2016 Archive : FPL Manatee Lagoon

Project Details

Fabric 1

Précontraint 502
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Trivantage LLC

Design Name
Antonio Gil

Design Company
Hoover Architectural Products

Fabrication Name
Austin Martell

Fabrication Company
Hoover Architectural Products

Project Manager Name
Eric Garey

Project Manager Company
Hoover Architectural Products

Installation Name
Scott Seibert

Installation Company
Hoover Architectural Products

Please describe the project specifications

Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center, is a new Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area for viewing manatees up close. The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about these endangered and unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. On cold winter days, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatee herds basking in the warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light Company’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.

The center is highlighted by a tensile fabric covered second floor viewing area which provides the best vantage point to see manatees in their natural habitat. Designed, fabricated and installed by Hoover Architectural Products for FPL and Black Diamond contracting, the area was originally going to only have a trellis above; which would provide little sun protection. While keeping the trellis design intent, Hoover was able include a tensile fabric cover above the aluminum trellis sections which provided a full use, all weather area that complimented the architectural features of the building.

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

The client originally wanted a trellis covered 2nd floor observation deck. Unfortunately, the trellis would not have provided any shade or protection from the elements. By working with Hoover Architectural Products in the design phase, the owner was able to keep with the architects intent while providing a beautiful and functional area for patrons to observe manatees in their natural environment.

What is unique or complex about the project?

The uniqueness of this project came from having to design and incorporate a tensioned fabric structure around a trellis - all while maintaining the structural integrity required in a high velocity hurricane zone.

What were the results of the project?

The result of this collaboration was a functional and attractive example of how fabric can compliment metal work and trellises. All too often, architects and clients think that architectural metals and fabric can not coexist, when in reality they compliment each other extremely well!

Content is submitted by the participant. IFAI is not responsible for the content descriptions of the IAA award winners.