Commercial Architecture October 2017 - 27

PROJECT

exteriors

Decking Provides Venue Views
Racetrack decks hold up to the
Texas sun for Formula 1 fans.

or Austin Deck Co., Austin, TX, when
a large, commercial deck project comes
along, they are all in, bringing the big guns

as far as materials, tools, and installation techniques. When owner Abe Oeltjen and his crew
took on two major deck projects for Austin-based
Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the only permanent Formula 1 circuit in the United States, he
inspired confidence with the track
officials that the job would be high
quality, fast, and on time. COTA's
challenging 3.41-mi. racetrack boasts
20 turns with an intimidating 133-ft.
hill at Turn 1. COTA is the home of
the World Championships and the
United States Grand Prix, and also

Above. Two major deck projects take the heat in the
Texas sun and use Azek deck boards to provide thermal
comfort and low maintenance.
Left. Capped polymer deck boards were used in the
construction.

attracts the biggest names in music
to its Austin-360 Amphitheater.
The initial deck required two weeks of planning and

safety and a nice look. It really has been a great structure
and we've used it quite a bit already."

discussion with track owners and included specifications

"We designed and built the seating area in a way that

using capped polymer deck board from AZEK, Skokie,

fans of any physical ability can use the deck equitably,"

IL, and a fastening system from CAMO Edge Fastening,

commented Oeltjen.

Grand Rapids, MI, ensuring a fastener-free surface.

The same AZEK Slate Gray color used for the Vita-

"We first designed a 1,200-sq.-ft. deck for the Vitamin

min Water party deck was chosen for the PSL deck be-

Water-sponsored area for parties and entertainment

cause it blended with the general décor of the racetrack.

events," said Oeltjen. "This served as a test deck for 18

Custom metal railings that match the miles of metal rail-

months as the racetrack officials considered building a

ing within and around the racetrack property were also

very large, permanent structure for the Personal Seat Li-

selected for a contiguous theme.

cense (PSL) seats for viewing the track."

The resulting PSL viewing deck and party deck are

After the deck performed well and stood up to contin-

value-added additions to Circuit of the Americas' man-

uous crowds and blazing Texas heat, Oeltjen got the

agement and tens of thousands of fans. "As an outdoor

green light to break ground on the new 4,650-sq.- ft. PSL

venue in Texas, we are constantly looking for ways to im-

viewing deck located on the track at Turn 15. It would

prove our fan experience and Austin Deck Co. really

boast amenities such as a large canopy with audio/video

nailed it with the shaded viewing deck," said Mishkin.

systems, food and drink service, and a great view of the

"We feel that the new deck was an excellent amenity to

track. Previously, COTA would erect and tear down a

enhance their entire race experience." CA

temporary structure before each race or event with inspections required. The construction would provide a
permanent structure also used year round for events including picnics and concerts.
"Keeping fans comfortable outdoors in Texas can be
tough," said Brian Mishkin, COTA's senior director, Fa-

Want more information? To download
the information listed below, visit
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/1710azek.

cilities & Events. "However, Austin Deck Co. helped us

Circle 5 on the Reader Service Card.

to provide the best environment possible. The AZEK

Watch a video.

deck accomplished many different benefits-it doesn't re-

Get information on decking.

tain heat and is extremely low maintenance, plus the

Get information on the fastening system used.

CAMO edge fastening gave it a fastener-free surface for
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

OCTOBEER 2017

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture October 2017