Explore Canopies That Combine Structural Strength, Weather Protection, and Modern Design

From entrances and covered walkways to shelters and enclosed passageways, commercial canopies create protected, functional spaces that make buildings more welcoming and accessible. The right canopy system can provide protection from the elements while supporting daylight, visibility, and architectural design goals.

Let’s take a closer look at what VELUX Commercial Canopies are and how they support commercial design goals.

What are VELUX Commercial Canopies?

VELUX Commercial Horizon Series Canopies are translucent canopy systems constructed with multiwall polycarbonate panels. As easy to install as they are aesthetically pleasing, these daylighting solutions are available in various panel colors and configurations.

Where can VELUX Commercial Canopies be used?

Commercial canopies can be used across a wide range of building applications, including entrances, covered walkways, shelters, and enclosed passageways. They help create protected, functional spaces that support daily traffic flow while contributing to the overall design and performance of the building. Ideal applications include:

Airports and railway stations

Canopies can support high-traffic transportation environments by providing covered areas for entrances, drop-off zones, waiting areas, and pedestrian walkways.

Education

Schools, universities, and campuses can use canopies to create protected walkways, covered entrances, outdoor gathering areas, and transitions between buildings.

Healthcare

Hospitals, clinics, and medical campuses can benefit from canopies at main entrances, patient drop-off areas, emergency access points, and covered pedestrian routes.

Hotels and conference centers

Canopies can enhance arrival areas, guest entrances, event spaces, covered walkways, and outdoor gathering zones.

Retail and shopping malls

Retail centers can use canopies to create more comfortable entrances, storefront walkways, pickup areas, and covered pedestrian paths.

Canopy Options from VELUX Commercial

Horizon C-Series: Low-Slope Canopy Designs

Ideal for shelters, entrances, and covered or enclosed walkways, the Horizon C Series is a polycarbonate panel system that provides an economical solution to any custom low-slope canopy design. These lightweight, impact-resistant, UV-protected polycarbonate panels are available in lengths up to 39" and with self-supporting aluminum framing systems. For a clean look, there are no exposed fasteners, gaskets, sealants, or horizontal joints; and fixed sills, adjustable sills, or skin systems are available to help complete your canopy project.

Horizon M-Series: Monolithic Polycarbonate Canopy System

For the toughest canopy system around, look no further than the Horizon M Series. Engineered and reinforced with 3/8" polycarbonate panels, the M-Series Canopy System has up to 250 times the impact strength of glass canopies. Most commonly used in hotels, conference centers, and education and healthcare buildings, M-Series Canopies also feature an extruded aluminum edge guard at the ends and sides (as needed). Incredibly strong and completely customizable, Horizon M-Series Canopies allow for completely unique designs.

Key Features of Horizon Series Skylight Canopies

• Lightweight, impact-resistant, UV-protected polycarbonate panels
• Translucent panels that help bring daylight to covered exterior spaces
• Multiple panel colors and configurations
• Economical solutions for custom low-slope canopy designs
• Self-supporting aluminum framing systems available
• Clean design with no exposed fasteners, gaskets, sealants, or horizontal joints
• Skin system compatibility with fixed and adjustable sill components available
• Architectural paint and anodized finish options
• 5-year warranty on workmanship and glazing
• Up to 20-year coverage on finish
  

VELUX Canopy Code Compliance

VELUX Commercial Canopies are designed to support code-compliant commercial canopy applications, with materials tested for:

• Flame Spread - UL 723
• Smoke Development - UL 723
• Glazing Material - Fire-Rated and Hail-Resistant
  

Horizon Canopy Case Studies

Want to see how VELUX Commercial Canopies perform in real-world projects? Check out these case studies featuring the Horizon Series used in two restoration projects.

Playland Ice Casino

The challenge: In 2012, Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc along New York's shores, causing flooding and substantial damage to the Playland Ice Casino. As part of the reconstruction efforts, the Casino's old wooden shingle roof needed to be replaced with a new standing seam metal roof. They also needed a better solution for the rubberized fabric perimeter, which offered very little natural light and was not energy-efficient. The solution? VELUX Commercial Canopies.

The solution: The Horizon C Series

Northland Workforce Training Center

The challenge: In this restoration project, the budget, historic preservation, and natural lighting all posed significant challenges. As a historic property, each new skylight replacement in the Northland Workforce Training Center needed to provide the same appearance and be approved by the New York State Historic Preservation Office and National Park Stations. The durability, versatility, and commitment to code compliance of VELUX Commercial Canopies made them an easy solution.

The solution: The Horizon C Series, Single Pitch and Double Pitch Skylights.

Questions about VELUX Canopies? Our team can help.

From application and performance to design intent, the right canopy solution depends on your project's details. Tell us about your project, and a member of our Commercial Team will follow up with more detailed recommendations based on your specific needs.