2018 Archive : Terrace of ‘The Montreal Observation Wheel’

Project Details

Fabric 1

Précontraint 502
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.

Engineer Name 1
Armando D’Alessandro

Design Name
Emilio Petrongolo

Architect Name
Yves Lussier

Architect Company
Lussier Architect Inc

Fabrication Name
In house

Project Manager Name
Emilio Petrongolo

Installation Name
our installers

Please describe the project specifications

Project specifications.
• The Capriccio is a motorized retractable awning which combines the strength of the fixed awning and the flexibility and comfort of the retractable awning.
• Being modular in design, the Capriccio awning can expand from 10ft to any desired width in modular sections. Its maximum projection is 26ft with only frontal posts, and no side support posts.
• Frontal and central ( between two section) gutter systems are integrated to evacuate water from the front posts. The wall anchoring supports are of Stainless Steel and the rest of the structure is of black anodised extruded aluminum.
• The Capriccio awning has a fully motorized roof to open and close using Somfy motors. Good or bad weather, the motorized retractable roof protects the visitors from UV rays, rain and even light snow (5cm). When fully deployed, the water would drain inside the front gutter system, and then fall down in the front posts.
• The vinyl material is protected when retracted by the aluminum cover hood and the side aluminum profile. During a windy day, the canvas cannot swing.
• The side and frontal roller blinds cover the 3 sides of the Capriccio. They are made of transparent vinyl or other material such as Soltis-86 from Ferrari.

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

A private company, wanted to organise a unique and distinguished project at the Old Port of Montreal, the project’s name is: The Montreal Observation Wheel (La Grande Roue de Montréal), which would represent the biggest wheel in North America.
The wheel was imported from Germany with little cabins that can be air-conditioned for the summer and well heated for the winter. This system allows the tourists and visitors to visit and have a tour freely during the entire year, and to benefit from the magnificent view of the city of Montreal.
To complete the project, the owners wanted to open restaurants to offer visitors food and a place to rest while eating ice cream in summertime, or drinking hot chocolate during the winter season.
Due to its design, functionality and resistance to the North American extreme cold weather, the architects chose the Capriccio awning to satisfy the needs of their client.
The elevated terrace has 12 sections of Capriccio back to back, measuring (34’W x 20’P) each side which equals 1 360 sq ft. The sections are sustained by a self-supporting structure made of aluminum posts 4’’x4’’; they are anchored to the ground. Finally, the top perimeter will be closed by roller motorized blinds made of transparent vinyl in house to give the visitors the possibility of enjoying the view, regardless of the weather outside.

What is unique or complex about the project?

The Montreal Observation Wheel is a unique project in North America. The challenge that our company faced was the execution of a big surface in a very short amount of time (8 weeks).
The main challenge was the fabrication of the Capriccio awnings in the workshop, including the self-supporting structure to sustain 12 back to back modules. Also, before starting the production, we had to prepare all the workshop drawings for the installation in order to have the architect’s approval.
Being able to offer the costumer the best of both worlds namely roof open in nice weather and closed in inclement conditions.

What were the results of the project?

The client was very satisfied of the results, it was an amazing job. The elevated terrace, which surface equals 1 360 sq ft, will be used for marriage ceremonies as well as a reception hall.

Leaving this project in the good hands of the jury, we would appreciate your valuable comments on our CAPRICCIO awning system.

Many Thanks and best regards,

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