New amphitheater celebrated as pillar of Doral community during grand opening ceremony
A new PTFE tensile membrane amphitheater structure by Birdair Inc., a specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures, was unveiled at Doral Central Park in Doral, FL, in December.
The amphitheater—a core element of the multi-phase $168 million Doral Central Park project—features a cutting-edge 10,600 sq. ft. PTFE tensile membrane roof and will serve as a prime destination for concerts, shows, cultural events and more in the Doral area.
Birdair's scope of work included the design, fabrication and installation of the PTFE-coated fiberglass membrane, all the supporting structural steel system inclusive of the sweeping front arched truss and all perimeter columns, structural cables and end fittings, and membrane clamping hardware.
Fellow members of the project team included Bermello Ajamil, a global architecture and engineering firm based in Coral Gables, Fla.; Bliss & Nyitray, Inc., a structural engineering firm that offers threshold inspections, feasibility studies, planning and more; and Kaufman Lynn Construction, a full-service commercial construction company that operates in Florida and North Carolina.
PTFE-coated fiberglass tensile membrane is a versatile material that can withstand climates ranging from the arctic to the desert heat with an expected project life exceeding 30 years. Its combination of inertness, thermal stability, and surface properties make it ideal for projects requiring superior weather and fire resistance. The principal element that differentiates PTFE fiberglass membrane from conventional glazing is its advantageous shading coefficient. In very warm climates, even low lighting levels make PTFE fiberglass membrane an energy saver versus conventional systems.