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Commercial Shade Structures

Blue ringed octopus shade structure installed by Versatile Structures for Dreamworld

Customising Industrial Shades for Your Needs

The exterior of your business speaks volumes about your brand. It’s the first thing that people see that are about to enter your store, restaurant or in the case of the image we used for this article the blue ringed octopus shade structure installed for Dreamworld. What you choose to put outside—including your shade structures—sets the tone for the customer experience. Think of the outside of your building like a Christmas present. The nicer and more exclusive the packaging the higher your expectation is of what is inside or if the present is just in a plastic bag you don’t have very high expectations that the gift is something you are going to want. The same thing applies to how you communicate your building or its’ services to potential customers. Choosing a custom fabric structure gives your audience a sense that you care about their comfort by reducing heat or UV as well as the quality of the structure speaks about the quality of serve they can expect. All of these subliminal queues not just help establish your brand but potentially brings in new customers. The key is to ensure the shade structure is built according to your needs and the needs of your customers. Here are some things to consider when designing a unique industrial shade structure. The function and purpose Firstly, think of why you want a custom industrial shade structure. Is it to prevent the hot Australian sun from scorching customers and workers as they walk or spend time outside your building? Do you need to protect cars? Are you creating shaded walkways? No matter the purpose, make sure the custom shades match your building’s aesthetics and your property’s design. Have a look at these projects and see how the structures complement the building. Your brand and image After identifying the purpose for your custom shade structure, think about the image you want to project and your brand. Your business has unique values and message to convey to your target audience. A customised shade structure can help you communicate that to your audience as well as effectively represent your brand. Ensuring your shade structure has the right brand colours or at least that the colours work with your brand. It is also important that your shade structure uses high quality materials. Nothing will turn away a customer quicker than a shade structure that looks like it is about to collapse on someone’s head. Flimsy industrial shades could compromise the safety of customers and employees. This would serious impact the reputation of your business. Also be sure to check out the fire performance of the shade structure you are looking at investing in. Environmental factors Where are you installing the custom industrial shade structure? If you want protection against the sun and the rain, consider shade structures with substrates that offer up to 99 per cent UV-R protection and waterproofing. Material and features Custom shade structures can be made of fabric or another material, such as PVC. Some products have special features, such as retractability, hail protection, and wind resistance. Be sure to discuss your needs with the manufacturer to get recommendations. They will ensure your custom shade structure will be durable, with a typical lifespan of at least 10 to 15 years. Get your custom shade structures today Are you looking for a method to improve the curb appeal of your property? Custom shades help to enhance the appearance of a building’s design. They add colour and character to your commercial space. Your business can benefit greatly from these solutions. Custom industrial shade structures are an excellent investment, as they are practical and provide an exceptional brand experience.

Commonwealth Games Village shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

The Different Types of Commercial Shade Structures

There are many different types of commercial shade structures available on the market today. Below is a list of some of the most popular types of Shade Structures: Umbrella Shades Umbrella shades are probably the most popular type of shade structures due to their ease of use and portability. Umbrella shades can be placed almost anywhere and provide excellent protection from the sun. There are various commercial umbrella options available to service any kind of space from providing shade around the resort pool to creating shade in and around a dining area. It is well worth looking at the various options on this page Awnings Awnings are versatile and can be placed over windows or doorways to provide protection from the sun and rain. They can however also be motorised and can cover larger areas like patios or outdoor dinning spaces. Have a look at the various options of awning available here Car park structures Car park shade canopies are a great option for providing shade for your customers prized possessions or help look after the cars of your team. As with the other commercial structures mentioned car shade structures come in a variety of shapes and styles to suit your company’s need. Here are a few options to review.  Polycarbonate roofing Polycarbonate is a very strong and offers a high impact resistance and is an excellent resilient thermoplastic substrate that is lightweight, shatterproof which can withstand extreme low and hot temperatures. It also has excellent load carrying properties and comes in a wide variety of colours and designs, making the panels easy to customise to your aesthetic requirements and quick and effective to install. Read more about the benefits and various polycarbonate options here. Waterproof shade structures It is easy to assume that all shade structures are waterproof specifically when a shade structure is seen on a sunny day. This is however not the case. Waterproof shade structures require different footings as well as the fabric used is different to allow the structure to be waterproof. Have a read through the various commercial waterproof shade structures here. There seems to be an endless variety of commercial shade structures available on the market today. Shade sails, tensioned membrane structures, and umbrellas are just a few of the most popular options. Each type has its own unique set of benefits that make it ideal for different applications. Shade sails are a popular choice for businesses that want to create an outdoor seating area. They are easy to install and can be used to cover a wide variety of areas. Shade sails can be made from a variety of different materials, including vinyl, polyester, and cotton. Find out more about fabrics used in tensile membrane structures here. Tensioned membrane structures are another popular option for businesses that want to create an outdoor seating area. These structures are made from a variety of different materials, including PVC, polyethylene, and canvas. Tensioned membrane structures are easy to install and can be used to cover a wide variety of areas. We recommend speaking to one of our consultants to help figure out what fabrics and structure would be the best solution for your environment.

