The National Aviation Research and Technology Park has been in the works for decades, including a magnificent rooftop deck system. But this project was right built right the heart of a New Jersey's hurricane zone, so great care was taken design and build it to withstand extremes of wind and rain. Read on to learn how one innovative rooftop deck system and the right choice in strong wood decking made all the difference.
Architectural rendering of the rooftop deck before construction
A Collaborative Effort
It truly took a village to make this project happen. Everyone from the governor on down had a hand in bringing this project to fruition. Stockton University played a crucial role in moving it forward. The end result was a spectacular hardwood rooftop deck. The decision to use the Eurotec Rooftop Deck System for a reliable decking framework and Mataverde sustainable and premium hardwood decking was part of this process.
The amount of engineering, architectural and construction teamwork to meet or exceed all the building code requirements took a lot of effort and coordination. Especially the hurricane wind load requirements. From a construction standpoint, Hessert Construction Management led the charge.
Custom steel brackets were designed to hold the weight of concrete ballast blocks
Find more details, information and inspiration in
The Rooftop Deck Design Ideas Project Portfolio. Download now.
Engineering Excellence in Hurricane-Prone Territory
Weighted for Strength: Concrete Ballast and Innovative Deck Framing
The project engineers were vigilant about exceeding the wind load and uplift requirements. So they elected to weight down the entire rooftop deck frame with concrete ballast. Custom steel brackets were fabricated to attach to the Eurotec deck frame system. The brackets hold the weight of the concrete blocks. The Eurotec adjustable rooftop deck pedestals keep the deck framework perfectly level.
Teamwork in Action: Efficient Assembly of the Rooftop Deck Frame
Building the massive rooftop deck frame was a great example of teamwork and efficiency. The construction team pre-assembled large sections of the frame on work benches and saw horses. Then they set them into place. Then they added concrete blocks as ballast.
The massive rooftop deck frame is nearly complete
Want more examples of how the Eurotec System can help your rooftop deck project meet and exceed your project criteria? Download the Rooftop Deck Design Project Portfolio here.
Durable Aesthetics: Cumaru Wood Decking and Innovative Fastening
The design team selected Cumaru hardwood for the decking material. Cumaru decking is very durable and long lasting. They specified Eurotec deck glider for hidden fasteners. These specialty fasteners will allow for natural expansion and contraction of deck boards during wet and dry weather cycles. Deck gliders are a little more labor intensive than other hidden fastener options. But they are the most effective hidden deck fastening method to allow for natural movement of real wood decking.
Cumaru hardwood rooftop deck with rain screen siding on parapet walls
Allowing natural wood to move naturally is very important with wider deck boards, like the 5/4 x 6 Cumaru decking in this project. And especially on a rooftop deck where there is full UV exposure all the time. The weather is unforgiving way up there.
The completed hardwood rooftop deck is expansive, and naturally beautiful
The finished deck is massive. It covers the entire roof area. The matching parapet walls are clad with Cumaru hardwood siding using the Climate-Shield rain screen system. They specified the Climate-Shield system because it can withstand hurricane wind loads exceeding 200 MPH.
We hope you enjoyed this insight into the resilient rooftop deck at the National Aviation Research and Technology Park. Contact us if you were left with any questions or need more information. We're happy to help.
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