The Challenge
Year-Round Comfort in an Exposed Setting
While the café boasted a scenic outdoor seating area, the team faced challenges in making it
usable year-round. On sunny days, the space became uncomfortably hot—causing even
indoor temperatures to spike due to the full-glass structure. Meanwhile, sudden rain showers
and persistent countryside winds made the area unreliable, even during mild weather.
The Client’s Key Requirements:
A covered outdoor area spanning nearly 12 metres wide
No drilling into or alteration of the café’s façade
A modern, clean design in line with the café’s aesthetic
Year-round usability of the outdoor seating space
Reduction in solar gain to cool the indoor area
Structural stability to withstand open-field winds
The Process
From First Contact to Installation in Just 8 Weeks
Thanks to a streamlined collaboration and clear communication, the entire project from enquiry to final installation was completed in just eight weeks. Each stage was carefully managed to ensure the end result met the café’s performance goals and visual standards—without compromise.
Initial enquiry and project briefing from the Meadow Grange building team
On-site survey to assess structural constraints and wind exposure
Showroom visit to review café awning and patio awning options
Virtual planning meeting to finalise installation logistics
Solution selected: The Richmond Conservatory Awning System
Custom steel brackets engineered to accommodate the glass structure
Final installation: a freestanding, goal-post-style bracket system supporting three integrated awnings
The Solution
Richmond Conservatory Awning System
Designed for open, wind-exposed environments, the Richmond Conservatory Awning System was the perfect fit. Its robust engineering, elegant lines, and flexibility allowed us to meet every objective.
- Wind-resistant thanks to front support legs
- Non-invasive mounting using freestanding steel brackets
- Modern, minimal design that blends seamlessly with the café’s aesthetic
- Three integrated awnings covering a total of 11.85m width x 3.5m projection
- Significant reduction in solar gain, improving indoor comfort
- Year-round usability for the café’s outdoor space
- Before: Outdoor seating was exposed, often uncomfortable, and underutilised
- After: A sleek, durable shading system providing dependable comfort—rain or shine
Thinking About a Project Like This?
Whether you’re upgrading a café, restaurant, or hospitality venue, we can help design a custom commercial awning or patio awning to suit your environment, structure, and style. Let’s turn your outdoor space into a year-round destination.