2016 Archive : Penguin Isle at the Miami Seaquarium

Project Details

Fabric 1

Précontraint 502
Producer: Ferrari S.A.
Supplier: Trivantage LLC

Engineer Name 1
Cesar Castillo

Design Name
Gustavo Rotella

Design Company
Miami Awning Company

Fabrication Company
Miami Awning Company

Project Manager Name
Gustavo Rotella

Project Manager Company
Miami Awning Company

Installation Name
Daniel Reilly

Installation Company
Miami Awning Company

Please describe the project specifications

This project features a set of custom engineered canopies for the new Penguin Isle exhibit for the Miami Seaquarium. The canopies are designed to provide protection for the new penguin habitat that has a 800 sq. ft. tank with a rocky dry area and an adjoining 9,000 gallon pool. The lower canopy is 53’-4” wide x 26’-0” in projection. The upper canopy is 53’-4” wide x 18’-6 in projection with an overlap. The canopies are covered with Ferrari 502 Lagoon Blue and made with schedule
40 galvanized steel.

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

The Miami Seaquarium was creating a new exhibit for their newest members, African Penguins, at the new Penguin Isle. They wanted a framed fabric structure installed over the Penguin habitat that would have design appeal and attract the public also providing protection from the hot tropical sun for both the penguins and visitors.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project was engineered to the Florida Building code. The arched design of the project provided a very structural base for the canopy making it possible for the fabric to be a simple flat sheet of fabric and easy for removal in the event of a major hurricane. Much coordination was needed for this project. After the concrete slab was poured, our team installed the posts. A total of (15) six inch posts were used for the project. After the posts were installed, contractors came in and installed two 17,000 lb. tanks and constructed walls around them. Once that was completed, our crew cut the larger portion of the frame into 5 pieces, transported them to the job site and reassembled the frame on site. The next day a crane lifted the lower and upper portion of the frames all in 1 day. Everything was then welded in place. Afterward the 50’ wide extension was added to the front bottom portion of the area to block direct light to the penguins.

What were the results of the project?

The customer is extremely pleased and satisfied with the results. The canopies make for an attractive exhibit, provides the penguins and visitors with the needed shelter and make an environment that is both educational and stimulating. This really allows guests to enjoy interacting with the penguins. The client is looking forward to recreating this design concept for future canopy projects.

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