By using Met-Tile in place of traditional tile roofing, Murata estimates a savings of approximately 17 percent in roof structural framing costs. The Met-Tile system, manufactured by McElroy Metal, has a pleasing profile that closely mimics roofing tiles, although it actually consists of long-length panels that are secured in place with screw fasteners for optimum wind and moisture resistance. High strength, fire resistance, durability and low maintenance are other features associated with the roofing.
The Met-Tile panels were formed from .032 aluminum into 3-ft. wide panels in a variety of lengths ranging from 2 ft. to 21 ft. to meet project requirements. The panels have a silicone modified polyester paint coating. An environmentally friendly “Meadow Green” color was specified by the government to match existing green roofing found on the Base. “Aluminum was the material of choice because it withstands salt-laden environments better than sheet steel,” comments Murata. “The BEQ site is within a mile of the ocean and is constantly exposed to wind-blown salty air.”
A place to “recuperate and regenerate”
The primary design objective for the project was to “create a restful, residential environment where Marines are able to recuperate and regenerate after returning from combat duty or rigors of extended training,” says Murata. “BEQ rooms are sized following Navy guidelines. The building form and appearance blends with Hawaiian-style architecture with a pronounced sloping roof, deep overhangs, landscaped courtyards, and some composite siding to recall residential architecture in Hawaii. The design complements other BEQ buildings that were built in prior recent years.”
The project is comprised of three large, U-shaped two-story residence buildings topped with the tile panel roofing. Each unit includes living quarters for two Marines with sleeping area, study desks, two closets and a bathroom. Each building also includes a central lounge/dayroom, laundry, interior landscaped courtyard, vending machine area, bicycle lockers and a Duty Officer room. Antiterrorism/force protection features are also incorporated into the buildings. A separate, single-story post office building with a green concrete tile roof was constructed at the same time, at a neighboring site. Construction on the post office site began first, in October 2002, and the BEQs proceeded later. The Marines moved into their new BEQ buildings late in 2004.
The three BEQ buildings have a total square footage of about 80,500 sq. ft. and use approximately 750 squares (75,000 sq. ft.) of Met-Tile roofing panels and color-matched accessories and trim. Unlike many tile facsimile products, the Met-Tile system can be installed directly over solid decking or over open purlins with no need for a batten grid or other special substructure. For the BEQ project, Beachside Roofing LLC (Honolulu) applied the panels to wood purlins 1-ft 0” on center over metal decking, using stainless steel metal-to-wood screw fasteners. The panels install vertically from eave to ridge, a feature that helps prevent wind or rain from penetrating the system.
The general contractor was Dick Pacific Construction (Honolulu). South Pacific Metal Sales (Lahaina, Maui) was the manufacturer’s representative for the project, and Double T Enterprise Inc. (Honolulu) was the distributor.