In Ocean City, Md., perched just above the beach, is the site of the new Hilton Suites. This particular hotel brand location was built using products such as StoTherm NExT from Sto Corp. StoTherm NExT (New Exterior Technology) incorporates EIFS design flexibility, color range, insulation, a lightweight design, and adds the StoGuard moisture protection system.

The new 225-room hotel was built right on the beach during the peak season of summer 2005, while sunbathers and swimmers were enjoying the sand and the surf. The project was completed nine months later. There were some challenges to the job, according to the crew from Pillar Construction.

“Exterior waterproofing and EIFS application is always challenging under the best of conditions, but when you work in a seaside resort area with tourists, strong winds and harsh sun, you really put your skills to the test,” said Gabriel Castillo, estimator on the project from Pillar Construction. “Preparing for a 100,000-square-foot job took extra coordination due to the fact that suppliers were located over a hundred miles from the job site. Deliveries had to be carefully spaced to ensure a continuous supply chain with very little storage and staging area.”

According to Castillo, another obstacle that had to be overcome was setting up the scaffolding to properly cover the intricate profiles of the building. Netting was added to the scaffolding to minimize the chances of having foam spraying onto the beach. Properly anticipating and preparing for possible complications reduced the down time and allowed for the project to be completed on time.

Noise ordinances in Ocean City were also a factor, according to Victor Elian, project manager from Pillar Construction.

Several manufacturers were considered for the job, but Sto Corp. and its products won out because of the warranty, according to Raja Khoury, president of Pillar Construction. “The warranty and support from Sto was important to the owner and that is why, ultimately, Sto Corp. was given this job,” said Khoury.

Elian echoed this, saying, “The warranty was a big issue from the start with this oceanfront, luxury hotel. The owners wanted the best warranty, so they chose Sto.” The StoTherm NExT was finished with a fine sand finish. The job used all custom colors from the Ralph Lauren color chart. At times, a crew of 30 was used to create the new hotel.

“We have been using Sto products for years,” said Elian. “The StoTherm NExT system is the best system ever. It’s simple, easy to work with, our crew knows how to use it, and it does a good job waterproofing windows.”

Pillar Construction, based in Alexandria, Va., with offices in Texas and New England, is opening an office in Orlando, Fla., and plans to use StoTherm NExT for a lot of projects in the south, according to Elian.

For more information on Sto Corp. and its products, please visit www.stocorp.com.