Designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, the Obama Presidential Library features UHPC concrete letters that display an excerpt from President Barack Obama’s speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches. Envel manufactured the architectural-grade UHPC panels, translating language into structure at an unprecedented scale.

For the past five years, Envel worked closely with the design and engineering teams to refine geometry, engineering performance, and fabrication strategy. The result is a facade installation that combines precision, durability, and expressive architectural form.

The custom panels were produced using Envel’s proprietary Ultra High Performance Concrete mix, selected for its high compressive strength, low porosity, and long-term performance in Chicago’s demanding climate. Advanced modeling and engineering analysis allowed for geometries and letterforms not previously realized in traditional concrete construction.

In total, 39  facade panels were cast from 52 unique molds, forming 458 individual letters. Each letter measures approximately 4 feet 4 inches tall and is integrated into panels ranging from 20 to 30 feet in height. Individual panels weigh up to 20,000 pounds and measure 1-foot thick, requiring carefully engineered stainless-steel embeds and custom-fabricated attachment systems produced in-house by Envel.

Each casting cycle spanned five to seven days, with more than 15 months dedicated to full production. Before installation, both the panels and the building were laser scanned to ensure precise alignment and fitment across the facade.

The letterforms utilize a custom Gothic typeface originally associated with President Obama’s 2008 campaign, reinforcing the narrative continuity of the installation. Once installed, the panels transform the tower into a permanent architectural expression of remembrance and progress.

Manufactured entirely in South Bend, the project highlights Envel’s expertise in custom UHPC facade systems and reinforces the region’s advanced architectural manufacturing capabilities. The durability and minimal maintenance requirements of Ultra High Performance Concrete align with the Obama Presidential Center’s long-term sustainability goals.

The Obama Presidential Center serves as a cultural anchor for Chicago’s South Side, bringing together a museum, public library branch, and community gathering spaces. With the completion of the custom UHPC letter panels, Envel Facade is proud to have contributed to a landmark project where architecture and language converge at a monumental scale.

About Envel® Facade
Envel® Facade is a South Bend, Indiana-based manufacturer specializing in custom Ultra High Performance Concrete panels and architectural facade systems. Serving architects, developers, and contractors nationwide, Envel delivers Ultra High Performance Concrete solutions engineered for durability, design flexibility, and long-term performance.

For media inquiries and project details, contact:

Jessica Reisenbuchler
Marketing Director
Envel Facade
(847) 340-5072
jreisenbuchler@envelfacade.com

The post Envel Facade Completes Installation of UHPC Letter Panels for the Obama Presidential Library appeared first on Envel Facade.

At Envel, we see Mocha Mousse as a perfect complement to our Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) facade panels. It allows you to create visually compelling, durable exteriors that blend beauty with performance.

How You Can Use Mocha Mousse in Your Next Facade Design

1. A Warm Alternative to Cool Neutrals
Many designers often rely on grays and whites for minimalist, modern exteriors, but Mocha Mousse offers a richer, more inviting alternative. Its warm tone enhances UHPC’s natural texture, creating a contemporary and timeless feel.

2. Seamless Integration with Natural Surroundings
Whether in urban or natural landscapes, Mocha Mousse helps a building feel connected to its environment. This hue pairs well with stone, wood, and glass, making it an excellent choice for exterior designs seeking a cohesive, organic aesthetic.

3. Contrasting and Accenting for Visual Interest
Mocha Mousse serves as a bold yet versatile accent color. Pairing it with lighter neutrals, metallics, or deep charcoals can create a striking contrast, adding dimension and sophistication to your facade.

4. Timelessness and Longevity in Architectural Design
Trend-driven colors can date a building, but Mocha Mousse has a lasting quality that ensures relevance for years to come. When used in UHPC panels, this hue maintains its depth and richness, resisting weathering and fading while requiring minimal maintenance.

5. Enhancing Brand Identity in Commercial and Public Spaces
For corporate, retail, and hospitality projects, Mocha Mousse conveys warmth and reliability. Its natural undertones help create inviting, memorable spaces that stand out while maintaining a refined, professional aesthetic.

Why Work with Envel?
At Envel, we specialize in high-performance facade solutions that allow you to explore bold, lasting designs. Our UHPC panels provide unmatched durability, precision, and aesthetic flexibility, allowing you to confidently bring your creative vision to life.

Let’s talk about how Mocha Mousse can elevate your next project. Contact us to explore finishes, textures, and customization options that align with your design goals.

The post Elevate Your Facade Design with Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse 17-1230 appeared first on Envel Facade.

South Bend, IN, January 8. 2025 —Envel® Facade, a leader in Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) façade systems, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Prefabricats Planas, a prominent provider of prefabricated building materials located in Spain. This collaboration will introduce Envel’s renowned façade technology to the European market, empowering Planas to offer architects and contractors access to advanced, innovative façade solutions under the well-established Envel name.

By partnering with Envel®, Prefabricats Planas will leverage the strength and reputation of a nationally recognized brand to further extend their market presence within Spain, Portugal, and France. This agreement allows Planas to capitalize on Envel’s extensive industry experience and leadership in façade innovation, positioning it to meet the demand for high-quality, design-forward building solutions.

“We are excited to collaborate with Prefabricats Planas and bring our façade systems to the European market,” said Craig Heaney, President of Envel® Facade. “Their expertise and local presence, combined with the strength of the Envel brand, will ensure that European architects and builders have access to some of the most advanced façade systems available.”

