2019 Archive : Mexican Cafe

Project Details

Fabric 1

Dickson LAC 650 PVC
Producer: Dickson
Supplier: Helioscreen Australia

Fabrication Name
Fabric welding

Fabrication Company
Helioscreen Australia

Please describe the project specifications

Our customer wanted to upgrade their current retractable arm awning, for something that was water and wind proof, and could provide year round weather protection by closing in their busy first floor restaurant balcony. They chose a retractable roof system with lights to give all year round protection. The access to the site was available over the first floor balcony or up a very tight flight of stairs. The awning was mounted where the existing retractable arm was mounted which was very low, and a waterproof seal had to be achieved between the two areas.

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

The client requested the entire balcony be covered – it was 11.5m long and approx 3m extension, mounted to existing balustrade wall and the option to close in the sides to provide a weather tight finish, with the roof and sides to be retractable giving flexibility of use.

What is unique or complex about the project?

Firstly the size, secondly the fact that it was in Auckland central, thirdly that it was on a first floor balcony.
Access for delivering and installing an 11.5m long awning onto a first floor balcony in central Auckland was never going to be easy. We managed to work in with a local construction company to get traffic management during working hours which allowed us to get a long truck with a hiab to the road below the balcony so we could deliver the awning straight onto the balcony, along with a pallet load of tools, so we didn’t have to ferry them up and down the narrow flight of stairs all day.

What were the results of the project?

The customer is very happy and is able to use the outdoor dining area all year around, which has increased his table numbers in winter and therefore his business turnover. As the colour is so bright, it also attracts customers up from the street and out to the balcony to dine. An unexpected benefit.

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