ELITE Ground screens

Architectural Screening Systems Redefined

– DURABLE ARCHITECTURAL SCREENING SYSTEMS

PalmSHIELD Elite Ground Screens are versatile architectural screening systems designed to conceal and protect mechanical equipment at ground level while complementing the surrounding architecture. Engineered with customizable infill materials, finishes, and configurations, Elite provides a durable, visually appealing solution for commercial and high-performance projects. With additional mounting supports, the system can also be adapted for select rooftop screening applications, giving designers greater flexibility across a variety of project requirements.

  • Engineered to withstand wind speeds of up to 150 mph.
  • Achieve up to 180 mph wind speeds with additional supports
  • Pending Miami Dade County N.O.A
  • Minimal parts and a streamlined installation process.
  • A variety of designs to match your building’s exterior.
Engineering Photo Gallery Miami-Dade
Architect Resources (BIM/CAD, Specs)

Elite Panel Styles

Louvered style options

Aluminum Blade

Aluminum Plank

Composite Plank

Vinyl Plank

Engineered Architectural Screening System for Maximum Performance

Strength & Flexibility

  • Tubular T+I Beam with vertical compression profile provides exceptional durability.
  • Fireproof panels resist 600+ lbs. of horizontal pull-out force and 1,400 lbs. of vertical adjustment.
  • Panels mount via compression with no fasteners required.
  • Design allows easy vertical and horizontal panel adjustments.

Engineered I-Beam Columns

  • Tubular I-Beam columns allow installers to set all columns first or install using a post-panel sequence.
  • A removable flange, secured with stainless steel countersunk fasteners, lets panels slide in from the back.
  • Once reattached, the flange locks panels securely in place.
  • No exposed fasteners are required.

Architectural Precision

  • I-Beam posts pair with tapered vertical channels to create a clean architectural seam.
  • The design compensates for minor post spacing variations.
  • Maintains a consistent 3″ reveal around every panel.

Versatile Finishes

  • Vertical channels form a 4″ cavity compatible with multiple PalmSHIELD materials.
  • A structural Z-rail supports panel weight and prevents oil-canning.
  • Optional Z-clips are available for larger panels.
Louvered Infill Panel
Corner Cut Away
Exploded Panel View
Palmshield Elite Steel post Sleeve

Aluminum Sleeve for High-Performance Applications

PalmSHIELD has created an aluminum sleeve designed for applications over 10 feet, as well as corner and gate posts. It matches the performance of the T/I Beam Post by supporting panels’ vertical compression profiles and delivering steel-like strength for higher wind loads, taller panels, and gates. The sleeve fits any tubular steel post 4 inches or larger, bolts directly to the post, and maintains the same installation flexibility and adaptability in spacing and heights as the T/I Beam Post system.

Steel Post Sleeve components

Post Assembly – Connection Detail

Post Assembly – Tubular I-POST

Post Assembly – Post Details

Post Assembly – Corner Post Assembly – Cut Away View

Post Assembly – Corner Post Assembly

Post Assembly – Corner Post Assembly

architectural resources

View CAD Files
Specifications Post Panel Post Installation Instructions Post Post Post Panel Installation Instructions

Widths & Height

  • Panel Heights: Unlimited
  • Panel Width: 6′ Maximum

Panel Column & Framework

  • Column: PalmSHIELD exclusive 4” deep x 3” wide custom I-Beam with loose flange. Patent Pending.
  • Plate 10” x 10” x ¾” plate
  • Panel Vertical: PalmSHIELD exclusive 4” wide x 2” deep x 1/8” tapered compression profile. Patent Pending.
  • Panel Top Cap: 4” x 3” x 1/8” aluminum channel.
  • Panel Bottom Cap: 4” x 3” x 1/8” aluminum channel.
  • Intermediate 1” x 1/8” bar
  • Materials: 6063-T6 Aluminum
  • Fittings & Accessories: All fittings and accessories shall be stainless steel as specified by the manufacturer.

Applications

  • Transformers
  • Generators
  • Condensers
  • AC & Heating Units
  • Chillers
  • Cooling Towers
  • Data Centers
  • Recycling Facilites
  • Crypto & Bitcoin Mining
  • Refrigeration Units
  • Water Pump Stations
  • Rain & Airports
  • Commercial Construction
  • And Many More!

Helpful Installation Videos

How to Install PalmSHIELD Elite Architectural Screening (Post – Panel – Post – Panel – Post Method)
How to Install PalmSHIELD Elite Architectural Screening (Post – Post – Post – Panel – Panel Method)

Architectural Ground Screens That Go Beyond the Ground

PalmSHIELD ground screens are built for more than just ground-level enclosures. With our A1000 equipment screen rail and diagonal supports, any PalmSHIELD ground screen system or panel infill can be engineered into a rooftop equipment screen.

This flexibility allows architects, contractors, and facility managers to achieve the same durable, low-maintenance, architectural screening on the roof as they do at ground level.

Whether you’re enclosing HVAC units, mechanical systems, or creating a sleek architectural façade, PalmSHIELD gives you customizable rooftop and ground screen solutions that combine strength, style, and performance.

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Important Note About Gates

Rooftop-Compatible With Gates

  • The PalmSHIELD Elite Ground Screen System can be used for rooftop applications.
  • Supports full swing, drive, and cantilever gate options.
from ground screen to rooftop

Mounting Components

PalmSHIELD makes rooftop screening easy. While we offer dedicated roof and equipment-mounted screening options, you’re not limited to those alone. Any of our ground screen systems can be adapted for rooftop use when paired with our A1000 equipment screen rail and diagonal supports—giving you the same trusted look and strength up top as you’d expect on the ground.