With this strategic partnership, Francesc Planas expressed that “Joining forces with a company like Envel will drive our joint growth and allow us to offer a high-quality product to the market. We’ll work together to offer the construction and architecture sector a high-quality and architecturally aesthetic product.”

About Envel® Facade
Envel® Facade specializes in Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) façade panels, delivering durable and design-flexible solutions to architects and builders worldwide. With over 40 years of expertise, Envel is committed to driving innovation in architectural design and construction.

About Prefabricats Planas
Prefabricats Planas is a leading name in the Spanish construction industry, offering high-quality prefabricated building materials. With a strong reputation for reliability and innovation, Prefabricats Planas is dedicated to delivering advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern construction.

For more information about the partnership between Envel®  Facade and Prefabricats Planas, contact:

Jessica Reisenbuchler
Marketing Director
Envel Facade
(574)246-0644
jreisenbuchler@envelfacade.com

Sara Noguer
Marketing Manager
Planas
+34 626 18 79 51
marketing@prefabricatsplanas.com

The post Envel Facade Expands into Europe through Strategic Partnership with Prefabricats Planas appeared first on Envel Facade.

1. The Mold Dilemma: Maximizing Utilization Rates

It should be understood that mold-making is one of the most significant costs associated with creating UHPC panels. So, a good utilization rate of a mold is imperative for a well-budgeted project. Looking at both the percentage of a sheet that yields panels and the number of times a mold is cast during a project defines a good utilization rate. Full use of sheets and high usage rate for any molds created assist with overall project pricing.

2. Pattern Depth: Controlling Complexity

Pattern depth also affects production costs. Envel’s in-house CNC routers can create patterns up to 1 inch deep, while deeper or more intricate patterns require outsourcing to third-party resources, increasing the overall cost. Moreover, the complexity of the pattern affects how quickly it can be produced. Simple, straight-line patterns are easier for machines to cut, as they can operate continuously. In contrast, randomized or intricate designs slow down production as the machine must frequently adjust, making short, precise movements.

3. Directional Patterns and Alignment: Design Considerations

Typically, panels are manufactured by creating a larger sheet that is processed down into smaller panels for a project. If the pattern has directionality, it means all panels cut from the sheet can only be cut in one direction, and there is not as much flexibility in utilizing a sheet to reduce waste. As seen in the Directional pattern mold, a smaller master sheet mold would be made to produce the project to stop waste, but that would also mean more master sheets must be cast to attain all panels for a project, extending the time to create a project or increasing the need for more molds so more casts can be done at the same time, but this lowers the utilization rate X panels now divided by two times the molds.

Another pattern design that is a cost premium are patterns that need to align from panel to panel. As you can see from the example below, if a panel is cut from sheet goods, in a nonaligned pattern, any of these panels can go next to any of the other panels, cut from any of the master sheets at any location. However, if a pattern must align from panel to panel, then very specific master sheets, likely with very specific widths or heights, must be created in order to ensure all panels have pattern alignment. This makes for very inefficient master molds and the need to definitely increase the number of master molds created.

By keeping these design considerations in mind, architects and designers can take full advantage of UHPC’s potential while staying within budget. While the creative possibilities are nearly endless, strategic decision-making can ensure your project is both aesthetically stunning and cost-efficient. With this approach, you’ll be well-prepared to design bold, innovative facades that push the boundaries of UHPC while managing the practicalities of production and cost.

The post A Cost Efficiency Guide to Mastering Custom Designs and Patterns for UHPC Facades appeared first on Envel Facade.

Listen to the full interview to hear more!

The post Craig Heaney Discusses UHPC and the Obama Presidential Center Project with iNDustry Labs appeared first on Envel Facade.

Efficiency for Your Workflow

Your time is invaluable. UHPC panels require little to no onsite cutting, making installation faster and more efficient. This time-saving feature lets you concentrate more on your design and less on logistical challenges, bringing your creative vision to life more quickly and accurately.

Reliable Precision and Safety

Safety and precision are non-negotiable. UHPC panels feature coordinated lifting points, enhancing safety and ease of installation. This feature ensures your team can work confidently, knowing each panel fits perfectly within your design framework.

Natural Aesthetic Harmony

A facade panel should be more than functional; it should be a work of art. UHPC panels are crafted with thoughtful batching and tonal variations, creating a natural, cohesive look. The method of “shifting” eliminates the risk of repetition and ensures a visually captivating result that enhances your architectural vision.

Sophisticated and Sleek Finishes

Incorporating sleek, black powder-coated rails adds a touch of modern refinement to your design. This sophisticated finish enhances the overall aesthetic, making your project stand out in any environment.

Custom Design Flexibility

UHPC panels can be customized with integrally cast 3D shapes, fins, or baguettes, giving you the creative freedom to push architectural boundaries. Unique aesthetics and functional options like perforated panels can enhance your overall design’s visual and functional aspects.

Durability and Reliability

Quality and longevity are the cornerstones of UHPC. Reinforced with PVA fibers that do not degrade over time, UHPC panels ensure your designs’ structural integrity and lasting beauty. Consistent reinforcement means you can rely on the stability and durability of your project for years to come.

At Envel, we are committed to providing materials that seamlessly combine quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) panels are designed to do just that. Incorporating UHPC into your next project can streamline your design process and elevate the overall outcome.

Learn More About the Envel™ UHPC Advantage

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