January 2025
The NES Central Substation project in downtown Nashville is a testament to precision and craftsmanship, with Design Systems Builders, LLC (DSB) completing the installation of intricate metal wall panels as part of the construction. These panels combine functionality and aesthetics, playing a vital role in the substation’s modernized design.
Spanning approximately 10,000 square feet, the 18-gauge perforated aluminum panels feature a mix of straight and radius designs, arranged in a custom four-width pattern. The installation required custom curved steel secondaries to seamlessly align with pre-cast concrete elements, ensuring a flawless fit and finish.
The panels serve multiple purposes, including installations over folding access doors and entryway soffits integrated with lighting. These details highlight DSB’s dedication to blending design innovation with structural integrity.
“The complexity of integrating curved girts and architectural panels into the precast wall sections makes this particularly demanding,” says the project manager. “This intricate design requires precise coordination and innovative engineering solutions to ensure seamless integration and maintain structural integrity.”
Nate Logsdon, Sr. Project Manager
The Central Substation project is vital to NES’s strategic vision, enhancing power distribution efficiency and reliability for a third of the downtown core business district. The new facility will include cutting-edge infrastructure such as 13.8 kV arc-resistant indoor switchgear and high-capacity power transformers, all while keeping the original 1914 substation active during construction.
