Located in Williamstown, Ky., the Ark Encounter, a 510-foot long wooden boat, is designed to be a family-oriented, historically authentic and environmentally friendly attraction. Created by Answers in Genesis (AiG), a Christian ministry, the Ark Encounter opens in July, 2016, and will bring to life the depictions of the historical events of Noah’s Ark.
The Ark Encounter, a $91.5 million project, is phase one of an entire religious theme park. Additional phases to be completed on the 800-acre site include a pre-flood city, a petting zoo and a walk-through aviary. The Creation Museum, an AiG museum located 40 miles from the Ark, was the first job Applied Mechanical Systems, the mechanical contractor for the Ark, did for AiG.
“They liked our work,” said Brian Hogue, plumbing foreman for Applied Mechanical Systems (AMS). “Our mechanical engineers went to Troyer Group, who is constructing the Ark Encounter, about four years ago and helped their engineering firm with code issues and three years later, when they were ready to start construction, they gave us the job.”
Troyer Group specified the use of Viega ProPress for copper for all the potable water lines, in sizes ranging from ½" to 4", and Viega MegaPressG for the natural gas lines, ranging from ½" to 2".
Ronald Troyer, Senior Vice President of Troyer Group, has included Viega products in various projects. He and Hogue emphasized that the flameless technology and ease of use were the motivating factors for specifying Viega.
Flameless install at largest timber-frame structure
“The no-heat and no-flame installation of plumbing piping was a definite plus,” said Troyer. “As with most projects of this scale, meeting a tight construction schedule was also a great fit for Viega products. The ease of installation which equated to cost savings with copper pipe was also a plus.”
Hogue agreed and expressed his appreciation for the overall quality of the Viega products and the difference it made on this project.
“Seeing how this is the largest timber frame wood structure in the world, they did not want open flame in the Ark,” Hogue said. “In my opinion, Viega MegaPress and Viega ProPress fittings are built well. There are a lot fewer leaks than other press manufacturers’ fittings. Plus, you save more time, making them cost effective.”
AMS has been installing Viega system solutions in applications where soldering would be prohibitive, and the time saved gives them the opportunity to stay ahead of the game on many jobs.
“It’s great for shut downs in factories where you don’t have time to worry about draining the system,” Hogue said. “In our Dayton offices, we use it a lot in hospitals, since it is a clean process of joining pipe. I highly recommend Viega systems.”
For more information, visit www.viega.us.
Related Stories
Building Materials | Nov 2, 2022
Design for Freedom: Ending slavery and child labor in the global building materials sector
Sharon Prince, Founder and CEO of Grace Farms and Design for Freedom, discusses DFF's report on slavery and enforced child labor in building products and materials.
Wood | Nov 1, 2022
A European manufacturer says its engineered wood products can store carbon for decades
Metsä Wood, a Finland-based manufacturer of engineered wood products, says its sustainable, material-efficient products can store carbon for decades, helping to combat climate change.
| Sep 23, 2022
High projected demand for new housing prompts debate on best climate-friendly materials
The number of people living in cities could increase to 80% of the total population by 2100. That could require more new construction between now and 2050 than all the construction done since the start of the industrial revolution.
Mass Timber | Aug 30, 2022
Mass timber construction in 2022: From fringe to mainstream
Two Timberlab executives discuss the market for mass timber construction and their company's marketing and manufacturing strategies. Sam Dicke, Business Development Manager, and Erica Spiritos, Director of Preconstruction, Timberlab, speak with BD+C's John Caulfield.
Building Materials | Aug 3, 2022
Shawmut CEO Les Hiscoe on coping with a shaky supply chain in construction
BD+C's John Caulfield interviews Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut Design and Construction, about how his firm keeps projects on schedule and budget in the face of shortages, delays, and price volatility.
Building Materials | Jul 20, 2022
LP Building Solutions celebrates 50th anniversary at NYSE ceremony
LP Building Solutions celebrates 50th anniversary at NYSE ceremony.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Sponsored | Wood | Apr 21, 2022
PDX Gets Back to its Roots with Engineered Wood
Evoking the serenity of a Pacific Northwest forest, this massive airport redesign features glulam timber and mass plywood panels from local manufacturers.
Wood | Apr 13, 2022
Mass timber: Multifamily’s next big building system
Mass timber construction experts offer advice on how to use prefabricated wood systems to help you reach for the heights with your next apartment or condominium project.
