Composite replaces deteriorating timber screens

The composite screens were pultruded in beige colour to match the existing wood structures.
The composite screens were pultruded in beige colour to match the existing wood structures.

The pyramid-shaped screens are used to accent rooftops and conceal the facility’s air conditioning units. The screens were constructed from structural timber and cost approximately $75 000 in maintenance, every other year.

Harrington Plastics, a distributor of Strongwell products, suggested EXTREN structural shapes, manufactured from glass fibre reinforced thermosetting resin, due to the composite product’s structural and architectural advantages over wood. Unlike timber, EXTREN does not rot or decay and is not susceptible to insect attack. Composite shapes are also stronger and more rigid than timber, and they do not require painting.

13 composite screening structures were fabricated, shipped and assembled on site. The lightweight structures were lifted into place using a single crane pick, resulting in lower installation times and costs, and little inconvenience to Vintage Club members.

Pultruder Strongwell is headquartered in Bristol, Virginia, USA.