Commercial Architecture April 2019 - 38

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PROJECT

| windows & doors
event space," stated T. Jack Bagby, associate

ically cantilever 6 ft. beyond the 66-ft.-long

principal with Cooper Carry. "When

transfer beam from which they hang on the

deployed, the system is able to shade the

opposite side. Seven aluminum extrusions

space during the hottest portion of the day

support the Sefar Architecture Tenara 4T40

and it provides some insurance and security

fabric that provides weather protection.

for events against mild inclement weather.

The major components of the system

When closed, it doesn't detract from the

were delivered to the site while the tower

overall aesthetic."

crane was still in place, then protected and

The awning complements the space and

stored on the rooftop for slightly more than

the overall hotel design, which is elegant

a year until construction of the surrounding

and fluid, echoing the nearby cosmopolitan

areas could be completed. Due to the fact

area and neighboring structure, and nod-

that awning was to be installed on a windy,

ding to the sweeping form of [neighboring]

19th-floor site, it had to be delivered before

Romare Bearden Park. "We worked with

the crane was removed. Coordination and

The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry to cre-

schedule sequencing from all parties made

ate a warm and inviting space that focused

this possible.

on the incredible surrounding views,"
Bagby added.

Above. When the weather is clear, the awning retracts and disappears, allowing patrons to enjoy the
open-air space.
Below. The canopy has an extension of 26 ft. 9 in. and is 63-ft. wide. It uses Sefar Architecture Tenara
4T40 fabric to provide weather protection.

When construction reached a point that
installation was possible, installers from

The En-Fold stadium-grade retractable

Southeastern Architectural Systems, Char-

awnings are available in a wide range of sizes

lotte, set the drive beams and other major

and configurations to achieve a specific aes-

components into place. Six months later,

thetic and to accommodate various site con-

construction on the building was far enough

ditions and sizes. Its versatility means that it

along that a Uni-Systems technician was

can be retrofitted or sequenced with new

able to return to the site and oversee the

construction into virtually any outdoor

completion of the project. "The Uni-Sys-

open space. The system can be designed

tems team ensured everything went smooth-

with extensions to 100 ft. and nearly unlim-

ly from design through installation," stated

ited widths.

Bagby.

In terms of operation, the awnings are

The awning system is the result of the

deployed and retracted quietly at the push

company's 40+ years of experience design-

of a button that activates 3/4-hp drive

ing, engineering, and integrating innovative

motors that are securely fastened to the sys-

large-scale kinetic structures. Uni-Systems

tem's high-strength aluminum drive beams.

has designed, fabricated, and installed the

The sensor-based and synchronized drive

mechanization components for several

system applies a precise level of biaxial pre-

retractable stadium roofs, including Reliant

tension to the fabric membrane to ensure

Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Univ. of Phoe-

that deployment is smooth and seamless.

nix Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Cowboys

The system offers unimpeded views to the

Stadium, and Marlins Ballpark.

sky, when retracted, thanks to its wide drivebeam configuration.

This expertise made possible the smaller,
lightweight, high-performance, and adapt-

The En-Fold canopy at the Kimpton has

able En-Fold system which as been used at

an extension of 26 ft. 9 in. and is 63-ft. wide.

several upscale restaurants, shopping malls,

The four aluminum drive beams are

hotels, resorts, and entertainment and event

attached to the wall at one end and dramat-

venues. CA

Want more information from Uni-Systems LLC (uni-systems.com)?
Circle 8 on the Reader Service Card.
Sources listed below are linked at
commercialarchitecturmagazine.com/1904unisystems.

* Cooper Carry architects, coopercarry.com
* Southeastern Architectural Systems, seas-tr.com
* Balfour Beatty Construction, balfourbeattyus.com
* Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, ihg.com/kimptonhotels

APRIL 2019

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T UREM AG A ZINE.COM

http://www.uni-systems.com http://www.commercialarchitecturmagazine.com/1904unisystems http://www.coopercarry.com http://www.seas-tr.com http://www.balfourbeattyus.com http://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels

Commercial Architecture April 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture April 2019