Company:
SHADE Industries Inc. Phoenix, AZ

Project Details

Fabric 1

Alnet Extrablock
Producer: Alnet Pty Ltd.
Supplier: Alnet Pty Ltd.


Engineer Name 1
Nick Keizer

Engineer Company 1
RNK Structural Engineering

Design Name
Josh Henderson

Design Company
SHADE Industries

Fabrication Company
SHADE Industries

Project Manager Company
SHADE Industries

Installation Company
SHADE Industries


Please describe the project specifications

The McKesson installation consists of four towering GORILLABrellas that are intertwined with each other. These structures are placed in and around a walkway and seating area situated in a landscaped plaza between office buildings, and provide a total of 3,560 square feet of shade.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The client’s goal for this project was to create shade primarily over the seating areas within the plaza. They wanted an impressive and dramatic installation that would be unique in the area.


What is unique or complex about the project?

This project proved to be unusually challenging throughout all of its phases. These structures are the first of their kind, so the design process required a large degree of coordination with the project engineer. The layout of the four structures changed repeatedly to accommodate the constraints required by nearby utility lines and the locations of the concrete walkway and seating areas. The project required massive footings to meet engineering specifications, requiring a large construction crew and precise scheduling with inspectors and various contractors. Fabrication of the structures was a time-consuming process, especially with the addition of half-inch steel fins that were added along the length of the columns to serve as structural gussets and add a decorative element. Installation proved equally challenging, as the project required multiple cranes and lifts, along with special transport to the site.


What were the results of the project?

The finished installation created a unique space that fits well within its environment, and provides effective shade to the seating areas below.


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