Company:
SHADE Industries Inc. Phoenix, AZ

Project Details

Fabric 1

Architec 400
Producer: Polyfab USA

Fabric 2

Alnet Extrablock
Producer: Alnet Pty Ltd.


Engineer Name 1
Nick Keizer

Engineer Company 1
RNK Structural Engineering

Design Name
Ashley Poulton

Design Company
SHADE Industries

Project Manager Company
SHADE Industries

Installation Company
SHADE Industries


Please describe the project specifications

8 square steel powder-coated columns were set in concrete footings, 7 wall brackets were epoxy-anchored into the existing school walls, and 6 custom shade sails were suspended above an elementary school amphitheater, creating approximately 4,057 square feet of shade.


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

The elementary school desired to utilize their outdoor amphitheater, but the Arizona sun prohibited much mid-day use. The request to shade the stage and seating area from 9am to 3pm during the school year drove the design. Shade studies were conducted by manipulating the shade sails in 3D modeling software to maximize the efficiency of the design. Through the process, additional sails were added to the back of the structure to improve winter shade.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Construction began during the school year, and was timed around the school’s academic schedule. Wall bracket installation required early morning or night shifts so drilling for epoxy anchors did not disrupt classes. A special curved bracket was fabricated for the front of the building that ties into existing I-beams located within the building’s ceiling. Footers were excavated, steel was erected, and concrete was poured in record time so open holes were not left as a safety hazard.


What were the results of the project?

Students now enjoy special school events under a nearly completely covered amphitheater. The palette of colors that was chosen gives a dynamic energy to the space and really brings life to the various occasions that occupy the space. While the amphitheater project was in process, the school had decided to provide shade at another location on campus.


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