When Rice University set out to build Sarofim Hall, the new 94,000-square-foot home for its Department of Art, the goal was to create a functional and striking campus gateway. For a project of this scale, the university and general contractor Austin Commercial needed reliable fabricators in Houston who understand the specific demands of educational environments. Delivering the exact metal fabrication Houston institutions require is a core strength of Renfrow+Co.
Executing Architectural Metal Work for Higher Education
Sarofim Hall consolidates Rice’s visual arts programs into one single facility. Designed by the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the building blends exposed steel, concrete, and wood with large glass walls to create a durable, collaborative space. Matching this modern, industrial aesthetic required precise architectural metal work that could withstand heavy student traffic and outdoor exposure.
Project Details
Our team provided complete fabrication and installation services for the custom exterior planters at the front of the building. Educational projects demand a high standard of safety, durability, and precision. Our shop manufactured the metal components to align perfectly with the facility’s LEED Gold sustainability standards, and our field teams managed a safe, exact installation at the campus entrance.
Delivering custom metal work schools can rely on is why contractors continue to bring our team onto their most important campus builds. Whether constructing a new arts facility or updating a university commons, our team has the expertise to execute complex designs on strict timelines and deliver lasting results. Contact us today to learn more.
Who: Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Austin Commercial, Rice University
What: Planters
Where: Sarofim Hall, Rice University (Houston, TX)
How: Fabrication and Installation
