Spotlight Series: Exploring the Helios Canopy’s Versatility

When it comes to architectural canopies, customization and functionality are key. Whether the focus is structural performance, aesthetic appeal, or both, our Helios canopies offer a range of versatile solutions to meet diverse architectural needs.

It’s easy to assume that all canopies are the same, but they’re not! They vary significantly in structure and design, tailored to specific project requirements.

Our Helios canopy is a popular choice for projects requiring sleek design and structural efficiency. Here’s a closer look at its customizable features.

Gutter Fascia

The standard Helios gutter fascia is a welded system, while the bolt track features a mechanically fastened design.

The choice of gutter fascia is determined on a per-project basis, with the bolt track being costing more, but advantageous in specific scenarios – such as when external finishing is required or when required by design specifications.

Our standard Helios fascia size is 3×8, but is available in various sizes:

  • 4”x 6” Gutter (6” Fascia Height)
  • 3”x 8” Gutter (8” Standard Fascia Height)
  • 4”x 10” Gutter (10”)
  • 4”x 12” Gutter (12”)
  • 4”x 6” Bolt Track Gutter
  • 3”x 8” Bolt Track Gutter

Attachments for Helios Canopies

Helios canopies allow for additional customization through various attachments, like:

  • 1”x 2” Angle Extension
  • 2”x 4” Angle Extension
  • C-Channel Extrusion

These extrusions attach to the Helios fascia for a customized canopy look. Angle extensions add height with a visible seam, while the c-channel creates a c-shaped profile.

Deck Pan

The deck pan forms the canopy’s horizontal surface, with options based on engineering requirements:

  • 12” Deck Pan: A cost-effective solution made from pre finished 24-gauge coil, suitable for standard spans.
  • 8” Deck Pan: An extruded component used for spans exceeding 5 feet or areas with higher snow loads, ensuring maximum structural integrity.

Deck Pan

Will a standard or custom Helios canopy fit your design requirements? Reach out to us! Our team will be happy to assist you in designing the perfect Helios canopy for your project.

Spotlight Series: Helios vs. Atlas Canopies

Welcome to our Spotlight Series, where we illuminate two of Architectural Fabrication’s premier canopy systems, the Atlas and Helios. Each possesses distinctive features and applications, designed to elevate your projects with style and functionality.

In this exploration, we’ll delve into the unique qualities of Atlas and Helios, as well as highlight the common thread that binds them in delivering exceptional service, fabrication, and installation for our valued customers.

Helios Canopy: Prefabricated Excellence

Drawing inspiration from the Titan god of the sun in Greek mythology, the Helios can be seen on popular destinations across North Texas, providing a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for a wide range of projects.

Key Features

  1. A Staple Product with Plenty of Versatility
    The Helios stands out as one of the most versatile prefabricated aluminum canopy systems, offering a design that allows easy integration into various projects, while still giving customization options to achieve a unique design.
  2. Customization Options
    Despite its standardization, Helios allows for customization with interlocking deck pans, overhead supports, and a variety of lighting options.
  3. Framework
    Crafted from durable 6063 Aluminum Alloy, the Helios framework withstands the test of time and elements.
  4. Applications
    – Helios seamlessly connects to various wall conditions, including tilt wall, CMU, stick & brick, EIFS, and more.
    – Ideal for projects demanding a standardized solution with some customization options.
  5. Installation
    – Our turnkey solution ensures a smooth installation process, complete with flashing, sealant, and hardware.
    – Detailed submittal drawings provided for clear communication with clients.

Atlas Canopy: Field Flexibility & Maximum Customization

Atlas, the Titan god condemned to hold up the sky, inspires our Atlas Canopy – our field-assembled masterpiece designed for maximum flexibility and customization.

Key Features

  1. Field Flexibility
    Atlas stands as the most versatile aluminum canopy system, providing maximum flexibility for on-site customization and design adjustments.
  2. Customization
    Options Choose from solid color soffits, woodgrain soffits or no soffits at all, interlocking deck pans, overhead supports, and various lighting options. This system truly allows for creative freedom.
  3. Framework
    Built from robust 6063 Aluminum Alloy, the Atlas framework guarantees enduring strength.
  4. Applications
    – Atlas effortlessly connects to diverse wall conditions, including tilt wall, CMU, stick & brick, EIFS, and more.
    – Perfect for projects demanding superior flexibility and customization options.
  5. Installation
    – Our turnkey solution ensures a seamless installation process, complete with flashing, sealant, and hardware.
    – Detailed submittal drawings provided for precise project communication.

Similarities & Customer Value

While Atlas and Helios stand apart in their design and application, both canopy systems share common ground in delivering exceptional value to our customers.

Fabrication

  • Rigorous quality control measures in the fabrication process, guaranteeing the highest standards for both Atlas and Helios.
  • Precision engineering and craftsmanship applied to every component, ensuring durability and longevity.

Installation

  • Turnkey solutions for both Atlas and Helios, encompassing flashing, sealant, and hardware to prevent leakage and ensure a seamless installation.
  • Timely project completion by our skilled installers, with a commitment to meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations.

Service

  • Architectural Fabrication is committed to providing unparalleled customer service, ensuring clear communication, prompt responses, and tailored solutions for each project.
  • Dedicated customer support throughout the entire process, from design consultation to project completion.

Which Canopy is Right for Your Project?

Whether you opt for the strength and ease of Helios or the field flexibility of Atlas, Architectural Fabrication excels in precision fabrication, seamless installation, and delivering top-notch service.

Choose standard versatility, choose field flexibility – choose Architectural Fabrication.

Patent Approved Helios 2.0

Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy - Patent Approved

Our Bolt Track Canopy “Helios 2.0” System is Patent Approved!

On December 18, 2015, we launched our first patent request for our extruded aluminum canopy design with hidden fasteners. Twenty-nine months later, on May 22, 2018, our patent was granted. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate and share this with you!

This fully mechanically fastened system will prove itself to be a revolutionary game changer in the canopy world, and a welcome disruption for both architect and general contracting partners. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to deliver “cheaper, better, faster” to their clients?

Cheaper

Better

Faster

Ahead of schedule & under budget for canopies? Yes, please!

In our world, Division 10 Exterior Sun Control / Extruded Aluminum Canopies are often one of the last items to be installed on a project’s exterior and it’s no secret that construction timelines are not favorable to products with long lead times.

We’ll cue the angels singing sweetly and sounds of harps while you imagine for a moment… 50% shorter lead times with a finish warranty to meet AAMA 2605 specification, for less than a standard powder coat finish. It seems like a no brainer, right?

How might the “Helios Bolt Track / Helios 2.0” system change things for you if you’re an architect or a general contractor? As an architect, you have the ability to specify a canopy that is both less expensive and superior to every other canopy product. As a general contractor, you will be empowered to source neatly finished, well fitted canopies for your project without concerns of long lead times once the exterior finishes are installed.

One of the most impressive factors in all of this is that no welding will occur in construction of this system, and all fasteners will be concealed! Exposed fasteners in canopy facias might be acceptable to those other canopy providers, but never at Architectural Fabrication!

Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy
Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy
Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy
Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy
Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy
Helios 2 Bolt Track Canopy

Come See Our New Product in Person

We’ll be showcasing this product in at the Texas Society of Architects Design Expo in Fort Worth, TX November 8-9, 2018. Stop by Booth #638 and assemble the canopy yourself, no welding helmet required!

If you want to know more now and you just can’t wait to be one of the first firms to specify this product on your project, we’d love to give you a sneak peek! Please email Kimberly Bradstreet for a product demo or to schedule our AIA approved (HSW) continuing education for your firm!