The Cherokee Nation’s commitment to healthcare is on full display with the opening of the Amo Health and Wellness Center in Salina, Okla. At the facility, curved soffits, walls and light coves were created by Talon Commercial Services, Tulsa, Okla., with products from Flex-Ability Concepts.

Producing a convenient and meaningful center came at the direction of Childers Architects, Tahlequah, Okla. By adding several curved spaces to the exterior and interior of the building, the architectural team created a facility that flows—with interesting architectural details along the way—for the Cherokee Nation members.

“Curves often are used in design to generate paths and give direction while providing more calming architectural details than straight wall elements,” explains Robert Widmer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Flex-Ability Concepts. “The curves start on the exterior walls to welcome people to the Amo Health and Wellness Center. From the exterior, the curves expand into the lobby, continuing in the walls, soffits and light coves of various areas in the center. The design team was very thoughtful in how they incorporated all the curved details.”

The curves were created with about 500-600 pieces of Flex-Ability Concepts products, including: Flex-C Trac ½ inch 20 gauge, 3 5/8 inch 20 gauge, 6 inch 20 gauge, 6 inch 18 gauge and 6 inch 16 gauge, as well as Flex-C Angle 20 gauge. The distributor was L&W Supply, Tulsa, Okla.

Flex-C Trac, made of galvanized steel, is available in 20, 18 and 16 gauges and a variety of widths. It can be curved to virtually any radius. Flex-C Trac can be used for curved walls, columns, arches, S curves, domes and barrel vaults. To create a proper curve, draw the needed radius on a hard surface, such as concrete. Then lay down the track and curve it by hand into position. Hammer the Hammer-Lock tabs into place to secure the shape (self-tapping screws can go into the sides for added strength), and fasten the track to the ceiling or floor. Flex-C Arch is manufactured of 20-gauge galvanized steel. Commercial widths are 2 ½, 3 ⅝, 4, 6 and 8 inches. The length is 7 ½ feet, and the minimum radius is 9 inches. Flex-C Arch, the ideal product to create arches in doorways or windows, is well-suited for making curved soffits and architectural clouds. It also locks into shape with Hammer-Lock tabs or by inserting screws, and it attaches to metal or wood studs.

For Bowie Skaggs, President, Project Manager and Estimator of the Talon Commercial Services Drywall Division, using Flex-Ability Concepts products to make curves and other architectural features was a breakthrough moment that impacted the overall progress of his projects. He discovered the bendable Flex-Ability Concepts tracks about 15 years ago.

“It’s a gamechanger in the radius world for sure, and I love it,” Skaggs says. “A track that can be curved to a specific radius is so much smoother than having to fix it with sheet rock and mud. You also don’t have to cut a Flex-C Trac like you do with other tracks depending on the tightness of the curve.”

Skaggs says installation is easy for his drywall team after the radius is laid out. He believes creating the proper radius is the most detail-orientated part of the install.

“Getting the radius right initially is so important because a curve can look bad really fast if not done right,” Skaggs adds. “We are detail-orientated, and I demand quality. General contractors know our expectations and that we have the right guys at a job to get it done.”

The 109,000 square-foot, $85-million facility, which replaces an existing 29,000-square-foot clinic, offers: medical care, pediatrics, public health, nursing and laboratory services, community nutrition classes and counseling, radiology, WIC assistance, optometry, behavioral health, dental and a wellness center. A multi-lane pharmacy drive-thru, helipad, ambulance pickup area and drive-thru testing area round out the amenities.

“The Cherokee Nation made a public health commitment to the community with this impressive facility,” Widmer says. “The services that are included in the structure certainly will improve people’s quality of life. The design is an impressive example of how curves can be used in a variety of ways to offer a calming effect while also providing movement and direction.”

For more information about Flex-Ability Concepts and its products for commercial and residential applications, visit www.flexabilityconcepts.com.