Overview

A unique tensile structure has arrived on the island of Guernsey, completing a ground-breaking octagonal garden centre which covers a total area of 5000m2. This is the only garden centre of its type that places the garden area at the centre with a 360 degree view from the building’s glazed inner wall.

Covering over 750m2, the central canopy also had to meet a demanding specification of 60% light transmission, ensuring plants on sale beneath the structure were given sufficient light to flourish. Three link walkways, independent of the main canopy, were required to protect customers from rain and the hot summer sun as they browsed the plant sales area.

The fabric selected for the main canopy was a type III silicone coated glass. This has a solar light transmission value of 25%. To reach the 60% transmission value required, a series of eight 2m diameter portholes were cut into the canopy and covered with a clear, high quality polycarbonate disc. Each disc was attached to the canopy using a series of interlocking and articulating clampplates. This would allow the portholes to flex with the canopy during very strong wind conditions whilst remaining watertight. The top of the conic form was also capped with a clear polycarbonate to allow daylight to flood in.