Company:
Tropical J's Inc. Honolulu, HI

Project Details

Fabric 1

Soltis 92
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Trivantage LLC


Engineer Name 1
Ian N. Robertson, PhD, P.E.

Engineer Company 1
INR

Design Name
Gary Barnes / Jordan Barnes / Diego Alejandre

Design Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Fabrication Name
Adam Murell, Tara Cabral, Ola Mahuiki

Fabrication Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Graphics Company
Hagadone Printing Company

Project Manager Name
Justin Barnes

Project Manager Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Installation Name
Alwin Lacar

Installation Company
Tropical J's, Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

Sixty-Eight unique printed slide on wire panels suspended above the center stage of the new Ka Makana Ali'i Shopping Center. This system is designed so that the tensioning cables can be easily released and all the panels can be pulled back in series along the main cabling in the event of a severe storm or Hurricane warning.


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

Shading is often one of the single most important facets to consider in Urban planning, especially when dealing with the occasionally sweltering heat of the Leeward Side of O'ahu. Our client had recently constructed a new and beautiful shopping center, and needed to respond to feedback from patrons and vendors to incorporate additional protection from the blazing hot Hawaiian Sun. Incorporating traditional Hawaiian motifs was executed utilizing custom graphics printed onto the mesh fabric.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Our system utilized the existing architectural beams along with an added free-standing support structure to suspend the shades over a center court area. Upon completion of our structural engineering review, we realized the existing building could not account for the forces enacted by 105 MPH winds. Our response was to design a suspended cable system that could be retracted as required in the event of a Hurricane Warning. This flat system also allowed us to provide adequate shade for the patrons of the shopping center without obstructing any line of sight concerns in regards to storefront signage.


What were the results of the project?

The suspended shade system has created a relaxing environment that in serves as an oasis to escape the hot sun rays. Children play happily in the shadows jumping from one section to the next. It is an enticing spot to sit down, kick back and take a quick rest with the Ohana.


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