2024 Archive : Chaminade University – Sullivan Shade Sail

Project Details

Fabric 1

Alnet Extrablock
Producer/Manufacturer: Alnet Pty Ltd.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Engineer Name 1
Gary Forman; Alison Agapay

Design Name
Bryan Lightle; Diego Alejandre, Justin Barnes

Design Company
Tropical J's

Fabrication Name
Tropical J's

Fabrication Company
Tropical J's

Subcontractor Name
Alison Agapay

Subcontractor Company
C2A LLC

Project Manager Name
Diego Alejandre

Installation Name
Chaminade - Sullivan Shade Sail

Installation Company
Tropical J's

Please describe the project specifications

The university had a large outdoor gathering area that was used for various events and activities. A portion of the south facing area had been temporarily covered with a tent structure over a sloping asphalt surface and was visually unappealing, and uninviting. After discussions with the university, and several preliminary design options later, it was determined that shade protection was a top priority and that a shade sail structure would be the best option for the planned use of the area.

We submitted our design to Florida engineer, Gary Foreman, who specializes in shade sail design. Once completed, the local Hawaii engineer that we normally work with, Alison Agapay, confirmed the calculations and signed off on the permit drawings.

After removing the asphalt surface and leveling the site, up to 18" in some areas, the footing work was completed. The installation of the 40’ square, 4 panel shade sail, using Alnet Extrablock began. The frame consisted of galvanized 6" S40 posts, a mix of 4" S40 & S80 horizontal supports, and 3/4" 316 stainless steel base plates. The frame components were finished in-house with an epoxy primer and a two-part urethane enamel. Using a crane truck located on an adjacent upper road, the posts and supports were positioned in place, with the remaining frame and fabric work to follow. The fabric panels were attached to the structure with 316 stainless steel fabric plates designed in house and made with our waterjet machine. All of the hardware used for the installation was from 316 stainless steel.

In order to minimize any disruption for the students, the work had to take place during a break in classes and was successfully completed during that time frame. The university then finished off the area with a new rock wall and artificial grass. Everyone involved, especially the university, was very happy with the final outcome. Since completion, we have received two direct referrals for other projects.

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