Steni Facade Panels Create a Durable Canvas for Community
Published at: /Jan Terje Nielsen
Trauma-Informed Design Meets Long-Term Durability
Originally built as a 1960s motel, The Haven on Lincoln in Chicago, IL has been transformed into a contemporary supportive housing community through adaptive reuse. Designed by Gensler and installed by American Igloo Builders , the project combines thoughtful architecture, public art, and sustainable design to create a welcoming residential environment that supports long-term wellbeing.
The development combines private residential units with shared indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging both independence and community while creating a welcoming residential character.
Creating a Canvas for Public Art
A defining feature of The Haven on Lincoln is the large-scale painted exterior mural by neighborhood artist Ryan Tova Katz that brings color and identity to the building while reinforcing its nurturing and welcoming character.
To achieve the design, the project team needed a facade material that could provide a smooth, uniform surface for the mural artist without compromising the performance of the building envelope.
Steni stone composite facade panels provided the ideal solution. Their large-format flexibility and durable composite stone construction created a consistent substrate for the bright floral mural while functioning as a high-performance ventilated rainscreen system.
Contemporary Design with Lasting Performance
The Haven demonstrates that high-performance building materials and thoughtful architecture can work together to create places that are both welcoming and resilient.
The clean lines and contemporary facade contribute to a residential character that supports the architects' vision while helping ensure the building continues to perform well into the future.
Sales representative: Blue Line Building Products
US distribution partner: Omnis Panels
