A ‘Floating’ Canopy for a Luxury Island Bar
Wed Dec 10 2025
A ‘Floating’ Canopy for a Luxury Island Bar
Overview
In 2009, a simple email inquiry from a New Zealand shade supplier set in motion the creation of one of Rangali Island’s most memorable architectural features - a free-standing bar canopy that appears to float above the sand. Installed at the world-renowned Conrad Hilton Maldives resort, the 18m x 13m PVC structure transforms a stretch of beachfront into a serene “quiet zone” overlooking the lagoon.
What began as a conceptual idea - before the bar itself even existed - became a striking architectural statement that continues to draw guests in for its calming atmosphere and uninterrupted ocean views.
NZ other suppliers had previously provided an underwater restaurant and causeway bridge.
The Challenge
This project posed several unique challenges almost immediately:
1. Design Concept
The bar hadn’t been built yet. The team had to design a canopy for a space that existed only on paper, anticipating the final form and function of the bar that would eventually sit beneath it.
2. Building on Sand
Foundations had to be engineered to withstand local wind loads despite being cast entirely into sand. This included foundations for an innovative removable roller-screen system - designed to lock seamlessly into place only when needed for bad weather.
3. Creating the ‘Floating’ Illusion
The client envisioned a canopy that looked as though it ‘floated’ above the beach. To achieve this, the team cleverly hid stainless steel guide foundations inside garden boxes, ensuring structural stability without compromising aesthetics.
4. Remote Island Logistics
Every piece of steel, fabric, and hardware had to be shipped thousands of kilometers to a remote island in the Indian Ocean. Installation required coordinated travel, precise planning, and contingency for the constraints of island construction.
Engineering a Signature Feature
The canopy was fabricated from Serge Ferrari 702 White PVC, chosen for its durability, translucent quality, and suitability for harsh marine environments. Steel poles and fittings were designed specifically for the Maldives’ exposure to sun, salt, and wind.
A custom engineered removable roller screen was developed to provide shelter on the prevailing-wind side. When not in use, the system disappears seamlessly - maintaining the light, floating aesthetic central to the design concept.
Results
The finished canopy exceeded both the resort’s expectations and the original design brief. Not only does it provide shade and weather protection, but it also establishes a relaxing, elegant space where guests can enjoy a drink with the sand under their feet and the ocean just meters away.
The area quickly became a standout feature on the island, celebrated for its glamourous lines, soft translucency, and the effortless way it blends architecture with the natural landscape.
Project Summary
The 234 sqm canopy- crafted from Serge Ferrari’s 702 White Translucent PVC - delivers both structural integrity and visual serenity. Its smooth, sweeping lines enhance the beachfront setting and deliver on the resort’s vision for a contemporary, floating shelter.
What started as a conceptual idea evolved into a striking architectural focal point, proving that with ingenuity, engineering expertise, and careful design, even the most remote project can become a resort highlight.
Share This:
More Blog Posts:
American Magic (Belle Mente) Training Facility (2019)Thu Jan 22 2026
The Lion, the Witch, and the WardrobeTue Dec 09 2025
Custom Alispan Event Structure for Takapoto EstateThu Nov 20 2025
