2026 Archive : The Grand Span

Project Details

Fabric 1

Oztech
Producer/Manufacturer: W Wiggins Ltd
Primary Use: Hardware/Findings

Fabric 2

Bochini PVC
Producer/Manufacturer: W Wiggins Ltd
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Design Company
Shade Plus

Fabrication Company
Oztech NZ

Installation Company
Shade Plus

Please describe the project specifications

The client requested a large-scale outdoor living solution that would maximise covered entertaining space while maintaining an open and modern aesthetic. To achieve this, a custom Oztech retractable roof system was designed incorporating one of the largest single-skin spans possible across three bays. Due to the layout of the home structure, the installation required a unique combination of freestanding posts and roof-mounted fixing methods integrated into a single seamless unit. The scale of the structure also required specialist transport and a Hiab crane to deliver and position the system into the confined installation area.

A number of bespoke engineering and waterproofing solutions were developed throughout the project to address the transition between the roof-mounted and freestanding sections while ensuring reliable water management across the entire structure. Additional gutter alterations were completed on the existing home to accommodate increased water runoff due to alterations of downpipes. The finished installation was further enhanced with integrated LED lighting within the roof skin and clear PVC Ziptrak blinds, creating a highly functional all-weather outdoor room that maintains openness, natural light, and uninterrupted views across the landscaped surroundings.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project was entered because it represents a standout example of both engineering capability and custom outdoor living design. The installation pushed the structural limits of the Oztech system by incorporating one of the largest single-skin spans achievable across three bays, while still maintaining a refined and seamless architectural appearance. Unlike many projects completed throughout the year, this installation required significant planning, specialist lifting equipment, and multiple bespoke solutions to successfully deliver the client’s vision within the constraints of the site.

What makes this project unique is the way complex structural and waterproofing challenges were resolved without compromising the clean aesthetic of the finished space. The integration of both freestanding and roof-mounted fixing methods into a single continuous structure required custom detailing and careful engineering to manage water tightness and drainage across the expansive span. Additional modifications to the home’s guttering system, the incorporation of clear PVC Ziptrak blinds, and integrated LED lighting within the roof skin further elevated the functionality and finish of the project. The scale of the installation, combined with the precision required to transport and crane the structure into position, makes this one of the most technically impressive and visually striking projects completed during the year.

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