Requirement

Zenith was contacted by Carl Mann, the owner of Norfolk Cafes Ltd at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, in April 2023 to arrange a site survey for a canopy to be installed at the front of his catering pod.

The pod is situated in the car park of the main hospital and is regularly used by staff and visitors to the hospital. However, Carl wanted to install a canopy so that his customers could use the facility all year round regardless of the weather.

Work undertaken

Ian Manners of Zenith carried out an initial site survey and recommended installing 1 x 7.4 x 4.1m Cicogna 150 shelter to the front of the pod, linked in an ‘L’ shape to a 1 x 7 x 3.6m Cicogna to the side, with steel framework powder-coated in RAL 9005 Black, and canopies in RAL 9010 White.

Carl liked the idea of the layout, which suited his needs, and presented the design to Senior Management at the hospital. After several discussions Dale Jackson, the Project Manager from the Facilities and Estate Development at the hospital, asked Zenith to provide cladding to the side and back to match cladding on the catering pod.

Once the canopy and cladding were installed, Dale Jackson arranged for the framework to the front, back and sides to have graphic panels installed to advertise the café.

Cicogna 150 is manufactured with a galvanised steel frame and is available in a variety of standard RAL colours. The beams act as integral gutters whereby rainwater runs off the canopy into the beams, down through the leg columns and out through drainage holes at the bottom. Alternatively they can be linked to underground drainage. The canopies are manufactured in soft PVC under tension and are available in a variety of standard colours.

The canopies are 100% waterproof, UV-resistant, fire-retardant, and easy to maintain and clean.

The structures meet UK Building Regulations for wind and snow loadings. The Cicogna 150 structures are available with 150mm leg column profiles from 4-7m with 100 x 150mm eaves beams. It features 175mm leg columns and 200 x 150mm steel box section eaves beams.

Outcome

Dale and Carl are delighted with the canopy and Carl’s customers are now enjoying the benefits of outdoor eating beneath the canopy and being protected from the elements at the same time.