Project Gallery / Donald N. Dedmon Center at Radford University

When researching new roofing options for the 52,000 square-foot Donald N. Dedmon Center, energy efficiency, moisture resistance, aesthetic appeal and translucency topped Radford University's list of requirements. Tensotherm™ with Lumira™ aerogel provided the perfect solution to replace the structure's previous air-supported roof, which was installed by Birdair in 1981 and outlasted its 20-year expected lifecycle by seven years.

Developed by Birdair, Cabot Corporation and Geiger Engineers, Tensotherm™ features Lumira™ aerogel, a feather-light insulation layer that significantly enhances the material's thermal performance while maximizing daylighting.

The Tensotherm installation over the Center's gymnasium and natatorium is the world's first. With Tensotherm, Dedmon Center was able to incorporate air-conditioning, which had not been possible in the past. This resulted in temperature regulation and moisture control inside the facility, while improving the internal environment and overall energy-efficiency of the arena.

In addition to energy-efficiency and insulation, Dedmon Center benefits from Tensotherm's variety of notable benefits, including enhanced durability, water repellence, fade resistance, acoustic dampening, solar heat gain reduction, increased daylighting and subsequent decreased lighting costs.

Project: Donald N. Dedmon Center at Radford University
Truss System Design: Birdair, Inc., Amherst, NY / Geiger Engineers, Suffern, NY
Truss System Fabrication: Superior Steel, Knoxville, TN
Engineer: Birdair Inc., Amherst, NY
General Contractor: Branch and Associates, Roanoke, VA
Market Sector: Institutional
Material: Tensotherm™ with Lumira™ aerogel
Location: Radford, Virginia
Completed: 2009