Orchard Square Inverted Conic Canopies, Sheffield

As part of the revamp of Orchard Square, an open-air shopping centre in Sheffield, we undertook the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of a series of striking inverted conical PVC polyester canopies, artfully integrated into the development to deliver both visual impact and functional performance.

Given the scale and geometry of the inverted cone forms, one of our key priorities was selecting a tensile fabric that could sustain large spans, resist deformation, and offer longevity in an exposed urban environment. The team ultimately specified Serge Ferrari 902 S2, a high performance composite textile especially suited for fabric canopies and shading structures.

Beyond purely structural and material considerations, our shopping centre canopies were conceived not only as protective elements but as sculptural focal points. Their geometry creates a sense of uplift and framing while also enhancing shade and rainwater drainage where needed.

We collaborated closely with the architectural team on detailing, ensuring connections, tensioning systems, and drainage all worked in harmony with the surrounding renovation. The result is a tensile fabric canopy system that feels like a natural extension of the urban environment: visually compelling yet technically resolved.