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Project Details

Fabric 1

Ferrari soltis 86
Producer/Manufacturer: Ferrari S.A.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabrication Company
Wo and Wo

Please describe the project specifications

During the redevelopment of an iconic hotel, we were engaged to supply and install four overhead retractable shades, designed to fit within a custom steel structure and beneath a glass roof. The installation required extremely tight tolerances—just 5mm around the steel—which made the process quite nerve-wracking. To add to the challenge, the units had to be ordered from Europe before the steel structure was even fabricated, meaning all measurements were based solely on architectural plans.
Each cassette-style unit was motorized and operated via tape control.
Measuring approximately 2.6 metres wide and 6.7 metres long, these were the longest units of their kind we had ever installed, adding even more complexity to the job.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project demanded meticulous planning and coordination, with product sizing calculated to the millimetre in our factory—nine months before installation and even before the structure itself was built. The product was sourced from Europe, requiring early commitment due to extended lead times. Close communication between our team, the construction company, the steelworks, the architect, and the engineers was essential. Multiple drawings were exchanged before a final sit-down with the architect confirmed the dimensions and allowed us to place the order.
We were under significant pressure to place the order quickly to meet delivery deadlines. The long lead time also created financial strain, as payment was required on delivery, while installation was still months away.

To streamline installation, we supplied a sample bracket to the steel fabricators, who welded on pre-drilled lugs designed to receive our brackets. This early planning meant that on the installation day, everything aligned perfectly, allowing for an efficient and trouble-free fit.

As the site was several hours from our factory, we sent our two most experienced installers and partnered with a trusted local awning company we’ve worked with for years.

This was the longest awning of its type we had ever installed, requiring absolute precision to ensure the side channels were square and parallel—any deviation would have affected functionality.

The site itself was still under construction, requiring daily safety inductions and full PPE—including helmets that repeatedly knocked against the low glass ceiling due to our proximity to it. To protect delicate floor tiles, surface protection was laid before we began. We had to be super careful, as in some places the floor was missing altogether! Additionally, with a glass roof overhead and installation occurring during peak summer, we began work early each day to complete the most demanding tasks before the structure turned into an oven by early afternoon.

Two main issues arose on installation day. First, one set of lugs had been installed too close to the cassette head, so we had to carefully grind them off to make room. The area was then cold-galvanised and hidden behind side rafters for a clean finish. Second, while we installed the cassette at the most logical location to preserve the view, it was later discovered that the electrician had pre-wired the opposite end. Fortunately, the architect and project manager agreed with our placement, and the electrician rerouted the wiring accordingly.

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