Modern Awning Design with Traditional Style

Awning design has changed many times over the years but the basic look of the traditional shop blind is such a favourite with both Architects and Heritage enthusiasts that is retains it prominence on many high streets; especially those in our historic cities and towns.

We are well known at Deans for our original Victorian awning, which we have been faithfully re-producing since our beginnings in the 19th century, but we are not an organisation which is so fixed in the past that we cannot see the advances in the design of retractable commercial awnings by incorporating new materials.

The Greenwich® retractable awnings seen here on the new Il Borro Tuscan bistro on Berkeley Street in London’s West End may look, to the un-initiated, to be following the Victorian mantra but, in fact, they differ in many ways, except in the way they continue to reflect the ambience of the traditional High Street.

Where hardwood casings and front laths are the basis of construction for a Victorian awning the design of the Greenwich® retractable awning uses lightweight, yet robust, aluminium; powder coated in our own plant to give a long lasting bright finish. Where previously a cumbersome pole would be hooked into the front lath eye to operate the awning the Greenwich® features a sealed internal motor operated by the touch of a remote button or, even, a response to the prevailing weather conditions.

Small details, such as the end finials on the Greenwich awning can be specified in a number of materials and styles in brass, bronze or powder coated to match the arms or a weather box, if specified.

These particular retractable awnings at Il Borro reflect the sophistication of this unique Bistro in the way that the awnings have been designed to cleverly recess into the frontage of the restaurant facia, another option available from the almost limitless combinations possible with this unique awning.  

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