Birdair and University of La Verne Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion Come Full Circle to Replace Groundbreaking PTFE Roofing System

After more than 50 years, Birdair will replace its original tensioned membrane roofing system – the first of its kind in the world.

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 is a composite system that features PTFE-coated fiberglass as the exterior membrane and inner liner, and one 8mm layer of Nanogel blanket sandwiched in between.

The system is 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. In the theater structure, a PTFE blackout liner will be utilized to control lighting.

The project is slated to begin construction in summer 2026.

“The new Birdair Tensotherm structure at the University of La Verne Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion represents a leap forward in architectural engineering,” said Tom Connell, Vice President, Birdair. “It promises to deliver superior performance, enhanced structural integrity and improved energy efficiency. It’s a demonstration of our commitment to innovation and sustainability while respecting the historical importance of the structure.”

The University of La Verne has contracted directly with Birdair throughout their 50-plus-year partnership – proof of a relationship built on quality work and trust. The shared commitment to maintenance of the pavilion has played a key role in the structure’s longevity. The fabric’s strength and resiliency have proven to be not only more aesthetically stimulating but also a more economical roofing option than other conventional roofing materials.

Since its installation in July 1973, Birdair has helped the University of La Verne maintain the PTFE fabric roofing system through periodic inspections and testing of materials, showcasing a commitment to quality and durability. Test panels were periodically extracted to monitor current-day performance of the roofing material, and after a 40-year panel performance data test, retention values to the spec remained extremely high.

“From enjoying the benefits of the original pavilion as a La Verne student over 50 years ago to being a part of the renovation and installation of the new Tensotherm roofing system, it’s been an incredible journey to witness firsthand,” said Avo Kechichian, CFO, University of La Verne. “The University of La Verne is proud to partner with Birdair on this signature project that we know will continue to stand the test of time.”

The world’s first and only translucent and insulated tensile fabric roofing material, Tensotherm is ideal where significant acoustic dampening is desired or required. With a Tensotherm roof, even the din of a large and cavernous space, like a gymnasium or arena, can be made to sound more like an intimate living room setting. Tensotherm can block out the sound of a jet taking off or hold the sound of a rock concert inside.

Tensotherm’s remarkable sound attenuation ability is due to its aerogel core and interior PTFE-coated acoustical membrane liner. Additional benefits of Tensotherm include diffused glare-free natural daylight; enhanced temperature control, even in the most extreme environments; and innovative sustainability.

PTFE-coated fiberglass tensile membrane is a very versatile material that can withstand climates ranging from the frigid arctic to the scorching desert heat with an expected project life exceeding 30 years. Its unique combination of inertness, thermal stability and surface properties make Birdair’s PTFE-coated fabric membrane 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.

Birdair’s replacement process will allow the pavilion to remain functional while construction is ongoing, ensuring minimal disruption to university activities. The process involves cleaning the old roof, placing the new roof over top of it and cutting out the old roof when the new roof is completed, maintaining the pavilion’s structural integrity and watertight condition.

“Our team has spent a lot of time developing the methodology to make this process work,” Connell said. “We’re proud of the fact that the pavilion will remain mostly open and available for La Verne students and staff to use while the renovation takes place.”

La Verne’s Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion serves as a student service center complete with classrooms, conference rooms and weight-lifting rooms on the first level, while its upper level offers exposed views of the roof and features a full basketball court. In addition to the pavilion, Birdair will be replacing the roofing system of the Dailey Theatre, a nearby building on campus.

The University of La Verne is a private non-profit university located in La Verne, Calif., about 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Founded in 1891, the university is composed of the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the LaFetra College of Education, the Cástulo de la Rocha College of Health and Community Well-Being, and the College of Law and Public Service, seven regional campuses throughout Southern California, and robust online offerings.

A full-service design-build specialty contractor for tensile architecture, Birdair offers a comprehensive range of pre-construction services including design assistance, budgeting, construction methodologies and project schedule development. Birdair’s in-house capabilities include design development, engineering, fabrication, construction (installation) and service and warranty services.

For more information on Birdair’s innovative roofing systems, canopies and skylights, visit Birdair.com and follow Birdair on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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.

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