Mercato-Highbrow Eyebrow

Sunmaster of Naples Inc., Naples, Fla., United States

The project consisted of a curved entry canopy sitting on a cantilevered frame suspended from the building by overhead support cables. Incorporated into the design of the canopy are custom-manufactured gutters and 3" downspouts plus flashing curved along the top building junction.

The architect originally designed this to be a glass-topped awning. However, late in the construction process, canvas cost efficiencies were explored. An additional benefit was the fabric’s ability to reduce heat and sun glare more effectively than glass.

There were a number of complexities involved in this project, the most significant being incorporating the gutter (custom made with Sunmaster's folding machine) into the awning framework in an unobtrusive, yet decorative, manner. The curved back flashing added additional difficulty to the job. All these extras were made in-house. The canvas and gutter were finished with a 15-yr Newlar powder coating.

The contractor and developers were quite pleased with the finished product and have chosen to change other planned glass canopies to fabric—both from cost and appearance considerations. Other tenants felt the canvas structure provided a warmer, more inviting ambiance.