Feature – National Building Contractors

Polaris Restaurant at The Hyatt Regency Atlanta

February 1, 2018
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The iconic Polaris Restaurant and Lounge high atop The Hyatt Regency Atlanta needed a new roof. The project had several unique challenges which we were able to solve based on our extensive experience with architecturally important and unusual buildings.

First issue was access. The only way to the roof was through a small opening in the sidewall beneath the Blue Dome. Second challenge: circular building design precluded a normal application of a single-ply membrane.

After surface preparation, we installed tapered insulation carefully configured to the ring shapes of the two roof levels. We fabricated segments of TPA from Roll Stock in our shop and shipped them to the job site. After transporting each up the 22 floors via elevator, they were carried up stairs and handed through the tight access point. Each was carefully engineered to fit through the small opening and go down on the curving roof decks like precise puzzle pieces.

A custom-made aluminum fascia was designed and installed at the perimeter of the rings for a final touch. The result was a world-class solution for a world-class building. Superior performance and increased energy efficiency were achieved while protecting the original aesthetic vision of noted building architect John C. Portman, Jr.

Emory University of Oxford

December 18, 2017
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It is always our honor to be entrusted with the protection and restoration of historically important buildings; Seney Hall is one such example. Built in 1881, the administration facility is the most iconic structure on the campus. It features a soaring bell and clock tower plus distinctive architectural detailing that evokes a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

We carefully replaced the slate mansard roof sections and cornices with historically correct materials, maintaining the architectural integrity of the building. The brickwork and flat roofs were restored. Intricate metal work was woven into the weatherproofing membrane—copper, stainless steel, and pre-finished Kynar dressed the flashing details. Matching the mortar and brick required painstaking efforts by diligent craftsmen to blend the repaired areas of brickwork throughout the exterior walls.

The results were spectacular; the heart of the campus—and the entire town—has its most important building in top shape for a new generation of enjoyment. The historic 1796 bell resides safely and soundly in a tower protected for years to come.

Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center

December 2, 2017
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We built the Southeast’s largest vegetative roof at the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center downtown. The complex includes the repurposed iconic 1924 Rich’s department store building and an adjacent eight story tower. The unique project required preparing the buildings to receive the soil necessary for planting the vegetation. This included a new roof system that recycled many elements of the old roofs.

Getting tons of soil up eight stories in the heart of the South’s biggest metropolis proved to be one of the biggest challenges. We employed a reverse vacuum system that forced the soil up through hoses set in place by cranes. The work was done at night and required street closings for equipment access and material delivery. Eighty percent of the existing roof material including the pavers, waterproofing membrane and rigid insulation was recycled. Over a 150,000 sedums were planted; today it flourishes as a beautiful natural garden.

Results of this design-build project include thermal and moisture protection, energy conservation, reduced utility costs, reduced heating and cooling and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Storm water runoff was cut by more than 600,000 gallons. We’re proud to have played a central role in the creation of a cutting edge roof that saves money and the environment.

This project received the Excellence In Design Award in Roofing from the Center for Environmental Innovation.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit

December 2, 2017
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The Monastery of the Holy Spirit recently honored their mission and history in the creation of a new visitors center. True to their values of preserving the past while leading the way forward, the brothers chose to incorporate a historic barn into the plan. The result is an extraordinary facility that melds old and new architecture seamlessly on one campus.

We put a state-of-the-art metal roofing system on the entire facility. A highlight of the project was expertly installing the gambrel style roof on the old barn section. It was important the detailing specified by the architect be achieved just as the design called for. We were working on a restored brick building with the inherent challenges that entails. Great care must be taken in the construction process to not damage the facade. A gambrel roof has several intersection points where the roof changes angles. Precision is required to ensure those joints seal perfectly and the integrity of the building is protected from the elements.

The result is an extraordinary facility that functions efficiently while creating the kind of visitor experience the brothers envisioned. The reflective roofing system saves energy and meets the client’s goal of positive environmental impact. The look of the roof is an essential aspect of the greater design scheme. We are delighted to have been part of the project.