TECHNICAL FEATURE –––––––––––––––––– All hands on “deck”: demanding Vegas conditions and construction schedules look to a “Noble” solution for Bellagio people movers By Dean Moilanen, Noble Company Exterior environments present a challenge for owners, archi- tects and contractors. For own- ers and developers, exterior design upgrades can revitalize existing “dead zones,” and pro- vide aesthetically-pleasing areas of entry and exit. Heretofore underutilized rooftops, plazas, and decks can become areas of revenue enhancement on com- mercial projects. The reality for tile contractors can be a bit more daunting. For starters, the bold re-imag- ined exterior tile or stone detail in some cases must somehow be crammed into the existing space/substrate – five pounds of coffee in a three-pound can, so to speak. Existing framing – and substrates – may not offer the tile contractor many options. Oftentimes, time is of the essence-with space at a pre- mium. Successful waterproof- ing and crack isolation in the great outdoors can be a chal- lenge. Before we move ahead with specific product discussions and solutions, we all acknowledge there ARE unique challenges and pitfalls when the installation “hits the deck” – and an otherwise- conscientious installer can be tripped up. Perhaps the most critical take- away is that deck engineering and design should never fall on the tile/stone contractor’s shoul- ders. Once you volunteer to start designing/redesigning existing The finished walkway features Ivory Premium 16” x 16” travertine octa- gon and Golden Sienna 16” x 16” travertine octagon, with Persian Red travertine dot for an Old-World feel. 66 TileLetter | November 2017