2011 INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

MIAMI AWNING COMPANY WINS IFAI 2011 INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE DESIGN AND SOLUTION WITH LARGE RETRACTING CANOPIES FOR WATERFRONT OUTDOOR RESTAURANT TERRACE

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE  for the Cabana Beach Club Restaurant at the Eden Roc Ranainssance Resort Category:  Retractable Awnings and Canopies

This is a custom-made innovative retractable canopy solution that transforms outdoor spaces so that at the touch of a button, they are usable all year around.  This is not only a shade solution, but a product that can take the rain and wind.

The innovative design was the perfect solution for the client’s terrace restaurant.  This is a beautifully finished retracting canopy that is 70 feet wide with an 18 foot projection that transformed this space that had limited use into one that is now usable throughout the day and year.

Throughout the years, the client had tried various types of tradional retractable awnings and umbrellas, but none of these provided the right solution.  This product provides protection from heat, sun, winds and heavy rains.  It is also contemporary, impressive and aesthetically pleasing.

This project is made entirely of aluminum with an exclusive “Alusteel” finish which makes the framework look like stainless steel.  The aluminum is anodized to give the surface particular resistance to atmospheric agents and abrasion over the duration of time.  The stainless steel components used are AISI 304 which are of the highest quality and have a high corrosion resistance, a very important feature since this project is installed on the oceanfront.  The retracting system is separated into two retracting canopies that open and close with a remote.  This makes it possible for some guests to enjoy the sun and others to enjoy the shade at the same time.  The project has an integrated gutter system that is patented.  It keeps rain from entering the area below.  The fabric is Eclissi, a PVC fabric that is self-extinguishing and totally water-resistant.  This canopy system also has Ermetika vertical closures that roll up and disappear when not needed and can be utilized individually by panel when needed and protect customers from rain, wind and humidity.  This retracting canopy system has a wind resistance to a Beaufort Force 8 or steady gale of 39 to 46 mph with the fabric covering the terrace.

The retracting canopy now makes it possible for patrons to use this complete area throughout the year.  Now during the hot tropical season, the restaurant personnel say that it is about 15 degrees cooler under the canopy during the hottest part of the day.  The area is waterproofed, so they do no lose patrons during rainstorms or showers, and the retracting windscreens block the wind during the winter months.  The resort can now have guests for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and live entertainment all year round.  The canopy makes it possible to enjoy on-site dining under the sun, moon or stars.  The owners loved the results so much that they ordered another model for a differeent area of the hotel.  The client is extremely happy with the results of this retractable canopy system.  This resort is one of the topy luxury resorts on Miami Beach and is know for its trend-setting atmosphere and ambiance.

Project details:  Location – Miami Beach, FL  Sixe 1,260 sq. ft.  Fabric:  Eclissi by Corradi U.S.A.  Design:  Miami Awning Company / Corradi  Project Manger and Installation:  William Garvey, Miami Awning Company

Photos and detailed project descriptions of the winners are available at:http://www.ifaipublications.com/iaa/