Birdair Elevates Partnership with Rita Rossi Colwell Center with Plans for New Tensotherm^™ Roof

Birdair to replace original PTFE roofing system installed at UMBC facility in 1994

Birdair, Inc., the world’s leading specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures for over 68 years, will replace the PTFE tensile membrane roof at the Rita Rossi Colwell Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Birdair will upgrade the original PTFE roofing system, installed by Birdair in 1994, with its innovative Tensotherm™ insulated tensile fabric, which provides enhanced durability, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

The replacement work is scheduled to begin in May 2025 and is expected to take approximately six months to complete. Operating within an active facility, Birdair’s 10-12-person construction crew will carefully manage the project in sections, ensuring minimal disruption to the atrium’s day-to-day activities.

“This project allows us to build on a long-standing partnership with UMBC and the Rita Rossi Colwell Center,” said Tom Connell, Vice President, Birdair. “We’re excited to return three decades after the installation of our original PTFE roof to deliver the next generation of tensile roofing. The new Tensotherm™ roofing material not only enhances the structure’s long-term performance but also improves the overall experience for students, faculty and visitors alike.”

Birdair will replace the Colwell Center’s outer roof layer with the cutting-edge Tensotherm™ insulated system, an 8mm composite that retains natural light transmission while offering advanced thermal and acoustic performance. In addition, Birdair will replace a 175-square-foot awning at the south entry of the building.

Known for its translucent properties, thermal resistance and long-term durability, Tensotherm™ offers substantial environmental benefits. By improving energy efficiency and controlling indoor climates, the material supports the sustainability goals of both UMBC and the Colwell Center.

“This project involves meticulous planning,” Connell said. “From surveying the structure to managing logistics in a confined site, every detail is helping to ensure quality and safety. Our rope-access technicians will play critical roles in navigating the challenging slope of the roof, as well.”

Birdair is partnering with the national general contractor JVS Construction Group for the project, which is part of a broader deferred maintenance package that includes HVAC upgrades and interior painting. In addition, the renovation will incorporate subcontracted improvements to the structure’s skylights to enhance their sealant and lifespan. A limited amount of equipment will be used for the project due to the lack of space around the venue. No large-scale cranes will be used, and a small crane will be used only in the beginning stages to transport materials.

Birdair and the Colwell Center have been on a rigid every-other-year schedule for inspection and maintenance of the original PTFE roof since it was installed, and the partners will maintain a similar agreement for the new roofing system.

The Rita Rossi Colwell Center is a striking architectural landmark located on Baltimore’s waterfront. The 36,000-square-foot facility supports scientific research, education and innovation, specifically in marine and aquatic sciences. Its open, light-filled atrium is often regarded as a symbol of innovation and sustainability.

One of the Colwell Center’s goals post-renovations is to expand its functionality beyond marine research. With its brilliant interior and sweeping waterfront views, the space is expected to host events and cultural gatherings for the university as well as the broader Baltimore community.

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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