Company:
Evolution02 Ltd Bodmin, Cornwall,

Project Details

Fabric 1

ETFE
Producer: Nowofol GmbH
Supplier: Nowofol GmbH


Engineer Name 1
Abigail Matthews

Engineer Company 1
Momentum Engineering

Design Name
Alex Heslop

Design Company
Evolution02 Ltd

Architect Name
Eva Jiricna

Architect Company
Eva Jiricna Architects Ltd

Fabrication Name
Alex Heslop

Fabrication Company
Evolution02 Ltd

Subcontractor Name
Pavel Ruzicka

Subcontractor Company
Artifakt

Project Manager Name
Alex Heslop

Project Manager Company
Evolution02 Ltd

Installation Name
Alex Heslop

Installation Company
Evolution02 Ltd / Artefakt


Please describe the project specifications

An outside terrace and dining area for a residence above the city of Prague needed the option of shade and rain protection. London and Czech Republic based Eva Jiricna Architects worked with their collaborator and tensile structures specialist Alex Heslop to design a new motorized awning design that could withdraw clear of the dining area and associated water sculpture.
The roof had to be able to take the considerable snow loads experienced in the area yet retain a feeling of lightweight and transparency. A 50% transparent honeycomb frit pattern on the ETFE designed by Alex provides shading whilst leaving a clear view through the canopy to the surrounding trees and sky


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

The clients requirement was for a canopy that disappears to allow al fresco dining yet at the push of a remote button provides a dramatic sculptural covering.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The requirement for a canopy that could glide without apparent effort over the water sculpture and terrace required the design that started with a minimal stainless steel support system. This is carried on twin tapered cantilever struts; these were held on motorised rails behind the retaining wall.
Careful specification of the drive components and software provided the progressive acceleration and silent movement required . A low maintenance linear bearing system was designed to take the high snow loads


What were the results of the project?

The development work required on this project has lead directly to other commissions for highly detailed and finished single ply ETFE systems


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