Park City Mall's Architectural Transformation with Birdair's Tensotherm?

The Park City Center Mall, a landmark in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has long been a hub of commerce and community. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the mall's center court has seen significant architectural evolution, culminating in a cutting-edge roof replacement in 2019 with Birdair's Tensotherm? insulated tensioned membrane system. This project exemplifies Birdair's commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable design.

When the Park City Center Mall was first built, its center court was covered with a solid roof structure. This changed dramatically in 1988 when Birdair designed and installed a single-layer PVC tensile fabric membrane roof, transforming the space with a striking single conical configuration. The roof was mounted from a central steel tri-cord mast, approximately 100 feet high, with supporting radial cables extending from the mast top to the perimeter beam. The perimeter, framed with steel beams, formed an octagon 160 feet across, topped by an aluminum-framed hexagonal skylight.

The 2019 Retrofit: Introducing Tensotherm?

In 2019, Birdair took on the challenge of retrofitting the single-layer tensile membrane roof with their innovative Tensotherm? system. Tensotherm? is a state-of-the-art insulated membrane system composed of three layers:

- Outer PTFE-Coated Fiberglass Membrane: Provides durability and resistance to weathering.

- 8mm Nanogel Aerogel Blanket: Offers superior insulation and energy efficiency.

- Interior PTFE Acoustical Liner: Enhances the acoustic environment, reducing noise pollution.

This three-layer system not only improved the mall's energy efficiency but also provided enhanced acoustic properties, making the shopping experience more pleasant for visitors.

Engineering and Installation: A Precision Endeavor

The scope of Birdair's work included design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of the Tensotherm? roof. Due to the complex location of the center court, the installation required meticulous planning and execution. Large fabric bundles were lifted by Blackhawk helicopters from the adjacent parking lot and precisely placed on four strategically built platforms. This innovative methodology was crucial for the project's success, given the confined space and the need for precise placement.

To minimize disruption to the mall's daily operations, construction crews, including skilled rope access technicians, worked through the night. This night-time work schedule ensured that the mall remained operational and safe for visitors during the day, highlighting Birdair's commitment to client needs and project efficiency.

A New Era of Sustainable and Functional Design

The installation of the Tensotherm? system at Park City Center Mall marks a significant step forward in sustainable and functional design. The roof not only enhances the visual appeal of the center court but also provides improved insulation and acoustic performance. These upgrades contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the mall, aligning with modern sustainability goals.

About Birdair

Birdair, Inc., is the leading specialty design build contractor of custom tensile structures around the world. In addition to pre-construction services such as design assistance, budgeting, construction methodologies and project scheduling, Birdair provides design-build solutions in all aspects of project design, fabrication, installation and maintenance. The company offers a selection of architectural fabric membranes, including PTFE fiberglass, TensoSky? ETFE film, PVC and Tensotherm?, an insulated tensioned membrane system. Birdair, based in Buffalo, NY, is a member of the Taiyo Kogyo Group, with operations serving North and South America and other international locations. For more information about Birdair, call 1-800-622-2246 or visit Birdair.com.