FOMO and commercial umbrella installation
Sunshine Beach food and beverage institution, FOMO, recently asked the Coverings team for some specialist advice on a tricky space at their very popular café. Of course, Will and the team were more than happy to assist because of the high possibility of coffee and croissants challenging nature of this particular install.
The client brief
The café owner required the provision of shelter over the outdoor seating area, one that is framed with beautiful leafy green flora. This is a focal point of the café’s dining space, a much-loved local favourite to meet for coffee, breakfast or lunch after a surf, walking the dogs or just because (ie croissants). Closing the area in completely with a solid structure was not an option: the cafe embraces our coastal lifestyle, which requires open al fresco spaces, not cloistered seating areas. Providing shade and protection from the elements without losing the beauty of the surrounding green landscape, was imperative. Enter: The Coverings Team.
Shadowspec Umbrellas
Will was able to advise on a specialist product from Shadowspec in the form of their SU10 4m Square umbrella. With over 25 years’ experience, Shadowspec are umbrella design leaders based in Australia and New Zealand, with first hand knowledge of our particular climate and shelter needs resulting in umbrellas which are tough, generous and practical. FOMO didn’t just need a bit of shade, but hard-wearing products which could provide UV safe areas as well as protection from those summer downpours, and Coverings knew Shadowpec would provide just that.
Shadowspec commercial umbrella features
Two 4 metre squared umbrellas with telescopic masts in black were suggested to the client, which allow for easy put up and down. With fixed bench spaces and standalone table and chairs dotting the al fresco area, being able to raise and lower the umbrellas without having to move existing furniture was an important factor in choosing the right product. The Coverings team was also able to advise on and gave the strong recommendation of installing Shadowspec’s guttering system. This affords a much larger sheltered space without the risk of concentrated water falling between the two umbrellas, which would normally disrupt customer enjoyment and create further work for staff.
Structural integrity of the umbrellas
With two large umbrellas creating a flexible and sheltered space without compromising on the generous leafy foliage of the existing al fresco area, attention turned to the structural integrity of the installation. The Coverings team liaised on behalf of the client with Shadowspec on the particular elements of this install. Cementing in the base plates, which hold the telescopic masts and umbrellas in place, by a certified builder was deemed necessary to ensure long lasting structural integrity, providing peace of mind for both staff and customers at FOMO.
This was a particularly satisfying install, not least because of the tricky nature of the space and needs of the client required, but coffee and croissants always make the Coverings team work exceptionally well.
Don’t worry, those morning crumbs and caffeine hits are supplied to the team regardless of location!
Got a tricky space that needs covering?
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