Hatch Design Architecture chose a red steel standing seam roof from Metal Sales to emulate the form of a large bird spreading its wings at the Global Raptor Education Center addition to the World Center for Birds of Prey site in Boise, Idaho. Photo courtesy of The Peregrine Fund

Meeting key performance, durability and maintenance goals, metal proved to be the ideal material for the roofing, soffit and ceiling of the Peregrine Fund’s new Global Raptor Education Center addition to the World Center for Birds of Prey site in Boise, Idaho.

In addition to blending into the rural, woodsy environment, Hatch Design Architecture designed the standing seam roof to match the profile of a large bird spreading its wings.

“The project was designed to relate contextually to the campus as a whole, as well as the natural environment and specially the world of birds of prey education and conservation,” explains Jeff Hatch, AIA, LEED AP, principal at Hatch Design, Boise. “The roof line… ceiling and soffit were designed to emulate the spread wings of a bird of prey.”

Covering the 2,108 square-foot building, 3,700 square feet of 24-gauge steel standing seam roof system from Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp. was specified in Colonial Red. The single-component roofing system panels are applied directly over the steel purlins and the smooth exterior steel facings are coated with the PVDF color finish.

The Idaho Power Flight Lab at the World Center for Birds of Prey was designed with a number of metal systems including PBR roofing and wall panels from MBCI. Photo courtesy of The Peregrine Fund

Moving past the metal soffits, the metal theme continues to the interior where 6-inch tongue and groove aluminum panels in light cherry are installed. The building houses a lobby, reception space, storage space, offices and restrooms. In addition, a retail space is covered with 4-inch-wide flat aluminum panels in the same light cherry color.

“Metal was selected for the ceiling and soffit for an effortless transition from interior to exterior space so the ceiling and roof soar over the visitors,” reports Hatch. “The metal ceiling adds a warmness to the space, and an engaging ceiling for the retail area. The retail area used metal to maintain a modern, contemporary look, while not having to worry about the maintenance and warping that can occur with using wood.”

Sensitive to peoples’ tendency to be intimidated by the large birds of prey, the Center has been designed to ignite visitors’ sense of wonder, curiosity and fascination with flight. Hatch’s thoughtful application of form, material and space making through the application of metal helps promote education and recruit folks to help support birds of prey conservation.

The site is one of the most densely populated raptor regions in the world and attracts more than 50,000+ visitors coming to experience hawks, falcons, owls and other raptors through live demonstrations and exhibits.

Metal was also selected for the previously built Idaho Power Flight Lab at the World Center.

On the roof and walls, Hatch selected MBCI 24-gauge steel PBR panels in Tan and Burnished. Installed directly over the purlins, the metal panels lend a high level of durability and versatility.

The building also features a steel gate, stainless steel mesh, 18-gauge steel wall and roof framing, tube steel, and red-painted HSS (hollow structural sections) steel columns and beams.

“Exterior metal framing, metal siding and interior exposed metal framing come together to create a unique structure,” says Hatch. “Metal creates fortitude against exposure to the elements, with stainless steel mesh that allows the hawks to feel nature’s breeze and see the open skies.”

Also on the campus is a condor breeding barn for endangered California condors covered with MBCI 24-gauge steel PBR metal wall panels in White and Koko Brown. Special doors and windows give access to nests and private viewing areas for research.

The extensive use of metal for these facilities also provides flexibility for future expansion and contributes to fire safety and reduced insurance premiums.