In Miami-Dade County, Florida, water management and environmental restoration are critical to the health of the region's ecosystems. As part of the monumental Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (BBCW) L-31E Flow-Way project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently completed work on the new Pump Station S-703 and Recreational Sites.
This site not only serves vital infrastructure needs but also provides a space for public recreation. To help orient and inform visitors at the recreational site, our team at Wilderness Graphics was contracted by Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. to design, engineer, and install a heavy-duty, custom information kiosk.
Here is a look at what goes into building a structural kiosk that can withstand the extreme weather conditions of South Florida.
Engineered for South Florida Hurricanes
When building outdoor structures in Miami-Dade County, standard construction methods simply aren't enough. The kiosk needed to be designed to survive intense tropical storms and hurricane-force winds.
Working closely with Florida Engineering LLC, our team produced a custom design that fully complies with the rigorous 2023 Florida Building Code (8th Edition). To ensure maximum resilience, the structure was engineered to withstand an incredible 175 MPH ultimate design wind speed (Risk Category II, Exposure D).
Heavy-Duty Fabrication
To meet these demanding wind load requirements while maintaining a beautiful, natural aesthetic, we fabricated the kiosk using a combination of heavy timber and reinforced steel connections. The project included:
Massive Wooden Uprights: The core of the structure is built using heavy-duty 8"x8" and 4"x4" pressure-treated wooden posts, sourced from certified sustainable lumber.
Custom Roofing & Brackets: The custom hip roof features powder-coated gable ridge plates and structural Simpson Strong-Tie brackets to securely lock the framing together against high-uplift forces.
A Rock-Solid Foundation
A structure built for 175 MPH winds is only as strong as its foundation. To anchor the massive wooden kiosk into the South Florida earth, our installation team excavated and poured an extensive reinforced concrete foundation. Using 3000 PSI concrete and continuous #5 rebar, we created isolated footers that guarantee the structure remains safe, stable, and secure for decades to come.
A Welcoming Space for the Community
By combining rigorous structural engineering, heavy timber fabrication, and precision installation, we were able to provide the USACE and the local community with a welcoming information hub built to last. Whether visitors are arriving to learn about the BBCW restoration project or just to enjoy the recreational trails, this new kiosk stands ready to guide them.
Does your public recreation site, state park, or infrastructure project need a custom-engineered, hurricane-rated kiosk?
Explore our Custom Kiosk Kits and structural exhibit mounts, or contact Wilderness Graphics today to start planning your next resilient signage project!