Laneways

BUILD

Fabric Structures was entrusted with the task of providing a practical yet visually striking canopy for Cameron Street Mall in Whangarei’s Central Business District, catering to retail customers and pedestrians. The project was commissioned by the Whangarei District Council, with the aim of providing shelter while seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment. The design was engineered with a specific focus on preserving the native tree at the center of the mall, allowing it to continue thriving under the protective canopy.

The fabric roof spans 30 meters in length and covers a width of up to 24 meters at its widest point, with the structure narrowing to 20 meters. The design of the barrel vault roof created a sleek and modern silhouette while maintaining a functional purpose. The steelwork, expertly constructed by local company Culham Engineering, was inspired by native Nikau palms, giving the supporting structure a natural, organic feel. This careful attention to detail resulted in a structure that not only serves its purpose of providing shelter but also contributes to the aesthetic charm of the space. Whilst the bulk of the canopy is constructed from Serge Ferrari’s Flexlight 782 PVC to provide the needed shelter, this would not have let enough UV light through to allow survival of the existing trees. The solution was to utilize the Ferrari FX901 in certain areas to allow a higher light transmission to pass through and therefore ensure the continued growth of the statement tree.

The canopy has been widely praised for its durability, style, and sensitivity to the surrounding environment. Its ability to protect the central tree, while offering shelter to shoppers and visitors, has made it a talking point in Whangarei. The project stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can enhance public spaces without compromising the natural elements that define them.