Decking Provides Venue Views

ments to the clubhouse, including the interiors and outdoor deck, were really significant and resulted in a beautiful facility,” said Houston Moore, Eco Roof and Solar’s commercial project manager. “But the roof needed to be replaced to ensure that the structure itself would be safe for members and visitors in the years to come.”

The team, which included personnel from Castle Pines and Eco Roof and Solar, reviewed numerous roofing systems, focusing primarily on finding a solution that could help withstand all of the elements. The material also needed to complement and enhance the clubhouse aesthetics, while celebrating the architectural style of the surrounding community and the luxury homes within it.

RESISTING WEATHER “Looking at the region’s weather patterns over the past few years tells us with certainty that hail arrives annually,” said Moore. “This fi gured prominently in the selection of the roofi ng material for the clubhouse.”

After looking at numerous options, the team chose Irvine, CA-based Boral Roofing’s Class 4 hail-rated concrete tile. The benefits of concrete roof tile were an obvious fit for the project. The tile offers superb durability and a lifespan exceeding 60 years. Considered a low-maintenance material, the tile is also easy to repair and, when called for, a small portion of the roof may be easily replaced if the damage is localized.

Concrete tile is also considered a resilient building material in that it can help withstand storms, hail, fire, snow, and wind. The roof is often the first point of contact for these conditions, acting as the structure’s first defense. Concrete tile ranks especially high in its protective abilities.

The tile, now on Castle Pines’ roof, has undergone impact resistance testing in accordance with the FM 4473 standard, withstanding 2-in.-dia. ice balls shot from a cannon at a 5-ft. distance at speeds approaching 70 mph. Hail-rated tile is certified through the Roof Covering Impact Certification Program, which is spon

sored by Architectural Testing Inc., Franklin, WI, an independent laboratory accredited by multiple national agencies.

Aside from hail and storm resistance, energy efficiency is often a key consideration in roof selection. While it wasn’t a primary priority for the clubhouse re-roof, the team was pleased to learn that Boral’s concrete tile significantly reduces energy demands inside the structure. “This will help Castle Pines reduce its energy bills for the life of the structure,” adds Moore.

Concrete roof tile is also truly sustainable roofing material. Manufactured using locally sourced, naturally occurring, and abundant geologic material, Boral’s tile incorporates zero chemical preservatives and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life on the roof.

From an aesthetic viewpoint, the color and profile of the tile was also key. Boral’s Western Trail in Saxony Slate Impact Tile offers a hue and look that complements the design of the structure and the natural surroundings, creating a seamless bridge between the two. The tile selection also aligns with the tile roofs used on homes in the community.

“With an enhancement to both the aesthetics and the safety of the clubhouse, as well as to the golf course, Castle Pines will hold on to its reputation as an incredible, world-class destination for enthusiasts for many years to come,” added Moore. CA

Along with the clubhouse, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Castle Pines golf course was also renovated.

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Decking Provides Venue Views Racetrack decks hold up to the Texas sun for Formula 1 fans.

For Austin Deck Co., Austin, TX, when a large, commercial deck project comes along, they are all in, bringing the big guns as far as materials, tools, and installation techniques. When owner Abe Oeltjen and his crew took on two major deck projects for Austin-based

Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the only permanent Formula 1 circuit in the United States, he inspired confidence with the track officials that the job would be high quality, fast, and on time. COTA’s challenging 3.41-mi. racetrack boasts 20 turns with an intimidating 133-ft. hill at Turn 1. COTA is the home of the World Championships and the

United States Grand Prix, and also attracts the biggest names in music to its Austin-360 Amphitheater.

The initial deck required two weeks of planning and discussion with track owners and included specifications using capped polymer deck board from AZEK, Skokie,

IL, and a fastening system from CAMO Edge Fastening,

Grand Rapids, MI, ensuring a fastener-free surface.

“We first designed a 1,200-sq.-ft. deck for the Vitamin

Water-sponsored area for parties and entertainment events,” said Oeltjen. “This served as a test deck for 18 months as the racetrack officials considered building a very large, permanent structure for the Personal Seat License (PSL) seats for viewing the track.”

After the deck performed well and stood up to continuous crowds and blazing Texas heat, Oeltjen got the green light to break ground on the new 4,650-sq.- ft. PSL viewing deck located on the track at Turn 15. It would boast amenities such as a large canopy with audio/video systems, food and drink service, and a great view of the track. Previously, COTA would erect and tear down a temporary structure before each race or event with inspections required. The construction would provide a permanent structure also used year round for events including picnics and concerts.

“Keeping fans comfortable outdoors in Texas can be tough,” said Brian Mishkin, COTA’s senior director, Facilities & Events. “However, Austin Deck Co. helped us to provide the best environment possible. The AZEK deck accomplished many different benefits—it doesn’t retain heat and is extremely low maintenance, plus the

CAMO edge fastening gave it a fastener-free surface for

Above. Two major deck projects take the heat in the Texas sun and use Azek deck boards to provide thermal comfort and low maintenance.

Left. Capped polymer deck boards were used in the construction.

safety and a nice look. It really has been a great structure and we’ve used it quite a bit already.”

“We designed and built the seating area in a way that fans of any physical ability can use the deck equitably,” commented Oeltjen.

The same AZEK Slate Gray color used for the Vitamin Water party deck was chosen for the PSL deck because it blended with the general décor of the racetrack. Custom metal railings that match the miles of metal railing within and around the racetrack property were also selected for a contiguous theme.

The resulting PSL viewing deck and party deck are value-added additions to Circuit of the Americas’ management and tens of thousands of fans. “As an outdoor venue in Texas, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our fan experience and Austin Deck Co. really nailed it with the shaded viewing deck,” said Mishkin. “We feel that the new deck was an excellent amenity to enhance their entire race experience.” CA

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