We are thrilled to announce that we took home not one but two award-wins at the recent BBSA Presidents Charity Ball & Excellence Awards. At a sold-out venue in Edinburgh, the event celebrated the best the shading industry has to offer, with a record number of award entries of the highest calibre.
Our first award was for Best External Shading Installation, which reflected our jaw-dropping installation at award-winning winery Ridgeviews new Rows and Vine Restaurant in the picturesque South Downs. The client wanted to create an amazing space that blended naturally into the surrounding environment and with year round operation in all weather conditions, delivering an engaging customer experience where customers could take in the breathtaking surroundings including growing vineyards.
The Deluxe Pod was selected for its adaptability and design, with a total of four double modules providing cover for more than 120 guests. The structures were an integral part of the scheme which involved more than 20 different trades, subsequently requiring regular alfresco design meetings to ensure a seamless process from concept to completion.
The judges recognised this project involved co-ordination with multiple trades, modification to lighting systems to meet planning requirements and careful project management to ensure the installation was complete for a wedding booking.
Our second award was for Best Large Scale Commercial Shading Installation in recognition of our installation at the Conduit Club in Covent Garden (pictured right). On this project the client wanted to fully utilise the roof terrace with magnificent views across the city for events and private hire. The space had to feel open and airy when the weather permitted and warm and cosy when the weather was inclement.
Eight Prestige Pods were incorporated covering over two thirds of the 300sq/m roof terrace. A close collaboration with the main contractor with detailed drawings for the supporting steelwork and required services guaranteed a smooth process.
In the summer (weather permitting) the roof almost literally comes “off” the terrace, and in the colder, wetter months, the roofs and sides close, whilst heating and lighting comes on to create a cosy and pleasant outdoor-indoor environment.
The judges were impressed by the complexity, overall result and the project management on this install. The roof top site was seven storeys above street level. All the goods had to be lifted by crane to the site involving a road closure and the pergolas are fitted to a floating steel structure as no fixings could be made to the roof itself, involving complex structural engineering calculations.
Our Managing Director, Stuart Dantzic commented “We are immensely proud of all our team who contributed on this and all of the amazing projects we are so fortunate to undertake. No matter how big or small, simple or complex, our team continuously strive for excellence, delivering outstanding solutions, that are delivered on time and in budget.
For almost 40 years Caribbean Blinds have been dedicated to external shading, designing, manufacturing and supplying innovative solutions for residential and commercial applications across the UK. We are beyond ecstatic about these awards that really showcase we are leaders in our field”.
