SCHOOL CANOPY – SAINT-LOUIS (REUNION)
COMPLETION DATE 2024
SURFACE AREA 117 M2 / 1259 Ft2
School canopy in Réunion (974): a high-performance structure for a demanding tropical environment
SMC2 delivered a 117 m² – 1259 sq ft school canopy on the island of Réunion (974), a project that perfectly demonstrates our ability to design structures adapted to specific climatic conditions. This project highlights both our technical expertise and our understanding of the challenges posed by the island’s humid tropical climate.
Réunion is located in the tropical zone of the Indian Ocean and is regularly exposed to extreme weather events, especially during the cyclone season. In this context, winds can reach very high speeds, sometimes exceeding 125 mph (200 km/h), accompanied by heavy rainfall and high humidity — conditions that pose a significant challenge for any lightweight or semi-open construction.
This schoolyard project combines robustness, functionality, and user comfort:
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Structure engineered to withstand extreme loads
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Roof designed for heavy rainfall, ensuring rapid water runoff while maintaining optimal natural translucency for users
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Durable, moisture-resistant materials, selected to withstand year-round exposure to a hot and humid climate
The design has proven its effectiveness in the field: the canopy successfully withstood Cyclone Garance, which hit Réunion on February 28, 2025, shortly after its completion. Exposed to gusts over 125 mph (200 km/h) and heavy rain, the structure demonstrated the strength of its framework and the soundness of the technical choices made during the design phase.
By providing effective protection from sun, rain, and strong winds, the canopy enhances comfort for students and teachers while ensuring safety and durability.
This project exemplifies SMC2’s commitment to delivering long-lasting solutions, even in challenging geographic contexts like Réunion. Our teams combined technical expertise, local know-how, and construction rigor to deliver a school facility that is resilient, fully adapted, and ready to face tropical weather hazards.
