SWEETWATER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

When the San Diego-based architectural firm of Martinez & Cutri Corp. set out to plan a series of athletic facilities for the Sweetwater Unified High School District, they needed to combine aesthetics with function, budget constraints and fast-track construction. To meet these criteria, they specified curved acoustical decking panels that provide economical “two-in-one” performance, functioning both as a roof deck and an acoustical ceiling.

“Our original design called for the use of acoustical wall and ceiling panels, but that approach would have added significant cost since it would have required an additional metal deck,” commented Lisa Castagnola, architect at Martinez & Cutri who designed the gyms.

The curved acoustical decking panels were installed to span from beam to beam and were topped with rigid insulation and standing seam metal roofing. The decks were left exposed on the underside and then post-painted, along with beams and overhead ductwork, into “school colors” appropriate to each location.

The decking is Verco acoustical “B” deck from Verco Manufacturing. The 1-1/2” deep, 20-gauge galvanized panels have perforations for sound control. 20,600 sq. ft. of decking was used per facility, with a four-building total of 82,400 sq. ft. Panels were supplied in varying lengths up to 24-ft. 9” and were crimp-curved into a 164-ft. 6” radius at the Curveline Inc. service center.

The school gymnasiums are in four locations: San Ysidro, CA; National City, CA; Imperial Beach, CA; and Chula Vista, CA. The general contractor was Rudolph & Sletten, San Diego, CA, and the metal decking installer was McIntyre Company, Pomona, CA.