Carnfunnock Country Park Case Study

Carnfunnock Country Park, County Antrim

Product: Shade Sails
Size: Various
Additional Options: Sail Fabric Colours Chosen:
Bubblegum and Lime Fizz
Estimated Value: £34,000

Larne Borough Council contacted Able Canopies on behalf of Carnfunnock Country Park in County Antrim, Northern Ireland as they required a bespoke, colourful canopy to provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays in order to enhance the comfort and safety visitors and entertainers participating in events held within their Amphitheatre. The park holds various events throughout the year at the Amphitheatre such as concerts and magic shows but as the open air theatre had no natural shade it would become very uncomfortable during hot and sunny days.

The design needed to allow for suitable positioning to obtain the maximum coverage from the sun but allow for adequate lighting to provide a pleasant ‘outdoor’ visitor experience. The size and shape of the Ampitheatre presented a challenge as the gradient of the walled garden varied considerably with the upper perimeter wall around the amphitheatre arena at a substantially higher level therefore requiring shorter supporting poles, while the pavior base level required taller poles. The council required the design to be able to adapt to this change in levels whilst also enhancing the amphitheatre’s general look and feel.

After assessing the site and discussing the requirements in detail with the park’s deputy manager – including the preferred colour scheme, layout and design, Able Canopies submitted their quote for an array of shade sails. Shade sails provide excellent UV protection, blocking up to 96% UV rays, whilst also creating stunning aesthetics with their colourful sweeping sails that can be arranging in an unlimited number of designs. Due to their design and the shade sail material used, effective cover is provided whilst maintaining a feeling of being outdoors, which made these products ideal for this the Amphitheatre.

For this project Able Canopies designed an array featuring nine sails of varying sizes and shapes to cover the area required. Shade sail can be fixed to posts or varying heights and so the challenge to create a shade and shelter solution with varying post sizes was easily rectified.

A month later they were informed that they had won the job and design plans were submitted to the council as planning permission was required.

Within just one month, planning permission was granted which meant Able Canopies could prepare the delivery and installation of the shade sails. The Shade Sails were installed in two phases: first of all the posts were installed and then the sails were attached and tensioned a week after.

The managers at Carnfunnock Country Park were very satisfied with the installation of the stunning shade sail structure supplied and installed by Able Canopies.

“Installation, Product and Service- Excellent.” – Park Manager, Carnfunncok Country Park

If you have any questions, or to find out if you qualify for a Free Site Survey call now:
0800 389 9072 or email: sales@ablecanopies.co.uk