SUFFOLK FOOD HALL

Projects By Shade-Space

PERGOLA PROJECT

RETRACTABLE PERGOLA SUFFOLK FOOD HALL

In December 2022 Shade-Space completed a large multi-system shading and all-weather retractable pergola solution for the Suffolk Food Hall, an iconic Ipswich Farmers Market and Café.

The project started when the design team from Thomas David Design approached Shade-Space with a concept to create a large dynamic outdoor dining and relaxing area for visitors to the Food Hall. Suffolk Food Hall has a large outdoor area and panoramic views of the Orwell River and Orwell Bridge. This area is very popular when the weather is fine but is uninhabited as soon as the weather turns bad, reducing the café trade and visitors.

Together with Thomas David Design, the Shade-Space team worked to turn the concept design into a functional pergola space with fully retracting roof awning systems. There were several challenges to ensure that the system fitted the space and worked with the extensive planned garden landscaping and seating areas. The design also involved many non-standard awning solutions which had to be planned and engineered so the systems could neatly integrate with each other. This was a unique installation as there were three completely different pergola systems working together.

OUR PROJECT

DETAILS OF THE PERGOLA SYSTEM

Two flat fabric awnings systems and one louvred system formed a modern cubic minimalist design at the front, while above, three large reverse-pitched fabric systems, created a high sweeping canopy. This was partially inspired by a similar project next to the Sydney Opera House.

Retractable roof systems provide weather protection in all conditions and unlike regular awnings, they control the water running off them by draining through integrated gutter systems. When the weather is fine, they can fully retract in a minute, allowing people in the area to capture as much of the sunshine as possible. In the evenings subtle LED lighting on all the systems can create a relaxing mood and ambience.

OUR PROJECT

TECHNICAL DETAILS

On the technical side, footings and ground works needed to be planned and engineered to support the weight of the system and more importantly potential wind uplift.

Technical production drawings needed to be produced to ensure all teams involved had the correct design and construction details for the integrated elements of power, landscaping and pergolas.

OUR PROJECT

A RESULT WE ARE PROUD OF

Shade-Space, as part of the Bright A Blind Group, was selected for this project based on the group’s 30 years’ experience in delivering projects with detailed technical solutions, competence and wide-ranging options, as offered from the beginning of the process.

The flexibility in providing multiple solutions working together, so the original design concept and intent was achieved, proved to also be a key element to winning the project.

The completion of the project is only very recent but has already created some new project business interest and is a great project reference from Shade-Space.

The result is a client who has more than doubled their dining space, increased their reputation as an iconic local destination and created an enjoyable outdoor space for visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

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