Framingham State University Ballroom Project

What Was the Goal of the Framingham State Ballroom Expansion?

Framingham State University aimed to expand the Warren Conference Center with a new 10,800-square-foot ballroom, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable design. Lavallee Brensinger Architects, led by project architect Jason Bennett, were tasked with incorporating a thermal break solution to maintain continuous insulation from the footing through the foundation slab to the masonry wall. This was essential for supporting the structural load while enhancing the building’s thermal performance.

What Thermal Challenges Did the Project Face?

The challenge was to ensure continuous insulation without compromising structural integrity. To address this, Armatherm 500-200 (UK equivalent 500 – 320) material was chosen for its superior load-bearing capacity and thermal performance. Positioned at the base of the brick wall, Armatherm 500-200 (UK equivalent 500 – 320) provided an uninterrupted thermal barrier.

Framingham project featuring Armatherm solutions

How Did Armatherm Improve the Construction Process?

The masons, Marmelo Brothers, found Armatherm 500-200 straightforward to work with. They reported it made a good starter course for laying brick, giving them a consistent, level base to build from and streamlining the installation process from the outset.

Why Is This Thermal Break Detail Becoming Standard in Masonry Construction?

Positioning a structural thermal break at the base of the brick wall is now an established detail in masonry construction. Once in place, it lasts for the life of the building, eliminates heat loss at the wall-to-floor slab junction, and creates a noticeably warmer floor environment for occupants. The Warren Conference Center ballroom was put into service in 2025 and will benefit from this detail for the full lifespan of the building.

A worker cementing an area in a thermal break construction site.

What Impact Did Armatherm Have on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability?

Overall, the use of Armatherm 500-200 (UK equivalent 500 – 320 ) in the project not only helped achieve the desired energy efficiency goals but also facilitated a smoother construction process, contributing to the project’s sustainability and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a thermal break needed at the base of a masonry wall?

At the point where a brick wall meets the floor slab, heat conducts directly from the interior to the exterior through the masonry and concrete. This junction is a common source of heat loss in masonry construction. A structural thermal break placed at the base of the wall interrupts this path and keeps insulation continuous from the footing through to the masonry above.

How does Armatherm 500-200 carry the weight of a brick wall?

Armatherm 500-200 is a structural insulation material engineered to bear compressive loads, not standard insulation board. It sits at the base course and carries the full weight of the masonry above it while maintaining its thermal properties under sustained load. This allows the product to serve both a structural and a thermal function in a single installation.

How long does a thermal break at the base of a masonry wall last?

A correctly installed thermal break at the masonry wall base is a permanent building feature. The material does not degrade under load, is not subject to moisture damage, and requires no maintenance. It performs for the life of the building.