TEXTILES.ORG
The annual IFAI Canada Honours Program recognizes the latest advancements in design and manufacturing in the Canadian specialty fabrics industry. Open to members of IFAI Canada (nonmembers may enter, but must pay a fee), the competition provides an opportunity for members to gain recognition for exceptional projects in a number of categories. Entries are judged equally on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function.
The Honours Program was established by IFAI Canada members more than 30 years ago. This year’s winners were announced at IFAI Canada Expo 2011, held February 3–5, 2011, in Quebec City, Quebec.
In memory of Jeff Nash, former IFAI Canada Chairman, one Honours Program entrant is selected to receive the Nash Award, given to a first-place recipient that most typifies the high standards for craftsmanship, function and innovation to which Jeff Nash held all of his projects.
Nash Award winner – Tent Rental
First place
J. J. L. Events Inc. | Toronto, Ontario
Project: Toronto wedding
The two-week installation objective was to create an elegant wedding reception designed to accommodate guests, catering, musicians and washroom facilities seamlessly with the difficult task of creating different areas for the party: a welcome area, a cocktail reception, a dance area and a dining area. The most difficult aspect was the space itself, and incorporating the multiple levels, mature trees, fencing, gazebo and pool of this private back yard. The clients were thrilled at the finished results and continue to recommend J. J. L. Events to friends and family.
Tent Rental
Second place
J. J. L. Events Inc. | Toronto, Ontario
Project: Christmas Eve party
The client originally requested a long canopy to shelter guests as they walked to a tent. After considering the space and the needs for wheelchair accessibility, J. J. L. Events suggested adding an extension by building a floor level with their existing patio. This enabled the tent to be assembled directly over the floor, and due to the extensive height in some areas, duct heating was installed below giving the tent better temperature control in cool, windy December.
Commercial Canopies
First place
CanFab Products Ltd. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Balwin Villa
Fabric: Fabric: Ferrari 502 from Trican Corp.
To provide a senior residence with weather protection and downlighting for security, CanFab Products Ltd. created an open truss design entrance with approximately 550 square feet of coverage. The entrance canopy identifies the recessed entrance and names the building. The success of this project led to an additional interior project in the same location.
Second place
Edmonton Tent & Awning 2000 Inc. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Columbia Awards
Fabric: Cooley-Brite II, from Trican Corp.
A new look for an expanding business meant a new entrance canopy and exterior signage for a building on a busy thoroughfare. Due to limited space and extreme cold, the large size of this project had an impressive impact on the client, existing customers and the general public. The oddly shaped precast and the irregular profile of the building required extensive templating and careful measurement. Even with these challenges, the client was satisfied in all respects.
Illuminated Awnings and Canopies
First place
Edmonton Tent & Awning 2000 Inc. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Quality Inn
Fabric: Awnmax from Western Rim Industries Ltd.
This hotel is located right off a main highway, and had found that other canopies fell prey to tall, predatory vehicles. High visibility and a more contemporary look were important in this successful project.
Second place
Edmonton Tent & Awning 2000 Inc. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Hole’s greenhouses
Fabric: Awnmax from Western Rim Industries Ltd.
As a final accent feature for a large banquet and reception hall at a new, expanded facility, the client was looking for a dramatic floral statement. Each unit was built in two pieces. After encompassing the 10 by 10-inch posts, two quadrants were stapled into each flower, creating single ribs throughout for this representation of interior base-lit moonflowers. Edmonton Tent & Awning worked throughout Christmas in order to have the installation complete for their first function in early January 2011.
Industrial Applications
First place
CanFab Products Ltd. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Red Deer College
Fabric: WeldScreen from A&B Plastics
In order to increase safety for the welding department at Red Deer College, CanFab Products installed thirteen cubicle curtains. This enabled the college to dispose of their previously cumbersome portable weldscreens.
Tent Manufacturer
First place
Calgary Tent & Awning Ltd. | Calgary, Alberta
Project: Toy Mountain tents
Fabric: Laccato by Naizil Inc.
Like the promotional name “Toy Mountain,” this tent project reflects the image of a mountain. The fabrics used had graphics on three sides and a large zipper in the floor. These five tents were placed in shopping malls across Calgary as a drop-off point for supporters wishing to donate Christmas gifts for distribution by the Salvation Army. The intent was to accumulate a mountain of toys for Christmas.
