WPI becomes the first to use the revolutionary DensElement Barrier System in the Pacific Northwest.
The Block 20 Vista Pearl Condominiums in Portland’s Pearl District are nearing completion today thanks to the use of Georgia Pacific’s new exterior sheathing product called the DensElement Barrier System. This new system is unlike traditional exterior building wrap systems which require separate installation of the exterior sheathing and air & weather barrier systems. DensElement combines both of those systems together into one easily installed product. The sheathing is impregnated with a water resistant treatment that keeps water from penetrating the sheathing. Once installed, the joints between sheets are treated with a liquid joint flashing. This simplification eliminates a substantial amount of material and labor required to complete the building envelope. This product allows for a cost savings to the project. Also, the installation saves a substantial amount of time on the overall project schedule.
The buy-in from the general contractor (Andersen Construction), the owner (Hoyt Street Properties), and the architect (BORA) to use this new system was easy. It allowed the building to be dried-in within a quicker time frame. A feat that is even more impressive considering it was during Portland’s notoriously wet winter months. By fall of 2018 the 149 unit condominiums will be open thanks to the help of the WPI project team and the revolutionary DensElement system.