Address: 445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Work: KENPAT was contracted to install drywall, acoustical ceilings, wall panels, and plaster.

Vertical: Entertainment

General Contractor: Balfour Beatty Construction

Architect: Baker Barrios Architects

Dates: June 2011 – November 2014

Awards:

• 2015 ABC Central Florida Excellence in Construction Eagle Award

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Dr. Phillips Center Performing Arts Center

Situation

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts was envisioned as a major cultural and entertainment landmark in Orlando, Fla. KENPAT partnered with Balfour Beatty to provide framing, drywall, plaster, acoustical ceilings, and panels for the center..

Task

KENPAT provided and installed the acoustical and specialty ceilings in the eight-story theater, back-of-house areas, and the elegant front lobby. The unique and difficult scope required a specially designed, one-of-a-kind metal ceiling system that does not exist in the commodity ceiling marketplace. The ceiling achieved the highest possible acoustical rating: N1.

Action

KENPAT implemented extensive measures throughout the center to enhance acoustics and minimize sound transmission. KENPAT installed the entire inner panel of the ceiling, suspended on 300 springs, effectively minimizing sound and vibration caused by activities from above the restroom.

KENPAT’s acoustical work is prominently featured upon entering the center. The main entrance and staircase are adorned with laser-matched ceiling panels that enhance the lighting backdrop while also providing acoustical benefits. These ceiling panels were installed within framing that conceals much of the facility's electrical and mechanical support structures. The outcome is a striking combination of ceiling and lighting that delivers both aesthetic appeal and functional advantages throughout the installation.

The panels were designed to precisely clip into the frames. The frames took on a myriad of shapes and sizes, requiring KENPAT installers to sort through more than 1,000 different sizes to match the correct size and pattern for each frame. The result is both visually striking and acoustically effective, mitigating sound reflections in a lobby abundant with hard surfaces such as glass, metal, and tile.

KENPAT’s acoustical work was especially important in the theaters. For example, in the smaller Pugh Theater, KENPAT installed special acoustical panels on the exterior surface of the control room. The unique multi-angled face of the room required precise work on the part of KENPAT installers to ensure the finished product not only dampened sound, but also provided an outstanding appearance.

The highlight of KENPAT's contribution to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is most evident in the 2,700-seat Disney Theater. Our work spans from the ceiling to the floor in this aesthetically pleasing and acoustically sound venue. The theater is topped with an acoustical plaster domed ceiling that was constructed entirely by KENPAT. Installers began with framing, custom shaping each rounded frame to support the ceiling. Subsequently, KENPAT’s skilled technicians plastered the interior of the dome, which remains visible from the theater.

The installation of acoustic wall panels on all sides of the theater was crucial to achieving the desired acoustical results. The architect designed the layout of these panels meticulously, ensuring no gaps were present in the spaces. This necessitated field measurements for every room and every panel to guarantee seamless integration. KENPAT executed the installation of these panels with precision, ensuring that all seams aligned perfectly both vertically and horizontally, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and acoustically effective environment. These panels are prominently visible from any location within the theater.

As a final step, KENPAT successfully installed panels to cover the AC vents in the theater. Special perforated vent pipes were utilized, allowing for a continuous flow of air throughout the length of each pipe. KENPAT custom-cut the covers to accommodate the varying angles resulting from the differing locations of the pipes.

Result

A new performing arts center brings high expectations, particularly in terms of acoustics. The challenge at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts was to balance visual elegance with superior acoustics in a large space filled with reflective surfaces. KENPAT met that challenge with its expert framing, drywall, plaster, and acoustical ceiling work.

For its work on the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, KENPAT earned the 2015 ABC Central Florida Excellence in Construction Eagle Award.