Company:
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures Inc. Saint Louis, MO

Project Details

Fabric 1

Ferrari 502
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Trivantage LLC


Fabrication Company
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc.

Subcontractor Company
Holloran Construction

Project Manager Name
Richard Wages

Project Manager Company
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc.

Installation Company
Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures, Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

Custom tension shade sail structure, measuring 16’ wide x 15’ 6” projection designed for snow loads to remain installed year round. Three shade sail panels fabricated with Ferrari 502 Black 8450, mounted to existing horizontal steel on the building. Four vertical steel posts were added, 6” x 6” x .250” with 14” x 14” x ¾” thick steel base plates, and 7 horizontal 4” x 4” x .250” steel purlin beams. Reinforced concrete piers 24” x 24” x 5’-9” deep were required. All steel framing painted black.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The restaurant was reopening under new management and name. The new restaurant owner wanted to provide shade and light rain protection for the customers over the existing patio while dining year round.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The shade sail structure was unique due to 7 horizontal purlin beams as opposed to individual posts. The horizontal purlins acted as compression beams to reduce structural stress for the vertical posts and also allowed a reduction in the pier size. Hand digging on portions of piers was needed due to existing brick fence columns and landscaping.


What were the results of the project?

The client requested a tight, strict turnaround time for completion due to an already scheduled advertising commercial to promote the new restaurant. They were very pleased with the smooth process and quick turnaround time. The structure using horizontal purlins complimented the steel designed in the existing 2nd floor overhang. We are in the process of recovering existing awnings on the building to complement the shade sail.


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