Company:
Span Systems Inc. Manchester, NH

Project Details

Fabric 1

Duraskin B 18089
Producer: Verseidag-Indutex GmbH


Engineer Company 1
Span Systems Inc.

Architect Company
BHA Associates

Fabrication Company
Span Systems Inc.

Project Manager Company
MW Golden


Please describe the project specifications

The owner sought a Tensile Structure stage roof for a planned amphitheater which was to be a centerpiece feature of the Phillip S. Miller State Park in Castle Rock, CO. The stage was intended to take advantage of natural beauty in the area and provide a focus point for community gatherings of all kinds.

The design called for a saddle-shaped roof structure supported by four columns. There was also a non-structural "screen" element designed for between the supporting columns which creates the suggestion of stage walls and adds to the visual interest.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The client was looking for a lightweight and inexpensive amphitheater stage roof that would protect those below from the elements. These elements included snowy Colorado winters so any tensile structure would have to be robust enough to withstand the snow loads expected in that area.
The second goal was for a stage roof that also contained dramatic design interest while also emphasizing functionality, sustainability, ease of maintenance, long life and a cost/covered square foot that was affordable.


What is unique or complex about the project?

This stage roof was unique because of the extra height required by the owner to accommodate the potential needs of various users including the hanging of speakers and lighting grids when needed. Therefore the structure's column heights are 17.5 feet and the overall height of the structure at the top of the front arch is over 32 feet.

There is extensive wiring internal to the steel to allow multiple configurations of lighting, sound reinforcement or other electrical needs future stage users may require.

The structure relies primarily on bolted or pinned connections in order to minimize field welding to save cost.


What were the results of the project?

The project was delivered to the owner in late March and almost immediately opened for use by the public. It is a great amenity to the park and has been very popular with park-goers, ownership and the public in general.


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