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Project Details

Fabric 1

HDPE Shade Cloth
Producer/Manufacturer: Gale Pacific USA Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Custom perforated aluminium
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Engineer Name 1
David Greenup

Engineer Company 1
Greenup Design Engineering

Design Company
Fabritecture

Fabrication Company
Fabric8

Project Manager Company
Fabritecture

Installation Company
Fabritecture

Please describe the project specifications

Upon review of the seaside lagoon site in sunny Yeppoon, Central Queensland, the Livingstone Shire Council (LSC) determined the need for multiple structures to provide shade protection for patrons in three areas: over the grassy area (Area 1), over the concrete plinth by the swimming pool (Area 2), and over the BBQ area (Area 3).

The requirement was to provide functional, yet aesthetic shade protection with a minimum UPF 50 for each of the areas with structures with a design that blends with the existing infrastructure and seaside environment at the lagoon. The finish for the structural steel for each of the shade structures as well as the cladding needed to withstand the high salt environment beside the ocean and required a C5 three-coat paint system for ultimate longevity.

The structures needed to blend seamlessly with the existing infrastructure and tropical environment at the lagoon whilst withstanding the high salt environment, providing the required longevity of at least 15 years.

We worked diligently with the LSC to determine suitable structure designs to cover those particular areas as follows:

1. 3 overlapping circular HDPE clad structures over Area 1.
2. 3 perforated aluminium clad cantilevered shade structures over Area 2.
3. 1 perforated aluminium clad cantilevered shade structure over Area 3.

The 7 structures which we designed blend perfectly with the environment and provide unique and effective shading to each of the areas.

What is unique or complex about the project?

This project was unique for a number of reasons including the fact that the structures were not designed by an architecture firm, but rather by us, in conjunction with our consulting engineers. We also had to determine appropriate materials and finishes for the harsh seaside environment which sees high salt spray, high wind, and high sun exposure.

There was not just one style of structure but a different type of structure for each area – with two different types of cladding. So, from a design and engineering perspective this added additional scope and challenges as it was tantamount to three different projects.

Given the lagoon is an existing site with highly restricted access, we needed to work around all existing infrastructure making the installation was challenging. Area 2 was particularly complex with the existing plinth and plants behind which we needed to install around. We had a small window within which to install, and we had to manage traffic control throughout. A detailed installation methodology was developed by us, which ensured successful staged installation of the structures for the three areas.

The result of the project is 7 beautiful steel supported structures providing functional yet highly aesthetic and unique shading for patrons at a beautiful seaside lagoon location. The three areas are covered with a combination of three HDPE shade cloth intersecting circular structures and 4 cantilevered perforated aluminium clad structures, all of which will provide UPF 50 shade protection which will last 15+ years.

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