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Camden Market Retractable Roof

The world famous Camden Market in London receives half a million visitors a week, and located within the Stables area of the market is Gilgamesh restaurant and lounge-bar. The venue holds live music, dance shows, functions and events, all under one roof. Or none, depending on the time of day!

The Challenge

The 40ft high roof consists of a curved steelwork construction with a light tensioned fabric creating a summery, marquee-style, ambient atmosphere typical of Camden town.

In order to extend this open feeling, the 15,00sqft roof incorporates a retractable section to allow the sunshine to pour in on warm summer days.

Due to budget restrictions, the client required a cost-effective power and control solution for retractable section of the delicate roof, and called upon the expertise of ARX.

The Solution

ARX designed a gravity-fed closure system, with a simple winch arrangement to open the panels. This reduces the forces on the fragile roof construction and tensioned fabric design. This also provides a cost-effective solution, as specified by the client.

Technical Details

Advanced, bespoke engineering
  • The 4.2m wide panels can be moved either individually or collectively in a staggered fashion creating a wave of movement across the roof.
  • As well as the aesthetical advantage, the two second intervals prevent a high current surge during start up.
Speedy business
  • The panels move at 2m/min, meaning that the whole canopy can be opened out in under seven minutes.
Accessible for everyone
  • The simple control panel makes deployment as straightforward as possible, allowing any member of the restaurant staff to operate the roof.
  • A failsafe maintained action, meaning the panels only move whilst the button is depressed, provides the operator with control over the roof at all times.

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