Custom Met-Tile Roof Tops Buddhist Temple

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Custom Met-Tile Roof Tops Buddhist Temple

This Buddhist worship center uses Met-Tile roofing in a custom color and finish that mimic the look of glazed ceramic tiles typically used on such temples.

When the International Buddhist Progress Society set out to build a new worship center in Houston, they wanted a roof that would satisfy special aesthetic requirements and local environmental concerns, while staying within budget constraints. The Houston-based architectural firm of Tackett Lodholz met this challenge by specifying Met-Tile.

Gerald Tackett, principal of the firm, explains: “Glazed ceramic tile is generally the roof of choice on Buddhist Temples, in a yellow-bronze Holy color that has been used for more than 3,000 years. By substituting the lighter-weight Met-Tile system in place of tile, we overcame the cost and weight concerns of ceramic tile.” An added benefit: Met-Tile is approved by the Texas Department of Insurance for both windstorm resistant and impact (hail) resistant performance.

Tackett worked with Met-Tile on special color and finish requirements. The paint finish manufacturer created a special color called “E.S. Mustard” that was virtually a perfect match for the ancient Holy color, producing it in a high-gloss finish that further mimicked the look of glazed tile.

“In designing the roof, we tried to retain a traditional look while also accommodating local conditions,” Tackett adds. “For example, we extended the overhang around the building for protection from the heavy rains that are common here.” More than 31,000-sq. ft. of panels in 12 different lengths were needed to roof the worship center. Clay figurines imported from Taiwan were installed at the top and corners of the roof. Produced in the same color as the roof panels, these animal and human figures symbolize guardians protecting the Temple.