Banyan Tree Exhibit - Denver Botanical Gardens Conservatory Remodel

LONCO, Inc. developed a structural armature capable of supporting the new Banyan tree sculpture, stairs and viewing platforms for the new Botanical Gardens conservatory exhibit. The 4-story tubular steel armature was designed to allow maximum flexibility for the artist to work, while providing structural integrity for the light weight spray-on concrete system used to form the skin of the tree. Because the Banyan tree system was erected in a rainforest environment the stairs and landings for the platform system were built with Cyprus wood. Cyprus was chosen because of its ability to withstand high humidity and moisture. One special problem involved in this project was to develop a design that met requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act. To solve this issue the tree was designed with a two-stop elevator in the trunk. Working with unique materials in a corrosive environment, the LONCO team surpassed all expectations for this project.

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