Engineered Metal Systems | CSI Architectural Metal

Working closely with the project team, CSI provided specialized zinc fabrication, engineering support, and architectural detailing expertise to help realize the project's ambitious design goals. Every component was developed to balance aesthetics, durability, and constructability across a large, multi-building educational campus.

CSI Architectural Metal provided:

Complete architectural zinc fabrication
Mechanical lock standing seam and soffit systems
Technical zinc detailing guidance
Material expertise and engineering support

Our team partnered with the design and construction group to develop a panel solution that balanced architectural intent, durability, and constructibility under the demands of a large, multi-building campus.

Manufacturing and execution were completed in partnership with the skilled sheet-metal craftsmen at Best Contracting Services, enabling a seamless high-volume production flow on a fast paced project.

The Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools complex stands as one of the most culturally significant educational developments in Los Angeles — built on the historic site of the former Ambassador Hotel. The six-campus, 24-acre institution honors the legacy of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, combining world-class educational facilities with civic monumentality and carefully integrated contextual design.

The architecture reinterprets modern Los Angeles design language — pairing clean volumes, terraced forms, and warm material palettes with high-performance building systems designed for longevity, durability, and public use.

CSI Architectural Metal was awarded the complete architectural metal roof and wall panel scope in 2008, marking one of the company's first major institutional projects. The opportunity became a defining milestone for CSI, showcasing our ability to deliver complex architectural metal systems at scale while maintaining the precision and craftsmanship that continue to define our work today.

With deep German craftsmanship roots and extensive experience in zinc fabrication, CSI brought specialized expertise in working with RHEINZINK—a material the company’s founder has been closely associated with since 1998. This project showcased CSI’s commitment to precision, performance, and architectural detailing in a demanding educational environment.

• Rheinzink Titanium Zinc — Custom patinated Blue-Gray finish

• 316 Stainless Steel flashings & waterproofing transitions (select areas)

Key Performance Features:

• Self-healing zinc patina surface

• Marine-grade corrosion resistance

• Low maintenance, long-life envelope system

• Elegant linear geometry with natural evolving finish

Design Intent & Result:

Rheinzink Titanium Zinc was selected for its exceptional longevity, refined appearance, and ability to naturally evolve over time. The material's self-healing patina and proven durability aligned perfectly with the project's civic importance, creating an architectural expression intended to endure for generations.

Double-Lock Standing Seam Roof System

Continuous-length panels, mechanically seamed 180°
High-performance weather-barrier integration
Tested watertight standing seam performance
Field accommodation for thermal expansion & seismic movement

Angled-Seam Architectural Wall System

Crisp shadow-line profile
Concealed clip & interlock
Vertical rainscreen assembly
Integrated with soffit & fascia transitions

Fascia, Soffit & Flashing Assemblies

• Custom Architectural Sheet Metal Components

• Radius sheet metal fabrication

CSI's architectural metal systems were engineered and tested to meet rigorous industry standards for weather resistance, structural performance, and long-term durability.

Crisp architectural expression through precision-fabricated metal systems
Long-term environmental durability in Southern California conditions
Consistent seam alignment and detailing across multiple campus structures
Elegant integration of roof, wall, soffit, and fascia assemblies

Technical Credentials:

CSI's LG Series systems are engineered & tested to leading performance standards, including:

• ASTM E283 — Air Filtration

• ASTM E330 — Structural / Wind Load Capacity

• ASTM E331 — Water Infiltration

• ASTM E1592 — Wind Uplift

• UL 580 Class 90 — Uplift

• UL Class 4 — Impact Resistance

• Miami■Dade PA125 / TAS 100■95 — Wind & Rain Resistance These system credentials reinforce RFK’s civic durability and environmental performance.

The Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools project represents a defining chapter in CSI Architectural Metal's history. As one of the company's earliest large-scale institutional projects, it established the foundation for CSI's reputation in architectural metal craftsmanship, technical expertise, and dependable project delivery.

More than a decade later, the project continues to demonstrate the lasting value of precision fabrication, durable materials, and thoughtful engineering. It remains a milestone that reflects CSI's commitment to building architectural systems designed to perform for generations.

1.) Los Angeles Times — Sept. 12, 2010.

“The start of the traditional school year Monday will also mark the unveiling of the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools complex, the much fought-over $578-million learning center that now occupies the site of the historic Ambassador Hotel.”

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-sep-12-la-me-back-to-school-20100913-story.html

2.) Los Angeles Times Editorial. “The new Robert F. Kennedy schools complex in L.A.”

Los Angeles Times — Sept. 16, 2010.

“Like the Phoenix — the legendary bird that according to legend rose alive from the ashes — the colorful new Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools complex on the site of the old Ambassador Hotel is a sight to see.”

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-sep-16-la-le-0916-thursday-20100916-story.html

3.) Design & Build With Metal

Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools Complex

Project feature showcasing architectural metal systems, zinc application, and performance requirements.

https://designandbuildwithmetal.com/project-type-gallery/educational/details/robert-f.-kennedy-community-schools-complex

4.) Metal Construction News

Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools — Los Angeles, CA

Feature project article highlighting campus scale, design collaboration, and material execution.

https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/projects/robert-f-kennedy-community-schools-los-angeles/