Function Meets Aesthetics
Aesthetically, the new roof allows the Dedmon Center to maintain the look of its previous air-supported roof. On the interior, the updated roof’s supporting steel-truss system adds a new level of visual interest to the athletic structure, functioning as a distinctive interior design element. Because the new roof offers the same benefits of traditional fabric membrane roofing, it creates aesthetic appeal and the freedom of form the university expected.
“From the outside, the roof is very similar to what was there before,” explains Roy Saville, Radford University director of facilities planning and construction. “On the interior, the trusses now create a nice aesthetic with a unique focus.”
As with the previous tensioned-membrane roof system, the new roof is extremely malleable, durable and fade resistant. It is also water repellent because the insulative layer is hydrophobic, shedding water and preventing mold, mildew and rotting. In addition, the Dedmon Center’s new roof provides the facility with enhanced acoustic performance by trapping noise to create an effective sound dampener through the use of an interior acoustic liner.
Operational Advantages
Functionally, the roof system will contribute to overall cost savings in mechanical systems and long-term operational cost reductions because of increased efficiency.
Functionally, the roof system will contribute to overall cost savings in mechanical systems and long-term operational cost reductions because of increased efficiency. The material has additionally allowed the Dedmon Center to incorporate air-conditioning, which had not been possible in the past.
“The new roof has many operational advantages,” Saville explains. “Our objective was to be able to air condition the Dedmon Center. The use of insulated fabric membrane allowed us to meet that goal. Students, faculty, coaches and fans have all been very impressed.”