Custom shade sail for Sir Lew Edwards Park, Ipswich City Council by Versatile Structures.

Questions we’re often asked

Whether used for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes at entrances, entertaining areas, sports and recreation areas, schools, hospitality, retail or vehicles, a shade structure is defined as a freestanding or fixed roofed structure for the purpose of providing UVR protection, shade, and shelter from the weather. What sets Versatile Structures apart is our custom design shade solutions and here are answers to the questions we get asked most by customers who engage us for commercial and car park shade structures and shade sails in Brisbane, Noosa and surrounds. What are shade structures called? Shade structures are also known as pergolas, awnings, solid roof structures, blinds, pavilions, shade sails, screes and sunhoods, patio umbrellas. With so many shade structure solutions available, our article on shade structure styles covers it all. How tall should a shade structure be? A shade structure should be at least 2.4m from the ground on two of the sides. For maximum effectiveness, most shade structures are between 2.4m and 3m tall, and 3.6m for big structures, with the edge heights kept as low as possible to reduce the impacts of UVR being reflected from surrounding surfaces. There are also various Australian Standard protocols to follow regarding clearances playgrounds and car parks, as well as NCC (BCA) and other AS requirements, but a seasoned shade structure supplier will take care of it all for you. How far apart should posts be for shade sail? Posts sizes are determined by the size of the sail/s attached to it, what sides they are attached and the height they are attached. When it comes to custom designed shade sails, the shade structure supplier will take care of it all for you. What type of construction is a shade structure? The class of a building or structure is determined its purpose. According to the Queensland building standards, a shade cloth structure is considered a Class 10a building, while a metal or fibreglass roof structure is Class 1 building. What are the two types of shade? There are many types of shade, but it ultimately it comes down to is the structure a residential, industrial, or commercial waterproof shade structure or not, i.e., pervious roof material (shade cloth) or impervious (metal or fibreglass). Do shade sail posts need to be angled? For sure! The angle should be away from the shade sail and installed at a 10-degree angle for steel and a 20-degree angle for timber posts. How do you stop shade sails from sagging? Shade sails that are installed by professionals like Versatile Structures should never sag and includes a 10-year warranty on both fabric and stitching. However, the reason they sag is because the tension that is applied at each attachment point is not distributed evenly in the sail, creating areas of concentrated stress around the corners. Using quality hardware, especially corner hardware is the most important source of tension in a sail. And so is prevention. Proactive inspections are the best approach to ensure maximum life and minimal disruption, as they highlight potential issues before they occur that can be actioned proactively to keep costs down before a failure eventuates.

