Cantilevered awning creates distinguished entrance

[Miami Awning Co.] Miami, Fla., U.S.A.

Miami Awning Co. fabricated a cantilevered awning for the main entrance of a facility in Coral Gables, Fla., that is used for automobile auctions. As part of a commerce center, the client wanted to distinguish the front entrance with an awning that would maintain the overall design specifications that are used in other areas of the commercial industrial park, while having a unique look for their own entrance. Although aluminum awnings were used on other areas, the client preferred a structural fabric awning, so the company came up with a curved design on an angle for the front entrance. The frame is supported by hanger bars that tie into a beam that is substantial enough—without the use of any posts—to carry the load and meet Florida building codes. Installation was a challenge because the engineering requirements for projects in this city are extensive and required coordinating the logistics with several entities. The project won an IAA 2010 Award of Excellence .