There are several categories of "shade" structures which typically are constructed from knitted shadecloth in varying degrees of shade factor.
Shade structures for sun / hail and wind protection of large nurseries have been common in Australia since the mid 1980s.
Similar shade structures utilizing seat belt webbing as edge cables have been applied to protect cars from sun and hail in Australia, USA, South Africa and other regions.
Since the increased awareness of UV related issues, there has been many shade panels installed in playgrounds and schools.
There is a larger number of contractors operating in the supply of domestic and small scale shadecloth structures and the pricing competition on these systems has often lead to unsafe cost cutting measures being taken. In many cases structures have been built without certification by a competent structural engineer. There has been many cases where footings and cantilevered columns are totally inadequate for the horizontal loads generated.
Another issue is the large deflections of these structures under hail loads and wind. Often there is very small amounts of fabric prestress.
Generally made from separate panels of knitted shadecloth to provide a degree of shade and hail protection.
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Award of Excellence: LSAA 2018 Design Awards Shadecloth Category (3232)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT
A series of bespoke architectural shade structures
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Our scope of the Scarborough Foreshore project included the design & construction of three steel-framed arbour structures that were to be installed as part of a regional redevelopment of Scarborough.
The structures are comprised of 31 architectural ‘tree-like’ stands that support the mesh & realise the architectural vision of the structures. They are placed along the South beachfront, North beachfront, and Intergenerational Plaza of Scarborough
Photo Credit: Photography Project
LSAA 2018 Design Award Entry
Architectural shade canopy over a skatepark
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Livingstone Shire Council were looking for a unique solution to traditional hypar shade structures when planning for the skatepark redevelopment at Yeppoon Lagoon. The shade structure was designed to become a focal point of the skate park. It’s a shade structure, but it’s also a colourful, fun, artistic addition to the outdoor sport facility.
Photo Credit: Nathan White
Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Shadecloth Structures #3225)
Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)
Location: Armadale, WA. Completed: July 30 2014 Client: McCorkell Constructions
Team: Donovan Payne Architects, Greenup Design International, Fabritecture, Fabric Solutions Australia
Application: Shade structure designed to cover an alfresco and playground area as part of the Stage 2 works of a new Sporting Pavilion
The images below were taken by James Simmons Portrait and Wedding Photography
Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Shadecloth Structures #1332)
Entrant: Shade And Membrane Structures Australia (Design / Project Management / Install)
Location: Sea World. Completed: December 1, 2013 Client: Village Roadshow Theme Parks
Team: Osborn Lane / Global Membrane Design and Alliance Design Group, Astute, Shadecom
Application: To provide a shaded solution for the impending birth of the new Polar bear cub “Henry”
This Project was entered in the LSAA 2013 Design Awards (Cat 3, 3351)
Essentially the purpose of the project was about cost effective space creation.
The tensioned awning is positioned over a deck area on the first floor at the Nambour children’s hospital. The Hospital is located on the side of a steep incline, the deck is located in an elevated position.
The awning-covered deck now allows children recovering from surgery or illness to play outdoors on the deck in supervised shaded conditions. Previously children were confined to an internal hospital playroom.
This project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Small Structures, 1301) by Fabritecture
Cockburn Town Square
- Location: Cockburn Town Centre
- Client: Phase 3 Landscapes
- Completion Date: February 2013
Fabritecture delivered the design and installation of a customized fabric structure that echoed the vibrant community tapestry of Cockburn in Western Australia.
