When the Indianapolis Zoo was given a $10 million grant, the one condition for using it was that it needed to implement an initiative that benefits the community’s goal of long-term sustainability. The result? The zoo’s bicentennial pavilion, which hosts a wide range of events and is protected from weather by our U-Lite™ canopy system. Modeled after a lush rain forest, and crafted primarily from natural materials, the space houses 11 “pods” for up to 1,000 seated attendees and is the perfect environment for the Macaws presentation it currently hosts. The canopies allow for 100% collection of rainwater, which percolates into an aquifer as opposed to being discharged to city sewers, achieving the sustainability goals and requirements for the project.

The ever-growing Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) wanted to better accommodate the 600,000+ passengers that move through the airport annually. To help guide commuters to the terminal and protect them from poor weather and glare, ROA incorporated 7,560 sq. ft. of our Pentaglas canopy system into a massive $1.9 million renovation project for the airport. Designed to match the architectural style and feel of the airport itself, our blue matte canopy serves as a focal point, spanning the entire length of the Long-Term parking lot to lead guests and travelers to the Terminal’s main entrance.

The Skokomish Tribe’s brand-new community center encourages stronger relationships within the tribe through programs highlighting culture, traditions, education, ceremonies, and more. The center celebrates the Tribe’s environmentalist culture by incorporating a variety of “green” initiatives, including: LED lighting, over 400 solar panels on the roof, and 3,280 sq. ft. our U-Lite canopy system to provide an abundance of natural light in the entryway below. Traditional Coast Salish artwork was also incorporated into the building’s structure, seen in the barn-style doors and carved poles at the entrance, which make up the canopy posts. The Skokomish center creates a welcoming environment for all members, and the community believes the new facility is a sign of progress for the tribe and a great indicator of what is to come.

The Ohio State Transit Centers across campus now feature our U-Lite translucent canopy system to provide shelter for the drop off and pick up areas. Over 10,200 sq. ft. of our canopy systems were installed on the school campus, specified in an ice white glazing color. The U-Lite system allows for an abundance of natural light beneath the covered area, creating comfortable and defined spaces for students and passengers. Our pre-engineered system was the perfect solution for the project’s compressed schedule, eliminating weeks of engineering and submittal time and resulting in substantial cost savings.