On top of your world

With its curving, snake-like form, the skybridge at Vision Waitakere Gardens presented a nightmare of angles that would have been difficult to negotiate with traditional roofing materials. The aesthetically appealing solution in this instance was to cover the bridge with a heavy-duty, translucent canopy.

Baytex Manufacturing designs, manufactures and installs canopies, marquees and structures in a broad range of commercial environments. Made from tough, architectural-grade Ferrari PVC, the canopies have a light, translucent quality which brings beauty as well as versatility to a project, says Baytex managing director Spencer Tankard.

"The curved nature of the skybridge and the need for an eye-catching roofing solution were two reasons Baytex was approached to create and install the scalloped, weatherproof canopy," says Tankard.

"In order to accurately develop the roof form, the entire structure was fully modelled in Baytex's advanced 3D CAD software based on sketch designs supplied by the architect, so the canopy responds exactly to every angled twist and change of gradient."

During the day, the translucent canopy has an airy feel. At night, the bridge's lights glow through the canopy to create a pleasing lantern-like effect visible from residences positioned above the structure.

Baytex Manufacturing gained an industry award for the skybridge canopy. The design won the OFPANZ (Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand) Winning Industry Award 2008 for Tension Structures less than 250m².

Baytex's manufacturing and administration team is based in Tauranga. The company has sales and service subsidiaries in Australia and the United States.

For details, contact Baytex Manufacturing, phone (07) 579 0190. Or visit the website: www.baytex.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas