Company:
Cool Awnings Auckland,

Project Details

Fabric 1

Dickson LAC 650
Producer: OTHER
Supplier: Topfab NZ Ltd


Fabrication Company
Helioscreen Australia Ltd

Subcontractor Name
NIGEL DUNN

Subcontractor Company
SAS 2012 LTD


Please describe the project specifications

After arranging the removal of two large umbrellas, we installed a retractable roof system over and into the customer’s roof, using brackets we designed and manufactured. The second floor awning was huge and to install the fabric we needed a Hiab truck, 2 material lifters and 6 installers. The back and sides were filled in with permanent welded panels; which were measured, welded, powder-coated, covered and installed within a week.


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

Prior to our installation, the customer had two large tension membrane umbrellas, which were mounted high, and gave very little protection in inclement weather. Our customer requested a retractable roof system, in a high wind waterfront area, that would provide a covered outdoor dining area for his restaurant, so he could increase his turnover year round.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Everything. We had never done a job of this size before.
We arranged for removal of two large tension membrane umbrellas before we could install, and within 3 working days the new roof system was working.
The customer wanted the roof system to be mounted over his building roof, to give a feeling of height and allow sufficient pitch for rain run-off for the 6m projection awning. This required the design and installation of special mounting brackets, attached THROUGH the corrugated roof, which held a mounting bar that the retractable roof rafters were attached to. We designed and manufactured these brackets ourselves.
The fabric part of the roof was one large piece of fabric installed on a second floor balcony – 9m wide x 6m projection, and when you included the aluminium fabric supports and lighting system it was really heavy. So, we used a hiab to deliver the fabric to site, as it was too long to get up the stairs and too heavy to lift (even though our guys are tough!). We hired two material lifters (mini fork-hoists) to position the fabric as the 6 installers attached it to the frame. We had two days to complete the install of the framework.
Once the roof was in place, we measured for infills at the back and sides, to block any weather gaps. These were manufactured urgently, then powder coated, covered and installed. As the restaurant opened at 10.30am the team had to be offsite by then.


What were the results of the project?

After our installation, the customer had a totally weatherproof area, where he could entertain customers all year round, increasing the businesses potential turnover. He was very happy with the product and end result.


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