ON-SITE CURVED TIMBER SOFFIT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MOODY CENTER ARENA

Architects: Gensler

Location: Austin, TX

Photography: Chase Daniel

Material: NATURCLAD-W Cladding

Finish: Rustik

GENSLER’s design transforms the University of Texas Moody Center into a campus epicentre, seamlessly integrating sports facilities and cultivating a vibrant urban atmosphere. The timber canopy, a pivotal design element, offers adaptability at the multipurpose building, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. This modular structure easily adjusts to diverse event needs while harmonising interior and exterior spaces.

The canopy features a custom, on-site installation of a curved timber soffit provided by Parklex Prodema. Wood fibre flexibility enables the panels to conform to specific curvature radii, creating a seamless transition from the overhanging roof to indoor hallways. This curved soffit not only diminishes direct sunlight in the concourses but also diffuses natural light within the space.

The canopy’s paneling pays homage to the region’s vernacular architecture, emphasizing organic materials such as wood and stone. The Parklex Prodema soffit, featuring natural Okume wood, stands in stark contrast to the industrial materials prevalent in large event spaces.

The funnel-shaped geometry that transforms into the cantilevered roof welcomes attendees from the moment they arrive at the plaza until they reach their seats. Parklex Prodema panels, boasting high weather resistance, ensure continuity from the interior to the exterior, maintaining visual cohesion through the building’s glass facade.

Parklex Prodema panels, boasting high weather resistance, ensure continuity from the interior to the exterior, maintaining visual cohesion through the building's glass facade.
Parklex Prodema custom-installed panels, boasting high weather resistance, ensure continuity from the interior to the exterior, maintaining visual cohesion through the building's glass facade.
Custom, on-site installation of a curved timber soffit provided by Parklex Prodema. Wood fiber flexibility enables the panels to conform to specific curvature radii.
Parklex Prodema soffit, featuring natural Okume timber, has been curved and installed in situ.
Assembly of timber panels on outdoor and indoor soffit / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.
Detail plan of the cantilevered soffit and canopy / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.
Construction details of on-site installation of curved panels on the soffit / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.
Custom cut timber panels for soffit and visible screw fastening system on aluminum profiles / Courtesy of GENSLER and KSC, INC.
Process of custom installation of Parklex Prodema natural timber panels on the outside of the canopy.
Process of installing Parklex Prodema timber panels on the cantilever soffit.
Indoor-outdoor transition of Parklex Prodema curved timber soffit.
Outdoor-indoor transition of the in-situ curved timber ceiling with a metal framework.

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