The UCSC Rachel Carson Dining Hall in Santa Cruz, CA, underwent a comprehensive expansion and modernization project to better serve the campus community. Designed by Mithun, the project aimed to increase capacity, enhance operational efficiencies, and introduce new amenities such as a performance bar, kitchen, and bakery area.
The construction involved a full demolition of the existing dining hall and its connection to the kitchen. The new dining hall was reoriented to maximize views of Monterey Bay and provide more interior and exterior seating, ensuring full accessibility. The kitchen was expanded and renovated to improve service areas and production capacity.
Central to the modernization of the dining hall was the use of metal roofing & siding products from AEP Span. The project utilized Select Seam® Narrow Batten panels in a Cool Matte Black finish. These metal panels were chosen for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency. The cool Matte Black finish not only adds a sleek, modern look to the facility but also helps in reducing heat absorption, contributing to the building’s overall energy efficiency. The use of these high-quality metal panels ensures the dining hall’s longevity and resilience against the elements