After being initially introduced into the UK by Deans in 2006 the Pergotenda all-weather awning system has now been used on installations across the country in a variety of guises.

A major use has been as a smoking shelter where, unlike most other awnings which must be retracted in windy weather, the awning may be left in its extended form at wind speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. An example of the Pergotenda being used as a smoking shelter can be seen at Hull University where the awning is 9.00 metres wide with a 5.50 metre extension. The Hull University Union said: “The awning by Deans is just what we wanted, we are very happy with the installation, which replaced a very expensive German awning which we were unable use every time the wind blew – which, in Hull, is pretty often!”

However, in the case of the new Gordon Ramsey restaurant at the Narrows in Canary Wharf, smoking was not the issue but extra dining was; especially if the dining area created meant guests could take advantage of the river view. On this installation, which encompassed three elevations, the client had their builders glaze the external structure which created a virtual conservatory but without the disadvantage of a glass roof and the real advantage that the roof could be retracted in a matter of seconds.

The Pergotenda system is available up to 13.00 metres wide with an unsupported extension of 7.80 metres giving a free area of over 100m2.

Other installations have included schools, a castle, numerous pubs, city restaurants and more recently private homes over patios and even hot tubs.

The latest variation on the Pergotenda is a freestanding system that is rated to the same wind speeds as the wall mounted model but can be installed where no suitable structure exists. The freestanding Pergotenda is available in 4 metre and 8 metre modules, which can be linked to create an infinite rectangular area.

Awnings on the freestanding unit are mounted back-to-back and controlled by remote switching. When retracted the awning covers are protected by a large weatherboard and when extended are drum tight. Gutters and down-pipes are included which ensures customers are not showered as they leave the area and the water may be channelled into suitable drainage or collected in butts for watering plants.

For customers who have existing structures a variant of the Pergotenda is available which does not include the special Glulam timber structure and the retractable awning part of the structure, known as the IMPACT can be mounted to suitable frameworks in either the flat or the tilted version.

Using new software Deans contracts department are able to produce drawings and renderings of projects quickly and easily thus making the decision making process quick and easy for the customer. Deans are the sole UK representatives of this unique new awning system.

• Deans Blinds T: 020 8947 8931