Company:
Fresco Shades NZ Limited Wairau Valley,

Project Details

Fabric 1

Précontraint 502 Formula S
Producer: Ferrari S.A.
Supplier: W Wiggins Ltd



Please describe the project specifications

This was a commercial installation over the vacuum area of a public car wash, requiring a free standing cantilevered arch and scallop edged finish.


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

Washworld is a self-service car grooming outfit which operates 24/7. During adverse weather, they were losing a lot of business as their vacuum machines were outdoors and uncovered. We were approached to install a cover over these machines with a few design challenges such as not having any posts that would get in the way of vehicles and high enough for large vans and trucks. The canopy also needed to be robust to withstand the weather as well as public.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The canopy had to fit over existing vacuum pods and base so we had to design the canopy around these. It also needed to be freestanding and cantilevered to provided maximum coverage without having posts in the way. All these requirements meant that the structure had to be made of larger, heavier steel sections which made it quite heavy. The whole structure was fabricated in our factory and powder-coated as well. Installation had to be done while the place was still operational, therefore we had to cordon off sections at a time for public safety. The difficult part was getting all the posts plumb as it was freestanding and quite wobbly until bolted to the concrete pad.


What were the results of the project?

Washworld has revolutionised their exposed Vacuum area from a rarely used, exposed space with little appeal to a sheltered area which protects vacuum pods and customers alike. The whole structure has added to the visual appeal of the site and increased business many times over. It also served as a bit of an attraction to passing traffic which gave the business more exposure and made it more appealing. Other Washworld franchisees came over to look at the shade and are very keen to have one at their branches.


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