WHAT IS AWS?

From a proven successful installed prototype to permanent canopy systems


All Weather Sportscover Ltd develops engineered fabric canopy systems for sport, education, community and industry worldwide.

Established in 1987, AWS first supplied automated groundcovers to major New Zealand stadiums. Today, it offers semi-permanent and permanent clear-span canopy solutions.

FROM PROTOTYPE TO PERMANENT CANOPIES

Successful Canterbury Prototype.

AWS elevated-cover prototype - North Canterbury, New Zealand, 2023


AWS built and demonstrated an elevated fabric-cover prototype over a North Canterbury cricket block.

AWS Hydraulic Canopy Trial

AWS engaged Chris Mitchell, a former Team New Zealand mechanical engineer from an America’s Cup-winning campaign, to develop the lifting system. Hydraulics and two central 4-metre pivoting steel posts raised the cover into position.


Because permanent foundations could not be installed through the cricket surface, movable tripods supported the elevated prototype.


The trial demonstrated:

  • Hydraulic elevation using two pivoting posts
  • Deployment across a large playing surface
  • Engineered rope tensioning
  • Usable sheltered space below
  • Operation by a small ground crew.


This temporary support arrangement was specific to the cricket trial and is not required within AWS’s unsupported canopy designs.

THE NEXT ENGINEERING MILESTONE

Permanent 30m × 25m Canopy - Calculated for 100 km/h Winds


Following the successful prototype, AWS was commissioned to undertake an initial engineering feasibility study for a major sports complex in South Auckland, New Zealand.


With Quoin Consulting Engineers, Christchurch, structural calculations were completed for a permanent 30 m × 25 m roof using two 6-metre pivoting steel posts and designed for winds up to 100 km/h.


This advanced the system from a supported prototype to a larger permanent canopy concept.

AWS TODAY

Three canopy systems for different sites and budgets. Building on this work, AWS’s expanded specialist team now provides three canopy options.

Permanent Unsupported Canopy

A hydraulically operated canopy with no internal posts. It remains elevated for normal use but can be lowered for severe weather, maintenance or special events.



A tensile-membrane roof supported from an engineered perimeter structure, with no internal columns. Options include gutters, downpipes, lighting and side curtains.

Permanent Steel-Arched Canopy

A clear-span membrane roof supported by engineered steel arches for larger sport, education, commercial and industrial applications.


Every AWS canopy is developed for the site’s dimensions, use, ground conditions, climate and applicable building standards.


Led by AWS, our specialist team provides:

  • Structural engineering
  • Geotechnical and foundation assessment
  • Tensile-membrane design and fabrication
  • Mechanical and hydraulic expertise
  • Concrete and civil construction
  • Specialist canopy installation
  • Lighting, drainage and side-curtain options
  • Health and safety management
  • Local compliance and approval documentation


From feasibility to approvals, manufacture and installation, AWS provides a coordinated pathway for every project.

COVER MORE.

USE YOUR SPACE YEAR-ROUND.

AWS field covers demonstrate the company’s longstanding experience in fabric technology, weather protection and practical solutions for sporting environments.