The Brief

The Shire of Ashburton in Western Australia approached Exteria to supply three cantilever shelters for shaded seating areas at the Ashburton Dog Park where visitors could relax.

The council engaged us to install three new aluminium shelters over the existing concrete pads. They initially felt this would be the most straightforward and economical approach.

The Challenge

When our designers assessed the site, we found the existing concrete pads varied significantly in size. There were two smaller slabs measuring approximately 2m x 1.2m, and one larger slab of around 7m x 3m.

To save the council from the cost and hassle of extending or replacing the concrete, we needed to design the shelters to work with what was already there.

This meant crafting a custom 4m x 8m shelter for the larger slab and using sub-surface footings to bypass the need for extra concrete works.

During the design process our team also identified an opportunity to review the proposed aluminium construction and explore how using steel could significantly reduce the project cost.

The Solution

We worked directly with the Shire of Ashburton to develop a custom shelter solution designed specifically around the existing concrete pads. The final design included:

  • 2 x 4m x 4m Cantilever Shelters
  • 1 x custom 4m x 8m Cantilever Shelter
  • 4x Riverside Seats to complete the shaded seating areas
  • Sub-surface mounting to preserve the existing concrete pads
  • Steel structures with a powder-coated finish
  • Colorbond roof sheeting

Manufacturing the shelters from steel rather than aluminium allowed us to deliver a site-suitable solution that was 30% more cost-effective without affecting durability.

Once manufacturing was complete, we delivered the shelters and seating to Byblos Construction who then performed the installation.

The Result

Visitors to Ashburton Dog Park now have three different beautifully shaded seating areas, complete with Riverside seating, in which they can relax. This was only possible through working within the existing site conditions.

By designing the Cantilever shelters around the existing concrete pads and using sub-surface footings we avoided additional, and potentially disruptive, concrete works, while the custom 4m x 8m shelter proved the ideal solution for the larger existing slab.

Our close collaboration with the Shire of Ashburton and consideration of alternative materials, delivered an approximate 30% cost saving compared to the original aluminium option. The project demonstrates Exteria’s ability to provide customised shelter solutions for clients that fit unique site conditions while always seeking practical and cost-effective design improvements.

If you’re planning a precinct upgrade, park redevelopment, or multi-zone public space, why not talk to Exteria about how our shelter and street furniture range can support your design vision, construction timeline, and long-term asset goals? Reach out here 

Featured Products

Cantilever Riverside