HARRISONBURG—RMH has selected exterior building materials for its new facility, including brick from Belden Brick of Ohio and a multi-story window system manufactured by Kawneer.

Contractor Manganaro Mid-Atlantic of Maryland will provide masonry labor and material for the brick work. Harmon Inc. of Minnesota will provide installation of the Kawneer window system.

Facilities planning and development officials at RMH chose pink and gray brick to reflect the historic structures in the region. The selection committee first reviewed mock-up panels built on the facility construction site, viewing glass and brick combinations from both the inside and the outside to determine the most pleasing and appropriate fit.

The committee selected a blue-green tinted glass that gives patients a clear view from the inside while reflecting the outside surroundings. "When patients and visitors are inside the hospital looking out, the mountains and surrounding area will appear sharp and clear,” said Jim Messner, RMH Board member and a 40-year veteran of the aluminum and glass industry. Messner was a part of the selection committee.

“Because the glass is highly reflective, the building will mirror the environment,” said Dennis Coffman, director, RMH facilities planning and development. “Standing outside, you will be able to see trees and clouds around you.”

When it came to brick, the color range and historical feel of Shenandoah Valley structures guided the aesthetic choice.

“What we wanted from the very beginning was an early American appearance to the brick, something we would call representative of the Shenandoah Valley,” Messner said.

Ultimately, the goal of designers was to blend the new hospital building with the environment. “The architect did a spectacular job of designing a most attractive hospital that fits beautifully on the site that we have,” Messner said.

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