2026 Archive : The Spa Shade and Privacy Sail

Project Details

Fabric 1

Planosol
Producer/Manufacturer: W Wiggins Ltd
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Please describe the project specifications

The client approached us seeking a solution for a difficult and exposed outdoor spa area within a semi-detached hillside property. Due to the unique layout of the home and the elevated neighbouring dwelling positioned directly beside and above the site, the spa space lacked privacy and was heavily overlooked from the neighbouring lounge area. The clients had explored a number of different privacy solutions previously, however none achieved the balance of functionality, appearance, and openness they were looking for. The brief was to create a solution that would provide privacy while still allowing natural light into the area and maintaining the aesthetic quality expected within the property.

To achieve this, a custom-designed shade sail system was developed incorporating a unique sail shape with the fabric extending down the post structure to create an integrated privacy screen. The tight hillside space and limited options for structural attachment points made the project particularly challenging, requiring careful planning and custom solutions to successfully install the system within the confined space. The selected fabric allowed ample natural light to filter into the area while also providing privacy and an additional level of weather protection around the spa. The finished result delivered exactly what the clients had envisioned, creating a visually refined outdoor retreat that also remained sympathetic to the neighbouring property. The success of the project has since led the clients to engage us again to design another custom sail solution elsewhere on the property.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project was entered because it demonstrates how a highly customised shade sail solution can successfully resolve complex privacy and site challenges while still delivering a refined architectural outcome. Unlike many shade sail installations completed throughout the year, this project was not simply focused on providing shade coverage, but instead required a creative and carefully designed solution to address overlooking issues within a difficult hillside environment. The combination of privacy screening, light control, and visual integration within a tightly constrained site made this a particularly rewarding and distinctive project.

What sets this project apart is the unique sail geometry and the way the fabric was intentionally extended down the supporting post structure to create an integrated privacy element. This custom detailing allowed the clients to regain privacy around their spa area without introducing bulky screening systems or visually intrusive structures that would impact neighbouring properties. The confined site conditions, limited structural fixing options, and elevated neighbouring outlook required extensive design consideration to achieve the desired outcome. The finished installation not only delivered the privacy and comfort the clients were seeking, but also created an elegant and visually lightweight feature that exceeded expectations and resulted in the clients engaging us again for an additional custom sail project elsewhere on the property.

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