Company:
SHADE Industries

Project Details

Fabric 1

Commercial 95 340
Producer/Manufacturer: Gale Pacific USA Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Name 1
Nick Keizer

Engineer Company 1
RNK Structural Engineering

Design Company
SHADE Industries

Project Manager Company
SHADE Industries

Installation Company
SHADE Industries


Please describe the project specifications

This elementary school courtyard features four colorful shade sails, supported by one central column and many perimeter attachments, providing approximately 1,921 square feet of shade.

While Arizona benefits from a mild climate most of the year, there is a great need for shade here to provide help make outdoor environments more comfortable and to protect the skin against the damaging UV rays. With this specific project, where school assemblies and presentations are regularly held in this courtyard, facilities had asked us to design a structure that would leave as much open area below while providing the maximum amount of shade to extend the usage of this area for faculty and students.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Placement of the structure columns were limited, as the school had specifically requested that we leave as much open area in the courtyard as possible. In addition, access to the courtyard proved tricky, as we had to maneuver our equipment, steel, installation supplies, and fabric through gates and up stairs to gain access to the courtyard. To provide further visual interest, the sails were sewn with a pattern of alternating red and black fabrics.

This unique structure now extends the usage of this courtyard for faculty and students. The brilliant sails are visible from the student drop-off and pick-up circle, and creates an inviting visual attraction that welcomes students, staff and visitors to the school campus.


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