Coral World is a corporation that is building underwater observatories and sea life educational and recreational centers throughout the world. In 1977, the second Coral World was built in the U. S. Virgin Islands featuring four “AL-Wood” domes. More recently, two “AL-Wood” domes were built on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The “Al-Wood” dome system was developed by Wendel in 1974 with the use of tubular aluminum framework and plywood panels.

One of the features of this dome system is the pre-attached wood strips that are added to the aluminum struts to allow for the easy attachment of plywood panels. The result is a strong, durable dome system that can exist in moist, tropical environments. Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Client: Coral World Bahamas Hotels Ltd., Phoenix, AZ
Architect: BEC, Miami Beach, FL