When you think of spending time in nature, you may think of fresh mountain air, abundant wildlife, and serene landscapes. That’s what Valley Bear Farms in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina offers nature-lovers on its 150-acre of private estate. However, the owners wanted to take that feeling of being enveloped by nature to new heights.
They wanted to build mirrored cabins that reflect their surroundings to deepen the feeling of connection with nature. Scott Latell of Ed Burdette Construction (EBC), the builder enlisted on the project, reached out to SpecSouth to help source materials for these mirrored cabins in the woods. Ty Routen of SpecSouth told Mr. Latell that he had the perfect panel for the job.
The teams at EBC, SpecSouth and Protean worked together to bring the vision to life. They chose Protean honeycomb metal panels (HMP) with #8 polished stainless-steel skins and aluminum honeycomb core to make sure the panels were as flat as possible.
“The mirrored panels were less expensive than you might think,’” said Troy Ethen, President of Protean Construction Products, who provided the panels. “We told EBC that mirrored ACM panels were a possibility, but we could achieve an incredibly flat surface using HMP’s for a slight premium.”
The panels were fabricated from 20 GA #8 polished stainless steel, and photos demonstrate that there is not a bow, buckle or wrinkle in the face of the panels, providing perfect reflections.
The mirrored cabins at Valley Bear Farms stand as a testament to innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship. By utilizing Protean’s honeycomb panels, these cabins not only reflect the stunning natural surroundings but also enhance the guest experience, driving increased bookings and guest satisfaction.
“It’s funny though how people prefer to book those over the other cabins just because of the mirror.” said Lou Rubino of Valley Bear Farms.
This project exemplifies how thoughtful material selection and collaboration can elevate architectural projects, seamlessly blending modern design with nature. Valley Bear Farms has successfully created a unique and immersive experience for its visitors, setting a new standard for nature retreats.
Since 1989, Protean Construction Products (www.protean.com) has provided commercial architects and builders unlimited design possibilities with their high-tech architectural metal wall panel systems. Durable, sustainable and competitively priced, Protean’s panel systems can be custom designed to fulfill any creative vision. Protean continues to be a leader in the industry because they offer clients the full package: the broadest portfolio of options, deep knowledge from an experienced team of industry specialists, and unparalleled support through every stage of the design and installation process. Only Protean provides the design freedom needed to achieve a vision’s potential and assure its legacy.
