APOPKA, Fla. — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has honored N-RG Cladding with its prestigious Pyramid Award for Excellence in Construction for the company’s outstanding work on Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology at the University of Florida (UF). The award was presented on February 26, 2025, during ABC’s 35th Annual Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards gala at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
The EIC Awards celebrate the most innovative and high-quality construction projects across the country, recognizing 96 top projects from 2024, ranging from hospital upgrades and government buildings to hydraulic stations and sports complexes.
This latest recognition for N-RG Cladding comes after the company won the 2024 Eagle Award from ABC Central Florida Chapter, further underscoring its leadership in advanced construction solutions.
A Standout Project in Innovation and Design
Named after NVIDIA co-founder and UF alumnus Chris Malachowsky, Malachowsky Hall is a landmark facility that represents UF’s dedication to data science and technology innovation. The striking, futuristic facade of the building sets it apart from the traditional architectural style of the Gainesville campus, making it a symbol of progress.
“This project is the epitome of excellence, demonstrating quality, health, safety and innovation in our industry,” said David Pugh, 2025 Chair of the ABC National Board of Directors and partner at Bradley, Birmingham, Alabama.
“The teams at N-RG Cladding are the best of the best in merit shop construction. The Malachowsky Hall project is an industry-leading construction project, showing how members of ABC build projects safely, on time and on budget. It is an honor to congratulate N-RG Cladding for showcasing the pinnacle of construction excellence.”
The project was judged by a panel of industry experts from leading organizations, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, the Design-Build Institute of America, Engineering News-Record, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Innovative Construction Techniques and Collaboration
As the design-assist partner and construction lead for the building’s iconic exterior, N-RG Cladding collaborated with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects and Ajax Construction to deliver cutting-edge prefabricated facade solutions.
The team utilized advanced prefabrication methods, completing the project ahead of schedule while adhering to UF’s high aesthetic and performance standards. The project incorporated:
✅ 1,400+ prefabricated wall units
✅ Light gauge framing
✅ Post-painted aluminum panels
✅ Electrochromic glazing
✅ Acoustical wall panels
“Our team is proud to have played a key role in shaping such an iconic structure on the UF campus,” said Yuri Melnichenko, Vice President of N-RG Cladding.
“This national recognition affirms our commitment to innovation, teamwork, and delivering exceptional results. Malachowsky Hall is a model for the future of construction technology, and we’re thrilled to be leading this transformation.”
Building a Legacy of Excellence
N-RG Cladding’s expertise has garnered widespread attention in the architectural and construction industries. The Malachowsky Hall project was recently showcased at Facades+ conferences in Texas and Florida, and the company is now preparing to take on three additional UF projects following the success of this build.
With a growing portfolio of award-winning projects, N-RG Cladding continues to set the standard for specialty contractors in Florida and beyond.
About N-RG Cladding
N-RG Cladding is a leading commercial specialty contractor serving the Southeastern U.S. construction industry. The company specializes in architectural cladding design and installation, delivering value-driven solutions that balance design vision, budget, and performance.
About Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, ABC is a national construction industry trade association representing 23,000+ members. Founded in 1950, ABC is dedicated to the merit shop philosophy, helping contractors develop skilled workers, secure projects, and operate safely and profitably.
For more information, visit abc.org.
Originally reported by N-RG CLADDING in Construction Dive.