Tensile membrane structure installed by Versatile Structures

Fabrics used in tensile membrane structures

What fabrics are used in tensile membrane structures? Depending on who you talk to in the shade structure industry, the material used to cover the structure can be referenced as either fabric or cloth. Fabric is essentially a material produced by weaving multiple fibres together for strength. Architectural fabrics is a combination which uses a woven polymer fabric coated or laminated with a synthetic material layer to form a membrane. This membrane is then tensioned over a steel frame to produce a shade structure, umbrellas, facades, or art installation pieces. The advantages of using a tensile membrane structure created with woven polymer fabrics include Lightweight – meaning there is less structural support required which makes it is generally more cost effective Translucent – allowing natural light to filter through the material, which means spending less on artificial lighting Durable – the polymer fibres do not rust, corrode or breakdown in UVR light which means they have a long-life span Aesthetic – tensioned membranes form beautifully curved surfaces allowing architects and designers free range to create unique structures. The most common architectural fabrics used in tensile membrane structures are Vinyl-coated polyester which is a polyester base material laminated or coated with polyvinyl chloride Fiberglass, a woven fiberglass base is generally coated with polytetrafluoroethylene Transparent polymer films or foils Polyethylene mesh or a plastic mesh produced from a variety of base resins. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) offer versatility at a reasonable cost, making them the two most popular resin choices for plastic netting. The inclusion of a translucent aerogel in the fabric composition adds insulating properties UVR considerations Australia is known for its high UV-radiation, which is especially true for areas like Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Dr Rick Tinker from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) said the December 2016 daily maximum UVR index average for Brisbane was 12.4. The highest ever recorded average was 12.5. Obtaining the right fabric with the best UVR rating is critical for a tensile membrane structure. Read more about UV and shade fabric. Fire considerations Along with considering UV radiation it is also important to consider how flame retardant material is, especially if the shade structure’s key purpose is to protect people. It is important that shade cloth be tested to AS1530 parts 2 and 3 that uses a fixed flame in contact with the fabric as specified by the Australian Standards. You can read more about shade structures and fire performance. Conclusion Essentially there are several elements to consider when choosing a fabric for a tensile membrane structure. It is advised that you speak to a shade sail expert like Versatile Structures, before making a final decision.

The psychology of choosing a shade sail colour

Whether you want to transform your shaded outdoor area with an aesthetic appearance that is light and airy, bold, and sophisticated, or any combination in between, you will be spoilt for choice as there are so many shade sail colours to choose from. Are you wanting the shade sail to blend into its surrounds or to stand out as a striking design feature? Matching shade sails to the colour of the existing structures will create a seamless aesthetic, while combining multiple shade cloth colours will add depth to a design and create visual interest that looks modern and bespoke. Different shade sail colours create different ambiences. Bright and light   White is timeless and always looks beautiful against a bright blue sky. While all high-quality shade sails provide excellent sun protection, lighter colours let in more light but may offer slightly less UVR protection than darker coloured sails. Play it cool The earthy shades of beige, pale sandy fawn, and light yellowish-brown compliments most colours other than grey and works well at a pool setting or near water as its calm, neutral tone creates an outdoor space that feels relaxed and laid back. Welcoming Regardless of the hue of blue you choose for your shade sail, you will create a space that feels welcoming and calming. Dark and dramatic   Black is the most classic and sophisticated of all colours, compliments its surrounding, and blends in well with the outdoors. While darker colours may allow less light and UVR penetration, they are known for hiding the dirt well, which is great if you are after a lower maintenance option. Go designer Grey shade sails blend beautifully with nature’s hues and is the choice for many a designer, who are looking for a blended solution. Fun and playful Bold and bright shade sails are fun, playful, and stand out. Combining colourful shade sails create an ultra-modern contrast and ideal for bigger spaces like children’s play areas, and hospitality and commercial areas. Branding The colours you choose should also be considered as an extension of your brand if you are using the space commercially. Brewdog in Brisbane is a good example of choosing colours that complement the colourful design of their walls and creates a cheerful feeling when you enter the space. Top sail fabrics Sadly, not all shade fabrics are created equal. They differ in UVR effectiveness, warranty lengths, cloth quality and strength. This article will help you better understand which fabrics we recommend and what their strengths are. Shade structure styles Colour may be the first thing we notice when looking at a shade structure, but the shade structure and style is important too, as it can have as big an impact on a space as the colour. It may be worth having a quick read through our write-up on the different types of structures to get a better sense of what is possible. Waterproof If you are thinking of choosing a waterproof structure, the colour options are different to normal shade fabric. These PVC colour brochures cover all waterproof solutions. Structure Colours Another colour consideration is the steel used in the construction itself. There are multiple powder coat colours to choose from. Have a look at these brochures to get an idea of what is available. Conclusion The colours you chose will impact the amount of maintenance required, UVR absorption, heat as well as whether the shade structure is on trend. It is worth taking your time to choose the right colour however if you do feel like a change over time, it is easy to change.

