Viceroy Sales Gallery – Clearwater Beach

Located on Clearwater Beach, Florida, the Viceroy Sales Center project presented a rare opportunity to design and execute a large-scale commercial deck system in a highly exposed coastal environment. The scope included approximately 5,000 square feet of Ipe and Cumaru decking, deck systems on two sides of the structure, multiple ADA-compliant ramps, grand entranceways, stainless steel cable railings, a large structural pergola, and fully custom wood louver systems wrapping all four elevations of the building.

The project was completed over approximately seven months, with a total construction value nearing $1 million, and has since been submitted to the NADRA Commercial Deck Building Awards.

As a sales center serving high daily foot traffic, the project demanded a balance between architectural aesthetics, structural integrity, ADA compliance, and long-term durability. Clearwater Beach’s coastal exposure introduced additional challenges, including salt air, high humidity, wind loads, and intense sun — all of which had to be addressed during planning.

The architectural intent required seamless integration of decking, ramps, pergolas, and louvers into a cohesive exterior envelope. Because the structure functioned as both a public-facing sales environment and a commercial gathering space, every detail had to meet elevated expectations for finish quality while remaining serviceable over time.

Material selection was driven primarily by longevity and performance. Ipe was chosen as the dominant material for decking surfaces, wrapped structural elements, and architectural features due to its proven resistance to moisture, decay, and salt exposure. Cumaru was incorporated selectively to provide visual contrast while maintaining comparable durability characteristics.

All pressure-treated structural posts, including 20-foot-tall 6×6 columns, were fully wrapped in Ipe. This approach protected the structural core while maintaining a consistent premium appearance across the entire project. The combination of Ipe and Cumaru allowed for subtle variation without compromising long-term performance expectations.

Structural design and execution were among the most critical aspects of the project. Given the scale and commercial use, all structural connectors and hardware were specified as stainless steel Simpson Strong-Tie products, selected for both load capacity and corrosion resistance in a coastal environment.

Floor framing required extensive use of double, triple, and in several areas quadruple 2×12 beam assemblies, engineered to support concentrated foot traffic, ADA ramp loads, and architectural elements above. Many beam assemblies were custom-fabricated on site to accommodate changing conditions and evolving design details.

Fastening throughout the project relied on thousands of stainless steel trim-head screws, providing structural reliability while maintaining a clean, finished appearance consistent with the architectural intent.

ADA accessibility was a major component of the project and required careful coordination across multiple deck elevations. Ramp systems were designed to meet code requirements while visually integrating with the surrounding deck structures, avoiding the appearance of separate or purely functional add-ons.

Slope transitions, landings, and railing details were coordinated to maintain both compliance and continuity across the site. Stainless steel cable railings were used throughout the ramp and deck systems, offering durability in coastal conditions while preserving sightlines and architectural openness.

One of the project’s most distinctive elements was the custom wood louver system, designed to wrap all four sides of the sales center. Due to the scale and precision required, the louvers were fabricated off-site over a three-month period in the company’s shop.

Off-site fabrication allowed for controlled conditions, consistent tolerances, and repeatability across hundreds of components. Once complete, the louver assemblies were transported to the site and installed in sequence, integrating directly into the deck and pergola systems. The louvers provide both visual screening and functional sun control, contributing to occupant comfort and overall performance of the building envelope.

The pergola structure was framed using 3×10 and 3×12 members, supported by 6×6 pressure-treated posts wrapped in Ipe. Structural considerations included wind exposure, uplift resistance, and long-term movement, particularly given the coastal setting and open design.

Rather than functioning as a standalone element, the pergola was designed as an integral architectural component that connected deck surfaces, entry sequences, and louvered walls into a unified composition.

Construction occurred during an active hurricane season. Two hurricanes passed through the Clearwater Beach area during the project, requiring full demobilization of the site on both occasions. Each storm necessitated clearing all materials and equipment and transporting them back to the company’s base on Florida’s east coast. Once conditions stabilized, crews remobilized and resumed work, adding complexity to both scheduling and logistics.

The extended project duration required careful planning for crew accommodations, room and board, and sustained long workdays over multiple months. In addition, design refinements introduced by the architectural team during construction required on-the-fly adjustments while maintaining structural integrity, ADA compliance, and finish quality.

The Viceroy Clearwater project reinforced the importance of early engineering coordination, conservative structural design, and material selection appropriate for extreme coastal exposure. Off-site fabrication proved invaluable for maintaining quality and consistency on a project of this scale, while flexible project management was essential to navigating weather disruptions and evolving design requirements.

For contractors considering similar commercial deck projects, disciplined planning, clear communication among stakeholders, and adaptability in the field are critical to successful execution.