HYATT HOUSE NAPLES SHOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU INVEST IN RESILIENCY In recent years, sustainability has gained significant traction in the construction industry. It involves con-structing buildings in a manner that safeguards the environment and minimizes the negative impacts of human activities. However, sustainability isn’t solely about protecting nature; it also entails ensuring the safety of structures’ occupants. Building for resilien-cy is a crucial aspect of creating sustainable buildings that can withstand environmental threats. Nowhere is the need for resilient construction more appar-ent than in Florida, which faces a high risk of natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and termites. Over the past decade, the frequency of billion-dollar disasters has increased dramat-ically. Consequently, selecting the right materials during con-struction becomes paramount to creating buildings that can withstand harsh weather conditions. In 2016, Hyatt House Naples became the first hotel to utilize FINFROCK’s DualDeck® building system. This precast concrete design, situated on the waterfront in downtown Naples, Flor-ida, has demonstrated its superiority in withstanding severe storms, not once, but twice. PRECAST PROTECTS LIFE Thanks to a precast concrete building system, Hyatt House in Naples, Florida, was not damaged during category 5 Hurricane Ian in 2022. Photo: FINFROCK. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma’s 142 mph sustained winds paralyzed Naples for weeks. The hotel not only endured the impact with only minor damage but also remained open to provide shelter for first responders. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian struck and delivered a dev-astating blow to coastal Florida. This category 5 storm became the third-costliest weather disaster on record and the dead-liest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935. Despite the immense challenges posed by high winds and storm surge, the resilient design and construction of Hyatt House allowed it to remain open for guests during the killer storm and its aftermath with no damage. The success of Hyatt House Naples in withstanding these catastrophic storms highlights the strength and durability of designing and building with precast concrete. It not only en-sures the safety of occupants, but it also reduces costs and risks for owners. Precast Protects Life is published in every issue of Ascent . If you have a real-life example of how a precast concrete project was built to withstand a storm, earthquake, blast, or fire, email details to marketing@pci.org . ASCENT, SUMMER 2023 7
Ascent Summer 2023: Page 7
