Round canopy keeps churchgoers safe

G & J Awning and Canvas Inc. | Sauk Rapids, Minn., United States

This project, which won an Outstanding Achievement Award in the commercial canopies category of the 2007 International Achievement Awards, consists of 10 sections of canopy, in three sizes, to span from the parking lot to the church entrance and sidewalk of St. Patrick’s Church in Iowa City, Iowa. It also protects the stairs in the rain and during winter, so there is less chance of injury from falling. The side curtains are made of Phifertex, and were designed to allow light and air through. Due to the size of this project and the need to withstand all sorts of weather, several design choices were made. The rounded canopy maximizes the strength on the rafters and Ferrari Précontraint fabric minimizes bagging and keeps rain or snow from collecting. Also, the increased solid valance side allows for additional trussing.