Birdair Makes its Mark on Brooklyn’s Domino Square Park with Signature Cable-Net Shade Structure
Seasonal tensile membrane structure brings functionality and versatility to vibrant public plaza
Birdair, Inc., the world’s leading specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures for over 68 years, has left a lasting imprint at Domino Square Park in Brooklyn with a new seasonal tensile structure for the park’s public plaza space. Combining technical innovation with aesthetic appeal, the unique PVC mesh fabric structure represents a significant milestone in the ongoing redevelopment of the historic Domino Sugar Refinery site.
Constructed using a state-of-the-art cable net system and 122 panels of white PVC-coated mesh membrane, the structure offers both shade and comfort at the oval-shaped plaza during summer events, such as movie screenings, performances, farmers markets and cultural celebrations. In the winter, the easily demountable PVC mesh panels will be taken down and stored as the plaza is transformed into Williamsburg’s first waterfront ice-skating rink.
Birdair’s scope of work included the fabrication and installation of the supporting steel columns painted in a beautiful turquoise-like blue, the stainless-steel cable net system, the PVC mesh fabric and clamping hardware. Of the 122 fabric panels based on the unique cable net design, five different geometric sizes made up the entire design. One of the challenges during the installation process was to create access to the various elevations during construction to get equipment to the necessary areas.
“As a company with nearly 70 years of expertise in crafting innovative tensile structures, we’re proud to contribute to the vibrant urban landscape of Domino Square Park,” said Tom Connell, Vice President, Birdair. “We take pride in knowing that visitors to Domino Square Park each summer will be able to enjoy concerts, performances and more under the comfort and shade of Birdair’s cable net tensile structure with demountable PVC mesh panels.”
The tensile cable structure, spanning nearly 10,000 sq.ft., was collaboratively designed by Studio Cadena, an award-winning New York-based architecture and design office; Lightweight Structures Group of Silman, a TYLin Company (formerly FTL Design and Engineering Studio), a leading design and engineering firm that offers a range of services for innovative structures; and Two Trees Management, which owns, develops and maintains residential, commercial and retail properties across Brooklyn and Manhattan.
PVC-coated (polyvinyl chloride) mesh is an exceptionally durable fabric membrane produced with polyester, fiberglass and other types of reinforcements. PVC-coated mesh is weaved during fabrication, resulting in increased tensile strength. This enhanced tensile material offers architects and building owners greater versatility during the design phase of project development, diminishing concerns about fabric compatibility and size. PVC-coated mesh is typically RF welded to form the membrane panels on Birdair’s tensile structure systems.
The PVC-coated mesh panels used at Domino Square Park provide a variety of advantages. In addition to its enhanced durability, PVC material is resistant to extreme temperatures (-30°C to +70°C) and meets stringent energy and fire codes. With partial transparency for natural daylighting and lightweight flexibility, the mesh adds both functionality and aesthetic value to the plaza, blending seamlessly with its urban-industrial design.
Domino Square, wrapped in wooden amphitheater seating and surrounded by lush gardens, serves as a welcoming hub for diverse community activities in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. Birdair’s seasonal structure is part of Two Trees Management Company’s broader 11-acre Domino Sugar redevelopment plan, which aims to revitalize Williamsburg’s waterfront with community-enhancing spaces. Anchored by the historical Domino Sugar Refinery façade, this expansive project integrates residential, retail and public areas.
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.
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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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