project

Kingly Court, Carnaby, London – Demountable Gore Tenara Inverted Cone Canopies

Membrane
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General information

  • Home page
    https://www.architen.com/projects/kingly-court/
  • Location address
    Kingly Court, off Carnaby Street, Soho, London, UK
  • Location country
    United Kingdom
  • Year of construction
    2007
  • Name of the client/building owner
    Single Point Project Management
  • Function of building
    Shops and stores
  • Degree of enclosure
    Open structure
  • Climatic zone
    Temperate - cold winters and mild summers
  • Number of layers
    mono-layer
  • Type of application of the membrane
    covering
  • Primary function of the tensile structure
    • Rain protection
    • Space defining elements
    • Sun protection

Description

Kingly Court is a listed courtyard just off Carnaby Street in London's West End. MRP Architects, working for the courtyard's property-owning clients, wanted a stylish temporary canopy that would turn the space into a weather-protected venue for events such as fashion shows, without permanently altering the historic courtyard.

The brief set two demanding conditions. The canopies had to be put up, taken down and reinstalled quickly and at short notice, and strict planning requirements meant that as much of the canopy and its supporting components as possible had to be removable after each use.

Architen Landrell's solution is three inverted fabric cones made from high-translucency Gore Tenara, a PTFE fabric that stays strong and flexible through repeated folding, handling and reinstallation while keeping its appearance. Inverted cones naturally gather rainwater towards their low points, so Architen Landrell designed a drainage detail that collects the water and channels it into central downpipes, keeping it away from people in the courtyard below.

When installed, the bright, translucent cones cover most of the courtyard and change its character into an events space, without noticeably reducing daylight or making the space feel enclosed. They also provide welcome shade in summer.

Client/building owner: property owners of Kingly Court, through Single Point Project Management. Architect: MRP Architects. Membrane: Gore Tenara. Canopy design, fabrication and installation: Architen Landrell.

Description of the environmental conditions

Listed urban courtyard in central London with a temperate climate. Demountable translucent PTFE canopies give rain and sun protection for events while maintaining daylight; rainwater is collected and channelled to central downpipes.

Material of the cover

  • Cable-net/Fabric/Hybrid/Foil
    Fabric
  • Material Fabric/Foil
    Tenara

Main dimensions and form

Duration of use

  • Temporary or permanent structure
    Temporary
  • Convertible or mobile
    Convertible and mobile

Involved companies

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