project

Sherway Gardens Shopping Center

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General information

Description

Originally built in 1971, this suburban mall lost its visual prominence when the adjacent highway interchange was elevated. Our goal was to regain the centre’s visibility with a new addition including retail space, a department store, and food court. Placing the food court on the roof level of the one-storey centre and covering it with a unique translucent fabric tent created a dramatic form. The new roof acts as a beacon visible to passing traffic, especially when illuminated at night. Inside, the roof transforms the inner space, bringing a light, open atmosphere into the building, as well as a sense of orientation. The lower columns supporting the tent poles appear like rows of royal palms and enhance the feeling of a tranquil garden, thus echoing the name of the centre.

The fabric roof is the first of its kind over a retail building in Canada. The exterior shell consists of Teflon-coated fibreglass and an inner liner of translucent vinyl-coated polyester that provides a vapour barrier and improved thermal comfort. Warm air circulates between the inner and outer fabrics to prevent condensation. The roof covers a 110 by 240-foot area and is supported by three pairs of 75-foot high masts pinned to the tops of rigid columns. A 40-foot long glass skylight crowns each pair.

Description of the environmental conditions

General comments, links

Birdair: The Quality of Light
Fabrics & Architecture 1/1991

Material of the cover

  • Cable-net/Fabric/Hybrid/Foil
    Cable
  • Material Fabric/Foil
    Fiberglass/polyester
  • Material coating
    PTFE/PVC

Main dimensions and form

  • Covered surface (m2)
    2849

Duration of use

  • Temporary or permanent structure
    Temporary
  • Convertible or mobile
    Convertible
  • Design lifespan in years
    00-05

Involved companies

Editor