In a groundbreaking move, Southside Preparatory Academy in the heart of Brickell, Miami, Florida is building a new middle school that integrates affordable housing for teachers within the premises. Designed by renowned architects at Zyscovich, the new building will allow educators to live and work all under one roof. This innovative approach addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing for teachers in Miami, providing them with convenient living arrangements and strengthening the school community New York Post. Uncovered and placed within the center of the school is a 7,000 sq. ft. dynamic sports court that is to be both colorful and fictional. The vision was to create a space that promotes athleticism, teamwork, and school spirit, while also showcasing an interesting design and durability. In order to protect the open space against the elements and heavy foot traffic, designers and contractors needed a product that would not only provide the desired design aesthetic but also ensure functionality and durability. Pecora’s answer was our Pecora-Deck HB1000 High Build Traffic Coating System.
As a standalone product, Pecora-Deck HB1000 is a high-build, fast-curing, industrial-grade urethane traffic-bearing membrane that offers endurance and performance. However, when combined with Pecora-Deck 802, it transforms into a comprehensive waterproofing system, delivering enhanced protection and weatherability. Contractor Protex Waterproofing applied this system, leveraging the unique properties of both products. Pecora-Deck HB1000 provides a low-odor, low-VOC alternative to traditional polyurethane coatings, allowing high-mil (up to 125 mils) single- and multi-component applications without the typical swelling, blistering, and foaming issues historically associated with off-gassing. The system creates an aesthetically appealing surface while safeguarding traffic- and non-traffic-bearing substrates from water infiltration, UV degradation, and physical wear and tear.
To make the court as engaging as it is practical, the design team chose to incorporate nine different HB1000 field tintable colors from a list of 40 options. Pecora-Deck HB1000 is available in three standard, factory pre-mixed colors, and also 40 field-tintable colors when used in conjunction with our Universal Color Pack System. With the Pecora Custom Color Match Laboratory, quickly match any color to meet the specific needs of your project. The nine colors include: Natural White, Brick Red, Dessert Tan, Brushed Pewter, Patriot Blue, Adobe Accent, Evergreen, and Mocha Cream. The strategic use of color was not merely for aesthetics; it served a functional purpose by differentiating each sport’s playing area on the court. This approach enhanced the usability of the space, making it easier for students and coaches to navigate and utilize the court efficiently. By leveraging color as a tool for organization, the design team ensured that the court would be a hub of activity and school pride.
Pecora-Deck HB1000 was chosen for the product’s exceptional adhesion and high impact resistance which will ensure that the vibrant colors of the court will withstand the heavy foot traffic and rigorous use. Additionally, Pecora’s warranty also provides stakeholders with peace of mind, assuring them of the product’s durability and long-term performance.
The Southside Middle School project showcases creativity in construction and design, achieved through the collaboration of Zyscovich, Protex Waterproofing, and Pecora Corporation. By choosing Pecora’s HB1000 for its durability and vibrant color options, the project team successfully delivered a sports court that is as functional as it is visually interesting. This new facility not only enhances the school’s athletic programs but also serves as a community-centered space that will inspire and engage students for years to come.
