Sunshade Façade Delivers Energy Savings

from commARCH - April 2014

Jail Windows Provide Daylight, Security

Multi-Purpose Center Slated For Sustainability

Polymer slate tiles provide a sustainable roof while retaining the lodge look that LeConte Center administrators desired.

The LeConte Center roof uses slate polymer roofing tiles that complement its Smoky Mountain setting. Photo credit: Merit Construction Inc. T he city-owned, multi-purpose LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, TN, includes 232,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space in a sprawling, lodge-type setting. Topping the impressive structure are 965 squares of Valoré Slate polymer roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes, Kansas City, KS. In the Verde blend of light and dark green, the tiles complement the facility’s Smoky Mountain setting.

“The size of this complex, plus the building-code limitations, made it impossible for us to specify weighty, expensive real slate for the roof,” said Michael Smelcer, principal with SRA Architects Inc., Pigeon Forge. “After researching our options, we selected the DaVinci Valoré Slate product because of aesthetics, weight, and Class A fire classification. The owners of the center were very open to using this particular polymer slate roofing because it gave them the mountain lodge look they desired.”

The single-width tiles resemble the classic traditional slate tiles found on upscale projects throughout the world. Available in 12-in. widths, the 1/2-in.-thick tiles are twice the thickness of most other synthetic slates. The tiles are available in a full spectrum of authentic slate colors and are made of pure virgin resins to guarantee a sustainable product. The 100% recyclable tiles resist impact, fire, hail, insects, and algae.

Built over two years by Merit Construction Inc., Knoxville, TN, the LeConte Center has a 100,000-sq.-ft., clear-span exhibit hall; 14 multi-purpose rooms of varying sizes; pre-function and kitchen space; loading docks; and spacious lobbies. Outdoor patios overlook the Little Pigeon River with views of Mount LeConte from many angles.

“Because of the close proximity to Little Pigeon River, our site design had to be low impact,” said Smelcer. “This included underground detention, rain gardens, vegetated swales, and per

The facility affords sweeping views of the Little Pigeon River and Mount LeConte. Roof tiles are 100% recyclable and resist impact, fi re, hail, insects, and algae.

meable pavers. We’ve provided similar architectural work for other large facilities, so our firm was confident in our ability to meet the design needs of this exciting project.”

The center’s roof was installed by Detail Slate and Tile, Greenville, SC. “We install several DaVinci roofs each year on residential and commercial projects,” said Joe Whitmore, vice president of operations. “This was the largest project we’ve had the opportunity to install polymer roofing material and it went very smoothly. The result is a roof that blends in with its natural setting, is very durable, requires virtually no maintenance, and will last for decades to come.”