A1000 Equipment Rail

PalmSHIELD’s A1000 Equipment Rail offers a fully engineered solution for mounting rooftop screening, designed to handle eight-foot-tall screens, high wind loads, and seismic events. Constructed from 8” x 2” x ¼” structural aluminum channels, the system supports customizable attachment patterns for various roof types, ensuring alignment with structural members like beams and purlins.

View CAD Files View Specifications
Diagonal Supports

Diagonal supports, featuring column-mounted and rail-attached pivot brackets with aluminum tubular supports, are secured with stainless steel bolts. Designed to match rooftop rail length, screen fencing type, and application, they create a robust system capable of withstanding demanding wind loads.

View CAD Files View Specifications
Rooftop Enclosure utilizing PalmSHIELD Elite Panels with Diagonal Supports
Features
Forte Rooftop System
Elite Ground Screens (Rooftop Compatible)

Access Into Enclosure

Sliding Panel Access (wide service openings)

Gate access (swing, drive, or cantilever)

Gate Options

Not Available (sliding panels)

Full Gate Options (including hardware)

Panel Type

Sliding Panels

Hinged Panels

Rooftop Use

Yes

Yes

Elite Project Photos

Commercial semi-private mechanical equipment screens with horizontal panels design in beige and gray finishes, mounted on concrete pad with decorative rock base and evergreen shrub landscaping for HVAC equipment concealment
Residential louvered equipment screening panels in gray aluminum frames concealing outdoor HVAC units and mechanical equipment in residential backyard with mulch landscaping and palm trees
Modern commercial building exterior featuring decorative stone-textured architectural screens and mechanical equipment screens with white aluminum frames, creating a cohesive perimeter enclosure along concrete walkway with integrated landscaping planters
A gray equipment screen enclosure with vertical staggered infill in front of a brick-and-mortar fire academy building.
White louvered mechanical equipment screening with a sign reading, "Quantum. Shipping and Receiving."
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FAQ’s

PalmSHIELD Elite is a modular architectural screening system designed to conceal and protect mechanical equipment while complementing the surrounding architecture. It can be configured with a wide variety of infill materials, colors, patterns, and finishes for commercial, industrial, institutional, and high-performance applications.

Elite Ground Screens can be used to screen transformers, generators, condensers, HVAC equipment, chillers, cooling towers, refrigeration equipment, water pump stations, data center equipment, and other mechanical or utility equipment.

Elite panels are available with a maximum standard panel width of 6 feet and unlimited panel height, subject to project-specific engineering requirements.

Elite panel height is not limited to a single standard dimension. PalmSHIELD can engineer taller systems based on the project requirements, wind loads, structural conditions, and selected configuration.

Elite panels are available up to 6 feet wide.

The Elite panel and framework system uses 6063-T6 aluminum components, with stainless steel fittings and accessories as specified by the manufacturer. Specific infill materials vary by the selected design.

Elite supports a wide range of architectural infill options, including louvered, solid, semi-private, staggered, expanded metal, textured, contemporary, laser-cut, illuminated, faux masonry, open, trellis, and batten-style designs.

Yes. Elite systems are engineered and fabricated around the requirements of each project. Panel dimensions, infill style, finish, layout, mounting conditions, gates, and structural requirements can be customized.

Elite uses a modular post-and-panel installation system. The panels are captured within PalmSHIELD’s vertical compression profiles rather than relying on exposed fasteners through the face of each panel.

Elite panels are compression-mounted within the vertical post profiles. The removable post flange allows panels to be installed after the posts have been positioned, while the compression profile secures the panel within the post assembly.

No. The Elite system is designed around a compression-mounted panel connection, eliminating the need for exposed fasteners through the face of the infill panels.

Yes. The Elite post system allows the posts to be installed first, after which the removable flange can be loosened or removed so the panels can be inserted into the post assembly.

Yes. The Elite system provides installation flexibility for projects with varying site conditions and can accommodate changes in panel elevation through its adjustable panel and post configuration. Project-specific conditions should be reviewed during engineering.

Foundation and anchoring requirements depend on the screen height, wind load, site conditions, post spacing, infill, and structural requirements. PalmSHIELD provides project-specific engineering to determine the appropriate anchoring and foundation requirements.

Yes. Elite is designed for equipment-screening applications and can be configured around existing transformers, generators, HVAC equipment, chillers, condensers, cooling towers, and other equipment.

PalmSHIELD Elite Ground Screens are engineered for wind speeds up to 150 mph. Configurations using additional structural supports can be engineered for wind speeds up to 180 mph.

Yes. Elite systems are engineered according to the project’s required wind speed, exposure, dimensions, mounting conditions, and other applicable structural requirements.

Additional structural supports may be incorporated when higher wind loads or other project conditions require them. The exact support configuration is determined through project-specific engineering.

Yes. Elite can be adapted for select rooftop applications using additional mounting supports and appropriate project-specific engineering. PalmSHIELD also offers the Forte system specifically for rooftop screening.

PalmSHIELD provides project-specific engineering documentation, including structural calculations and engineering drawings where required for the project. The exact engineering deliverables depend on the project’s requirements and jurisdiction.

Yes. PalmSHIELD develops project-specific drawings and engineering documentation to coordinate the screening system with the project conditions.

Yes. CAD and BIM resources are available for PalmSHIELD Elite systems and can be accessed through the PalmSHIELD architectural resources.

Lead time varies according to project size, customization, engineering requirements, material availability, and current production capacity. Contact PalmSHIELD for the current estimated lead time for your project.

Useful information includes the overall screen dimensions, desired height, equipment dimensions and location, site conditions, desired infill style, wind speed and exposure, mounting or foundation conditions, gate requirements, finish or color, and any applicable project drawings.