Shade sails installed by Versatile Structures for Supercheap Auto

Shade structures by industry

Shade structures by industry There are no hard and fast rules about which shade structure design you can or can’t use for your business or residential property. With hundreds of styles, colours and shade fabrics to choose from, different industries seem to gravitate to certain shade structure solutions though. The reason for that is that specific shade structure designs are most suited to solving an explicit need or problem that is common to that industry. Let’s consider a few examples. Sports and Recreation Iconic sport stadiums may be the first thing that comes to mind, but there are also grandstands, swimming and aquatics facilities, multipurpose sports courts and bowling green canopies to mention some. These shade solutions need to offer sufficient shade to protect the users of that area but also provide cover for the equipment and facilities. There are a smaller shade structures that can also be considered, like the shade structure we designed, manufactured and installed for the Noosa Council Skate Park. Retail and Commercial Shade structures provide shade and weather protection for patrons, guests and customers and are vital in creating the right customer experience for a retail or commercial business. Imagine an outdoor dining area without protection from UV radiation or what the impact would be if Bunnings didn’t have shade over their nursery. We created and installed over 5,000 m2 of shade sails for nurseries at Bunnings outlets in Ipswich, Kingaroy, Bundamba and Underwood to create an effective way of filtering the light and enabling the growth of plants that usually require a tree canopy. Schools Covered outdoor learning areas are a great way for students to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight without exposing their young skins to the harsh UVR. Shade sails not only block out the harmful UV rays of the sun, but they also assist in repelling the heat that would otherwise impact students in the playground and schoolyard. An example of creative thinking is this multicolour custom designed shade sail we installed at St Joseph’s Tobruk Memorial School in Beenleigh, Queensland to enable an outdoor classroom and inspiring an innovative space to relax during breaks. Hospitality and Tourism Not all shade structures need to be so bright and vibrant that they can be seen from space. Below is a great example of a restaurant that identified the opportunity to expand their footprint by creating a waterproof outside dining area that made optimal use of natural light. Using a translucent PVC with a glazed vertical walling system allowed Meccah Bah customers to comfortably enjoy their meals regardless of what the weather is doing outside. Government and Council Government projects can be challenging owing to their scale and the levels of processes, regulations and approvals that are required. It is owing to these regulations however that Australia is such a secure place and have much to offer all citizens who call Australia home. One example is a large-scale shade project we did for Noosa Council at the Noosa Botanical Gardens, that won two awards. With an area surrounded by a well-established tree canopy, the shade sails needed to be visually pleasing while simultaneously managing the light and humidity for the precious and sensitive plant community beneath – read more about the project. Transport and Infrastructure How often have we used public transport and not even noticed the shelter making our transition more comfortable either by providing clear signage of where to go or providing shade or protection from the rain while we wait. We were tasked with designing, fabricating, and installing a variety of custom aluminium and Cor-Ten signs as part of the multimillion-dollar Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail development. This included the Margaret Street Entry sign, double-sided identification signs, the laser cut distance marker plates on the path and rail trail crossing signs throughout. We needed to warrant that the signage reflects the architect’s vision and the unique landscape. To ensure the signage last, the customised cast vinyl graphics panels were covered with a satin 60% gloss protective UV resistant clear coat. We hope this article inspires some ideas about what is possible and who knows, you may even create a new custom solution. Certainly, keep us posted if you do!

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