was anodized black to remain consistent with the railing system. The barbeque canopy was designed using 1/2” clear laminated and tempered glass.

An anodized finish was chosen for the Mirabella project for several reasons. For many years, anodizing has been recognized as a medium for extending the life of aluminum and is seen as the latest trend in finished aluminum products. Unlike steel or iron products, once aluminum is coated, it will never rust. Anodizing combines science with nature to create one of the world’s best metal finishes. The result, depending on the process, is one of the hardest substances known to man, second only to the diamond. Anodized aluminum will not show “wear” under UV and salt-water exposure. Anodized products will never fade, chip or peel, making it a great option for this project.

The recyclability of aluminum and the fact that the extruder uses 25-percent recycled aluminum will contribute to the project’s LEED Platinum certification. Aluminum’s lightweight properties reduced installation costs and the potential for on-site injury, as well as decreasing time needed for installation.