We got hired to build a set of shade pavilions for Gorman Park which were in a kidney-bean shape, and an oval, on really unique V-shaped columns. The architects for this park knew generally what they wanted, but needed help turning their drawings into manufacture-ready structures.

We worked with a structural engineer to verify our column and beam selections met every load criteria, and began work fabricating the pavilions in our Diamond Bluff welding shop, nearly three hours away from the build site.

The curved shapes presented a huge challenge from a fabrication perspective. Each of the cedar louvers had to be cut to a different length, at a different angle, and a steel channel needed to be roll-formed to encompass the board ends as they meandered in and out. We built the entire top of the structures on the floor of our shop before disassembling, finishing, and transporting them to the site.

When we arrived, concrete had already been poured and access was limited. We set the V-columns on footings, lifted beams into place, and began welding the main structural components together.

Next came the paint, then pre-finished cedar boards. Finally, the outer bent facia was installed. These structures really help anchor and define the space, one near the playground area, the other outside the St. Peter community center located on the same block as the park. While this was a challenging build, it was an incredible opportunity to work with architects and engineers we really like and create a memorable and unique environment for park guests.