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| Fiberglass to replace deteriorating timber screening pyramids  Due to unsightly deterioration of large wooden screening pyramids, Strongwell's corrosion resistant fiberglass EXTREN structural shapes were chosen by The Vintage Club, one of America's most prestigious country club communities, to replace the wooden structures. The club, located at the base of Eisenhower Mountain in Indian Wells, California, has pyramid shaped screens used to accent rooftops and conceal the facility's air conditioning units. The dual purpose screens were constructed from structural timber and required approximately $75,000 in maintenance costs.The timber's quick deterioration, caused by the desert's thermal cycling, combined with the mounting maintenance costs were driving factors in the Vintage Club's exploration for a cost effective, long-term replacement. Harrington Plastics, a distributor of Strongwell products, recognized the club's situation as an ideal project for fiberglass and suggested EXTREN structural shapes due to the product's significant structural and architectural advantages over wood. Unlike timber, EXTREN does not rot or decay and is not susceptible to insect attack. Fiberglass shapes are also stronger and more rigid than timber. The shapes were pultruded in beige color to match the existing hue of the wood structures. Because pigments are added to the resin during the pultrusion process, the color is throughout the part, unlike timber which requires continual painting. Also, EXTREN shapes provide a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance, complementing the Vintage Club's architectural theme. Thirteen screening structures were fabricated, shipped and easily assembled on site. There, the lightweight structures were lifted into place using a single crane pick. This arrangement meant less install time at the country club, resulting in lower installation costs and little inconvenience to Vintage Club members. Upon completion of the project, Tom Murphy, General Manager at the Vintage Club, reported that he was very pleased with the project. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |