Re-Roofing a Living Ecosystem: Butterfly World Coconut Creek

RHI Roofing replaces hurricane-era roof systems at the world’s largest butterfly park while protecting 20,000 live butterflies and maintaining public access.

Located in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Florida, Butterfly World has been a beloved South Florida attraction since it opened in 1988. Recognized as the largest butterfly park in the world, the facility is home to over 20,000 live butterflies representing 150 species, all housed within expansive screened aviaries and exhibit structures.

For decades, Butterfly World has served as an educational destination and ecological attraction, welcoming school groups, tourists, and families from across the region. Protecting a facility of this scale, both a public attraction and a controlled living ecosystem, requires careful planning when major construction projects are undertaken. That was the case when RHI Roofing was selected to replace aging roof systems at the park while maintaining public access and safeguarding its delicate butterfly populations.

When Butterfly World determined that the existing roof systems had reached the end of their service life, RHI Roofing was selected to lead the restoration.

End-of-Life Roof Systems in a Sensitive Environment

The primary flat roof consisted of an EPDM system installed as a temporary solution following Hurricane Wilma. After nearly two decades of service, the system had reached the end of its useful life and required full replacement.

Complicating the project was the butterflies’ extreme sensitivity to airborne chemicals and environmental disruption. Even minor exposure to contaminants could threaten species’ health. Additionally, any accidental release of butterflies during construction could create environmental consequences, including potential impacts on Florida’s agricultural ecosystem.

The facility also remained open to the public throughout construction, requiring heightened safety precautions to protect daily visitors.

Engineering a Controlled Work Environment

To address the facility’s operational and environmental needs, RHI Roofing developed a carefully phased installation strategy.

A temporary tunnel constructed from scaffolding was built over the main tour entrance to protect visiting students and guests from overhead activity. On sloped roof sections adjacent to screened enclosures, protective metal barriers were installed to prevent accidental breaches that could lead to butterfly release.

Certain phases of construction were scheduled for night work to accommodate the facility’s visitor schedule and to provide more controlled work conditions. This approach minimized disruption while maintaining a safe environment for both wildlife and the public.

Scope of Work: From Deck to Membrane

The commercial roof replacement project included both flat (8,128 sq ft) and sloped metal roofing systems (7,669 sq ft). On the flat roof sections, crews performed a full tear-off down to the existing wood deck. Damaged sheathing was replaced as needed. The new assembly included tapered polyiso insulation for improved drainage, followed by an additional 1.5-inch layer of ISO insulation to enhance thermal performance. The system was completed with a 60-mil GAF TPO membrane installed using RhinoBond® induction-welding technology.

The sloped metal roof sections were also removed down to the sheathing. After replacing deteriorated wood decking, crews installed Polyglass XFR underlayment and new Galvalume metal roof panels at night to avoid disruptions to the building operations. A custom metal gutter system, fabricated by CSM Fabricators and installed by RHI, was also added to improve drainage and long-term performance. 

The completed flat roofing system carries a 20-year No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty.

Safety Requirements

Given the facility’s occupied status and the sensitivity of its environment, safety protocols were extensive.

Safety railings were installed at all flat roof leading edges and around skylight openings. Full-time tie-off procedures were enforced on all sloped roof areas. Work sequencing was designed to limit open exposure zones at any time.

Due to municipal ownership of the property, all personnel working on-site were required to undergo background checks before beginning work.

During construction, South Florida experienced an unusual cold spell, requiring butterflies to be temporarily relocated indoors for protection, an additional operational consideration the team worked around while maintaining progress.

Long-Term System Benefits

The upgraded roof systems were designed to provide both durability and operational savings.

The 60-mil white TPO membrane offers reflective properties that help reduce heat gain, an important factor in South Florida’s climate. The addition of tapered and layered ISO insulation further enhances energy efficiency and interior comfort.

The Galvalume metal roof system, combined with XFR underlayment, provides long-term durability and resistance to the region’s severe weather conditions.

New skylights were also added to introduce natural daylight into interior spaces, improving energy performance and enhancing the visitor experience.

Collectively, the improvements reduce future repair frequency, lower cooling costs, and provide long-term peace of mind for ownership.

A Complex and Meaningful Project

What distinguishes the Butterfly World project is not only the scope of the roofing but also the complexity of construction within a living ecosystem.

The facility’s multiple roof elevations, varied assemblies, and proximity to screened butterfly habitats required continuous coordination. Environmental sensitivity, public access, and strict scheduling constraints added layers of planning not typically encountered on conventional commercial roofing projects.

For the RHI team, the project also carried personal significance.

“Working on a project that’s part of South Florida history was the most rewarding part for our company,” said Mike Nemati, owner, RHI Roofing. “Like many people who grew up here, I visited Butterfly World on school field trips as a child. Being part of protecting a place with that kind of community connection makes the work especially meaningful.”

Delivering Long-Term Value

Roofing projects often go unnoticed by the public. At Butterfly World, however, the stakes extended far beyond waterproofing.

The completed roof systems now provide structural integrity, environmental protection, improved energy performance, and long-term durability, all while preserving one of South Florida’s most recognizable educational attractions.

In a project where ecological impact, public safety, and construction precision intersected, RHI Roofing delivered a solution that protects not just a building, but a living ecosystem.

For more information on the Butterfly World project or to receive a project estimate, contact us.