Stunning Roof Mural Atop Miami Hotel Masks Ventilation System

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

A London artist used samples from surrounding trees to get a perfect roof coating color match.

The rooftop of a trendy hotel in South Beach, Miami, Florida is also a work of art.  In an effort to camouflage the ventilation system on the roof, the owners of 1 Hotel commissioned Dean Zeus Colman, an innovative, London artist to paint a mural on the roof, a “roofal.”

The artist, who professionally uses his middle name Zeus, describes his art as an “innovative fusion of graffiti techniques and typography, fine art and sculpture and reflects both his background on the streets and his formal training at Chelsea College of Art.”  He draws inspiration from urban culture, creating dynamic and experimental compositions, redefining graffiti art.  

His more than 30 years as an artist and his variety of experiences and clientele “served as an effective catalyst for his career, encouraging him to think beyond the limitations of spray paint and walls.”  Working with community centers throughout London, Zeus has taught young offenders various graffiti techniques to help them establish the art form as a positive outlet for their energy and creativity.

The roofal Zeus designed for 1 Hotel in South Beach followed the tropical nature theme of the hotel and its surroundings.  Color samples were taken from nearby trees, which he then brought to Tropical Roofing Products since they manufacture custom-colored coatings.  Tropical Roofing Products’ custom dark green Tropical 911 Eternalastic Elastomeric Roof Coating was applied first to ensure proper adhesion to the TPO surface of the roof. 

Measuring 80- by 130-feet, Zeus utilized a grid system to transfer the design to the rooftop.  “He painted colorful leaves and butterflies to mask the vents, and then drew a woman’s face to pull attention away from the various penetrations,” wrote Kristen Ammerman, the director of communications at IIBEC (International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants).  When Zeus returned a year later to make some adjustments, he couldn’t believe how well the color held up.

Tropical 911 Eternalastic Elastomeric Roof Coating is a professional grade 100% acrylic elastomeric reflective roof coating.  With extreme durability and superior adhesion on a variety of substrates, the 911 coating protects the underlying roof membrane while also reducing roof temperatures dramatically.  It has extremely high elastomeric properties and maintains maximum flexibility even in cold climates.  911 is ENERGY STAR® Approved, California Title 24 compliant, UL classified and Miami-Dade County Approved.

1 Hotel took a creative approach to disguise their rooftop ventilation system.  Zeus’ roofal is a masterpiece that not only ties in the native landscape surrounding the hotel, but also uses colors that complement those natural elements thanks to Tropical Roofing Products ability to custom-color match.

Roofing contractors should contact Tropical Roofing Products to request training required to become a Tropical Master Approved Applicator who are authorized to offer enhanced warranties and obtain a host of benefits including project leads to help build your business.

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