Capri Condominium

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The Capri is a 222-dwelling-unit, 20-story high-rise condominium building on the Atlantic Ocean. In late 1996 an investigation of the south and north facing exterior walls was conducted at the request of the Association due to reports of ongoing incidences of moisture intrusion in many dwelling units. The Capri was spending $80,000 annually to recaulk the exterior of their building in an effort to stem the infiltration of water. The intrusion of salt laden rainwater attacked the existing metal studs in the exterior wall to such a great extent that they were found to be so corroded that they were unsafe. Based on the results of investigation, the Association took immediate action and requested plans and specifications to be drawn up for the re-cladding of the exterior walls of the building. To accommodate these special circumstances our Forensic Design Team designed a prefabricated wall system that utilizes the Pressure Equalized Rainshield System, (PERS), concept that was the first such retrofit of an existing building in the east coast of the U.S. The PERSS concept turns the pressure caused by blowing wind against itself to stop wall leaks. In fact, the harder the wind blows against the side of the building, the more leak-proof the walls become.

Since The Capri is an oceanfront condominium with many weekly rentals, construction down time was of the essence for the Association. Because of the innovative design of the panel overlay, the panel fabrication was done offsite, minimizing the on-site disruption to the owners and their tenants. In addition, the panels provided a significant increase in R-value to add to the thermal comfort of the occupants and to lower their energy costs. Demolition work on the east wall began in late September, 1997. Construction work was halted during the summer tourist season, but resumed after Labor Day and was complete by the end of May 1999.

In conjunction with the re-cladding activities, The Capri Condominium Association, at our urging, decided to upgrade the aesthetics of the exterior of their building. The design concept for this facelift was incorporated into the design of the PERS panels, new cornice work on all sides of the building, and a more aesthetically appealing rooftop parapet adjacent to the elevator tower now provides a striking and distinct image along the Ocean City oceanfront skyline. The 1997 cost of the redesign and re-cladding project was $2,800,000.00.