Signage and Graphics
First place
CanFab Products Ltd. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Willow Park School
Fabric: Eradi-Lite 104T by Hiraoka & Co. Ltd., from WRI Supply
The client wanted an entrance canopy designed to provide a roof over the recessed entrance to the school as well as to provide signage and identification. The project took into consideration the four different elevations in the existing roof, along with snowload and drainage issues to accommodate Calgary climates. CanFab Products was able to maintain the desired size entrance canopy welcoming individuals to the school.
Residential Awnings and Canopies
First place
Les Industries Bellon | Montreal, Quebec
Project: Beaulac
Fabric: VinaGARD® #1303 from Vintex Inc.
This dual-function design project consisted of the creation of a winter/summer shelter that easily converted into a stationary awning for the summer months. In the winter, the customer wanted his driveway protected from the snow. The shelter was also to allow for the summer sun to reflect into the house. Les Industries Bellon provided a product that generates privacy and snow protection for him and his driveway while considering electrical wires, shelter length and partial disassembly for the summer months.
Second place
CanFab Products Ltd. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Kilduff
Fabric: Ultrasol by S. A. Recasens, from La Salle Custom Canvas Ltd.
Designed to provide sun and rain protection for a portion of the deck, this project was a 40 by 20-foot patio cover designed to follow the lines of the home. CanFab Products was able to allow the homeowner to enjoy using the deck for many more hours of the short summer days in Calgary.
Miscellaneous
First place
CanFab Products Ltd. | Edmonton, Alberta
Project: Princess Florence handbags
Fabric: Awnmax by Hiraoka & Co. Ltd., from WRI Supply
To attract clients to the customer’s business in a nondescript building, CanFab Products created an illuminated handbag that immediately and vividly informs the public exactly what the client supplies. The customer was happy with the outcome, and the installation of the handbag has increased walk-in traffic.
Second place
Les Industries Bellon | Montreal, Quebec
Project: Jardin Botanique
Fabric: Diklon® #0681 by Dickson Elbertson Mills Inc.
A whimsical artistic design created a unique focal point for the entrance of the City of Montreal Botanical Gardens. The 1-5/8-inch galvanized steel and varied length curves with different angles made design difficult, along with heavy weight considerations that made installation challenging as well. The landmark has attracted crowds and become especially popular for wedding pictures.
Air and Tension Structures
First place
Signature Structures LLC | Bethlehem, Pa., U.S.A.
Project: Percy Perry Stadium
Fabric: Précontraint® 1202 T2 by Ferrari Textiles Corp.
Percy Perry Stadium, built for the 1991 B.C. Summer Olympic Games, had a tensile fabric canopy that needed replacement. New membrane, cables, tensioning system and upgrades were required. Working with the existing system, and combining new components while concentrating on keeping costs down, kept the team challenged and focused. The construction team committed to working around existing landscaping and only from the back; the city was so pleased that Signature Structures was contracted to maintain the structure for the next three years.
Second place
Sollertia Inc. | Montreal, Quebec
Project: Hotel Estérel entrance canopy
Fabric: Ferrari Precontraint® 1002 from AB2CS
An ambitious makeover plan for the historic hotel Estérel in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains gave Sollertia Inc. the challenge to create a tensile fabric structure for a covered drive-through entrance for the hotel, now known as Estérel Suites, Spa et Lac. The double-curve structure consists of a PVC-coated polyester membrane tensioned and attached to six structural masts of various heights and inclinations, using boundary cables and membrane plates. The use of fabric in the design was, amongst other things, a nod to the site’s vibrant past as a sailing club. The structure retains an airy lightness and blends harmoniously with the main building and natural surroundings.
Commercial Awnings
First place
Lethbridge Custom Canvas Ltd. | Lethbridge, Alberta
Project: Sisters Pub & Grill
Fabric: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven, from J. Ennis Fabrics
The client wanted to draw attention to the entrance of the restaurant by adding a new eye-catching look. Lethbridge Custom Canvas added a series of flat panel awnings over the entrance and windows to provide interest with fun, bright colors. The red Sunbrella fabric stands out visually, and the curved bottom edge of the awnings softens the harsh exterior lines of the building.
Second place
Calgary Tent & Awning Ltd. | Calgary, Alberta
Project: Civic Plaza canopy
Fabric: Sunbrella® by Glen Raven from George N. Jackson Ltd.
The client wanted to increase visibility, extend coverage over the food service window, provide sheltered areas for outdoor tables, and prevent rain from leaking through the roof of the existing enclosure. A fabric cover was added to existing steel framework over the food kiosk located in Civic Plaza. Aluminum frames were built and fitted with Sunbrella fabric to correspond with the shape of the existing steel framework, meeting all of the client’s needs.