Tensotherm membrane roofs at a U.S. research facility are renovated using Tensotherm insulation membranes.

Taiyo Kogyo to Rebuild Membrane Structures in the U.S. for the First Time in 30 Years

2025.07.03

(Tokyo headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Osaka headquarters: Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Yumi Nomura), a company involved in large-scale membrane structures (tent structures) and civil engineering and logistics materials, has been awarded a contract through its US subsidiary Birdair Inc. (headquartered in Buffalo, New York), has been awarded a contract to replace the membrane roof of the Rita Rossi Colwell Center in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A. This facility was completed in January 1994. Birdair Inc. completed the project in January 1994, and this is the first time the facility has been renovated in approximately 30 years. The newly adopted Tensotherm, a high-performance insulating membrane, combines light transparency and heat insulation properties to improve air conditioning efficiency and reduce energy costs while maintaining a bright, open space.

The Rita Rossi Colwell Center, part of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, serves as a center for research, education, events, and start-up support in the field of marine biology, The building was renamed to its current name in honor of Dr. Rita Rossi Colwell, a leading U.S. marine bacteriologist who made significant contributions to the educational development of environmental science in Baltimore.

The renovation will use Tensotherm*, a high-performance insulating membrane, for the membrane roof. This material combines high thermal insulation with flexibility, using a non-woven fabric kneaded with high-performance particulate silica aerogel, one of the lightest solids in the world, for the insulation layer. It stabilizes the indoor thermal environment and significantly improves the energy efficiency of buildings while maintaining the translucency and light weight of conventional membrane structures.

*Tensotherm: This membrane material is not approved as a building material in Japan.

With its location facing the inner harbor of the Chesapeake Bay and its spacious atrium and gallery space, this facility has become a familiar landmark in the community along with its iconic membrane roof. Removal of the existing inner membrane is currently underway in preparation for the replacement of the roof. The new roof is scheduled for completion in March 2026. The renovation will pass on the historic architectural asset to the next generation and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

Rita Rossi Colwell Center Overview

Name: Rita Rossi Colwell Center (formerly known as Columbus Center)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Owner: University of Maryland Baltimore County
Prime contractor: Barton Marlow Company
Architect: Zeidler Partnership Architects
Structural Engineer: Peter Sheffield and Associates
Size: 2,300 square feet
Completed: January 1994

Rita Rossi Colwell Center Interior view

Outline of Reupholstering Work

Prime contractor: JVS Construction Group
Size: 2,400 square meters
Estimated completion: March 2026

Tensotherm Thermal Insulation Membrane Overview and Case Studies

Composition: Outer layer + Insulation layer + Inner layer
Insulation: Nonwoven fabric containing high-performance particulate silica aerogel
Features: Both translucent and insulating

Cross-section of "Thermal Insulation Membrane Tensotherm

McLean Athletic Facility

Dedmon Center

About Birdair Inc.

Taiyo Kogyo’s U.S. subsidiary (wholly owned subsidiary)
・Established: 1956
・President: Hikaru Konno
・Location: Buffalo, NY, USA

About Taiyo Kogyo Corporation

Taiyo Kogyo is a leading manufacturer of large membrane surface structures that are economical, easy to install, translucent, and well designed. Under the corporate philosophy of “Unlocking the infinite possibilities of membranes to deliver an inspiring and comfortable environment to our customers. Under the corporate philosophy of “We will bring excitement and a comfortable environment to our customers by exploiting the infinite possibilities of membranes,” TSP Taiyo has been supporting the safety and security of society by utilizing the characteristics of light and strong materials to expand its business in various fields including construction, as symbolized by the roof of the giant dome, civil engineering, logistics, and environmental fields.

Together with group companies such as TSP Taiyo Corporation, which provides event consulting services, and ACTIO Corporation, which manages facilities, we are working to “make the world softer and the future warmer. We aim to “make the world soft and the future warm. We aim to “soften the world and warm the future.

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