Schluter Showers: A Sure Bet at the Choctaw Casino & Resort
The project:
The Choctaw Casino and Resort
Designed by:
JCJ Architecture
Built by:
Tutor Perini Building Corporation
Floor installation by:
Spectra Contract Flooring
Date & location:
2021 Durant, OK
About
The Choctaw Casino and Resort, located in Durant, Oklahoma, is a premier entertainment destination owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. It is one of the largest tribal casinos in the United States and has gained a reputation for its luxurious accommodations, extensive gaming options, and wide range of amenities.
Objective
The Choctaw Casino and Resort underwent a significant expansion in 2021 to include 1,000 new hotel rooms, conference rooms, retail space, and an expansion of the casino itself. The entire project was completed within 2 ½ years, with 350,000 square feet of tile installed in six months. Approximately 1,200 Schluter® showers were at the heart of this project.
Additional tile protection measures were implemented throughout the establishment by means of edge-protection profiles and stair-nosing.
Challenge
As cast-iron clamping ring drains had already been cast in the post-tensioned concrete floors during construction, Tutor Perini Building Corporation required a shower system that could work with the existing ring drains and prevent further demolition.
Solution
Instead of removing clamping ring drains, the contractors used KERDI-DRAIN-A adaptor kits to convert the clamping ring drains into integrated bonding flange drains. Using the drain adaptors also kept the concrete floors and fire ratings intact, saving an estimated $250,000 in labor. The adaptor kits also helped them save time and keep to the aggressive schedule.
Once the drains were converted, the sheet-applied KERDI bonded waterproofing membrane was installed to create a watertight assembly that prevents moisture from infiltrating the substrate.
The KERDI-SHOWER-T/-TS/-TT EPS foam shower trays with factory applied waterproofing membrane also contributed to the efficacy and speed of installation by eliminating the need to mix and place dry pack mortar beds which take time to set. The trays were easily cut to size on site to accommodate off-center drain placements.
In addition to the installation of 1,000 shower systems, several tile edges were trimmed with Schluter®profiles. SCHIENE treated the exposed edges of tile at transitions and outside corners while the TREP-E stair- nosing profile protected the tiled edges of several staircases by providing an easily visible, slip-resistant wear surface.
Result
The Choctaw Casino and Resort expansion was a success story in many ways. Perhaps the most visible benefit realized on the project was the faster pace of installation. Tutor Perini estimated that using the Schluter shower system saved them 30% to 40% of the time required for a traditional shower system. The contractors will advocate for the Schluter shower system on future projects. The speed and efficiency Spectra achieved installing tile while maintaining quality results was remarkable. They were even encouraged to slow down or take a break because they were pushing the other trades ahead of them in construction.
Products used
