Fabritecture was engaged to design and construct a custom PTFE gable roof for the new Starting Gate Club at the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack. This project forms part of a broader redevelopment to enhance the guest experience at one of the world’s most celebrated venues in equestrian sport.
Working alongside Populous (Architect) and Walter P Moore (Engineer of Record), Fabritecture delivered the delegated design, fabrication, and installation of six individual PTFE panels. The roof was engineered from Chukoh FGT800 PTFE supplied by Chukoh and fabricated by Fabric8 Membrane Services. The total plan area spans 15,284.75 sqft, creating a striking yet functional structure that elevates both form and performance.
Precision in a tight site: The compact site constraints meant crane access was not possible. To overcome this, the PTFE membrane was carefully divided into six modular panels, each sized for safe handling and rooftop installation.
Lightweight elegance: The gable roof structure demonstrates how tensile membranes can provide architectural impact without unnecessary bulk.
Fast-track delivery: With a total onsite duration of just three weeks, the project included fabric deployment, precision tensioning, and finishing to meet an accelerated event-driven schedule.
The Starting Gate Club is more than a roof, it’s a carefully engineered environment designed to complement the energy and tradition of Churchill Downs. Through innovative use of PTFE, the space provides guests with comfort and visibility while reinforcing the venue’s architectural prestige.
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