Hawaiian architecture firm chooses FRP trellis system over traditional materials

Strongwell’s products were used by Plas-Tech Ltd., a Honolulu, Hawaii fabricator, for an architectural trellis overlooking Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. The trellis sits on top of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza located at the center of the city on world-famous Kalakaua Avenue. The retail center is home to over 50 tenants including national brands GUESS and LeSportSac and also a number of local favorites such as Local Motion, Ukulele House, and Higgins Harte International Galleries.

MGA Architecture, Honolulu, Hawaii, specified the design of the trellis to use Strongwell’s EXTREN 2 x 6-½-in. rectangular tubes. Plas-Tech fabricated the trellis components by molding the outrigger beams and assembling and painting. MGA’s design was inspired by the native Hawaiian culture to evoke sensory response and emotional experience while blending in with the overly urban character of modern-day Waikiki. The trellis system was easily installed and both MGA and Plas-Tech are very happy with the finished product. MGA Architecture was so pleased with Strongwell’s FRP structural shapes, they have plans to add five more trellis systems on the neighboring building. They will also use Strongwell components for another future project.

Project Summary: Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Waikiki, Hawaii

BUILDING TEAM
Architect: MGA Architectures
Fabricator: Plas-Tech Ltd.
Product: Strongwell EXTREN 2 x 6-½-in. rectangular tubes

EXTREN is a proprietary combination of fiberglass reinforcements and thermosetting polyester or vinyl ester resin systems. It is produced in more than 100 standard shapes and has a surface veil to protect against glass fibers penetrating the resin surface in service and to increase corrosion and UV resistance. The features of EXTREN include: corrosion resistant, Low Conductivity – thermally and electrically, non-magnetic – electromagnetic transparency, lightweight, high strength, dimensional stability, and low maintenance.

The features of EXTREN include: corrosion resistant, low conductivity – thermally and electrically, non-magnetic – electromagnetic transparency, lightweight, high strength, dimensional stability, and low maintenance.

EXTREN is offered in three series designed for different environments and applications:

Series 500 – an all-purpose series utilizing an isophthalic polyester resin system with a UV inhibitor. Series 500 color is Olive Green
Series 525 – An all-purpose series utilizing a fire retardant isophthalic polyester resin system with a UV inhibitor. Series 525 color is Slate Gray (plus certain handrail and fixed ladder components in yellow)
Series 625 - A premium series both fire retardant and highly corrosion resistant utilizing a vinyl ester resin system with a UV inhibitor. Series 625 color is Beige

For more information, contact Strongwell at 276-645-8000, webmaster@strongwell.com or visit www.strongwell.com. BD+C

Since early 2020, Americans have been forced to sequester themselves in their homes with outdoor activities, in most cases, being the sole respite for social distancing. And many of people are going back to the basics with a quintessential outdoor activity: biking. Bike sales absolutely skyrocketed during the pandemic, growing by 69% in 2020.

Senior Living Design | Aug 13, 2021

Designing with dignity for senior living, with Mike Rodebaugh, LEO A DALY

In this exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Mike Rodebaugh, AIA, Senior Living Sector Leader with LEO A DALY, describes how his firm applies "hospitality magic tricks" in its senior living communities, using design to lend dignity to residents, staff, and residents' families and social circles.

Architects | Aug 5, 2021

Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco

After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.