Crimp-curved metal roofing panels are used to form the soffit and canopy system that links the new Nafe Katter Theatre and two adjoining buildings on the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs, CT. The curved panel soffit system forms a transition from the top of the masonry wall to the built-up roof. The soffit also ties into open curved canopy sections that complete this visual link.

Joseph E. Leone, University architect, designed the soffit and canopy system. The panels he specified to turn his vision into reality were exposed-fastening T-7 panels from Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp. of Sellersburg, IN. They were produced from mill-finish aluminum at the company’s Fontana, CA, plant.

The panels were then curved for the project by Curveline Inc. of Ontario, CA. The T-7 profile is one of more than 100 Curveline is able to bend to specification using its crimp-curving process.

In addition to the curved panels, Curveline fabricated inside and outside miters to create smoothly flowing junctions wherever the installation of the panels required a directional change. In addition to providing an interesting look, the crimp-curving process creates panels that are structurally stronger than their original, which reduces the requirements for support framing.

The metal panels were installed by V.C. Roofing of West Hartford, CT. Allphase Construction of Stafford Springs, CT, was the project’s general contractor.