Univ. of La Verne Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion Replacement
Birdair and University of La Verne Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion Come Full Circle to Replace Groundbreaking PTFE Roofing System
Fabric Type: ETFE Film
Market Sector: Institutional
Project Size: 55,400 sq.ft.
Owner: University of La Verne
Completion Date: July 31, 2025
Birdair, Inc., the world’s leading specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures for over 65 years, is returning to its roots at the University of La Verne in La Verne, Calif. Birdair will replace the original PTFE roofing system at La Verne’s Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion – the world’s first permanent self-supporting tensioned membrane PTFE roofing system –with a new, state-of-the-art Birdair Tensotherm™ translucent insulated tensile fabric roofing system totaling 55,000 sq.ft. in surface area. The project is part of a long-term maintenance strategy to uphold the integrity and performance of this significant architectural marvel.
Nicknamed the “Super Tents” by La Verne students, the pavilion’s distinctive conical roof is comprised of four cone-shaped fabric membrane peaks jutting into the sky at slightly different angles, functioning as a highly durable, visually appealing addition to La Verne’s campus. The new Tensotherm structure, a composite system featuring PTFE-coated fiberglass as the exterior membrane and inner liner, and one 8mm layer of Nanogel blanket sandwiched in between engineered for superior performance and durability while increasing natural daylight within the pavilion, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and improving energy efficiency. Its next-generation design ensures a visually appealing and long-lasting solution that meets modern sustainability standards.
The project is slated to begin construction in early 2025 and is projected to be completed by July 31, 2025.
