Florida State University Student Union

Category
Roofing Solutions
Completed
June 2022
Type
Higher Education
Size
239,710 sq. ft.

Challenge

As a cornerstone of the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, the Student Union serves as a vibrant, multi-functional gathering space for students, faculty, and visitors. Housing offices for the Student Government, Greek Life, and Union Administration - alongside diverse dining options, the campus bookstore, study lounges, a bowling and billiards center, and outdoor activity areas— the facility was in need of transformation to meet the needs of FSU's growing student body.

By 2018, the existing facility, comprising three interconnected buildings with breezeways, had reached the end of its service life. Flat roofs and aging clay tiles showed signs of wear, and increasing student engagement programs highlighted the need for a larger, more modern space. These factors inspired the decision to pursue a complete rebuild, creating a state-of-the-art structure designed to support the university's vibrant community.

Solution

Siplast served as the single-source manufacturer of FSU’s vegetated roofing system, designed to deliver durability, seamless integration across the building’s unique roofing components, and a functional outdoor communal space. Some of these features include:

A blend of modern design and natural vegetation
Siplast supplied nearly 10,000 square feet of green roofing components that, combined with locally sourced vegetation, became one of Siplast’s largest green roof projects in Florida.
A friendly but functional outdoor gathering area
The expanded rooftop terrace became the culmination point of FSU’s Legacy Walk, a historical tour celebrating the university’s architecture, green spaces, and artwork. Siplast pedestal pavers laid the groundwork for offering students a communal area for socializing, relaxing, and connecting.
A high-performance roofing system
Siplast Paradiene® SBS-modified roofing system was installed to provide exceptional durability, severe weather and UV resistance, and long-term performance.

The revitalized Florida State University Student Union now stands as a modern, 239,710 square foot multi-use facility— enhanced by a high-performance, green roofing system to ensure a lasting impact on the FSU community.