Shade Structure

Canterbury College in Queensland commissioned Versatile Structures to design, manufacture and install a waterproof shade structure for their new Olympic size pool 450m2 grandstand, as well as a pool structure cover of 278m2 for their second smaller pool area. We chose to use Mehler Valmex FR700 Nano for both membranes, as the high fluoride content and other ingredients in the substrate offer 98% UV-protection and reduce the surface heat, making it much more bearable in the harsh Australian sun. Also, the membranes are easy to clean and has a long lifespan, which is an ideal investment for Canterbury College. The steelwork was designed by our in-house tension membrane engineer, and the structures built safe and tough using heavy duty steel coatings, and engineered ground connections. Our meticulous design and craftsmanship ensure sails are designed with the latest 3D software, cut and pattern matched using a computerised plotter cutter and joined using double stitched long life PVDF stitch thread, to ensure they perform well for years, do not sag, pool water, or flap about in the wind! The second phase of the project for their smaller pool area needed to be completed during school holidays to maximise site safety, which meant our team of six guys had only 4 days to complete the structure. They worked tirelessly and were able to successfully build and install the structure in time. 360 View Video

Like so many things, the quality of a shade structure lies in the details. Here are our top five quality indicators: CRAFTMANSHIP A domestic or commercial shade sail consists of 3 key elements: the shade cloth, the edging and the corners. A quality shade cloth can be identified by the fibres of the shade fabric, which are either knitted or woven and provide at least 94% UV protection and have a life span of up to 15 years. You can identify the quality by the double locking stitching. Another quality indicator is the use of a robust thread for the double lock stitching,  that does not deteriorate from exposure to elements and UV radiation. For a quality shade structure not only will the shade fabric and stitching materials be of high quality but also the craftmanship of the stitching. DESIGN AND EXPERTISE An expert shade structure supplier offers a complete end to end design, construct, management, and installation service that covers all areas of the project, from functionality consideration, initial design concepts, site specific requirements and shading efficiencies, wind regions, engineering, building approvals, structurally sound installations, as well as the commissioning of electrical aspects. A well designed shade structure sail will not, sag, droop, flap about or wear out quickly and it will provide shade or rain protection to the right area. This may seem logical but there have been numerous shade structures the Versatile Structures have been called in to re-work owing to the shade structure not providing shade protection to the right area – this specifically happens when an installer doesn’t consider the sun position for the time of year when the structure is being designed. Naturally, all shade structural designs must meet AS/NZS1170.0, AS/NZ1170.1, AS/NZ1170.2, AS4100, AS3600 and AS1170.4 standards. DURABILITY  Australian weather conditions are very tough on fabric. Material quality differs hugely across suppliers and not all fabric can handle the searing heat and high wind loads. The initial investment in quality fabric and workmanship means higher durability and huge cost savings in the long run. Quality PVC sails combined with some sensible maintenance will ensure the shade structure lasts for over 15 years. FINISHES Smart features like powder coated poles in the colour of your choice, strong corner detailing on the shade fabric for added strength, sails designed with 3D software and cut with accurate computerised equipment create a distinctive streamlined appearance. Another great feature is hidden stainless-steel cables around the edge of the sail for tensioning and ongoing adjustment, this feature is further enhanced with the use of marine grade stainless steel chain and fittings which will never rust, wear out, corrode or work lose.  Finishes like these all add to the design quality and workmanship expertise that deliver shade structures that will look good and deliver year in and year out. INSTALL The key to erecting a solid shade structure is strong deep foundations, with lots of steel reinforcement in the concrete. Another key indicator for a quality shade structure is the use of engineered poles that have been specifically engineered for your custom structure. Engineered poles will be there for the long run and a sail that has been carefully designed and installed, it will not vibrate excessively under wind load. This gives you two benefits. It will not work lose and it will not fatigue prematurely. Have a read through our article on shade structure questions if you still have unanswered questions.

Choosing the right domestic or commercial shade structure supplier is vital to ensure your installation is delivered on time, at the agreed price, and in compliance with quality standards. When doing your due diligence, take the following in consideration: How many years’ experience do they have? It takes years to understand the technical properties of fabric materials and master design challenges. Avoid paying someone to learn on your job, so no less than 10 years’ commercial experience will do. Also, look for a proven track record on larger scale projects, and testimonies from happy customers. Do they own and control the entire process? Direct accountability from the design, fabric, steel work fabrication, through to the installation is key, should anything go wrong down the line. Dealing with a one-stop solution also cuts out middleman margins. Do they offer custom builds? When considering your area, it is important to think about the future life of the structure like day-to-day wind conditions, pollutants, contaminants, and airborne debris. Custom shade sails meet individual requirements and ensure adequate shade or rain protection. What fabrics do they use? Cheaper second-tier shade sails are not proven to work in harsh Australian conditions, especially as conditions vary between states, with Brisbane being hot and sunny for most of the year, while Melbourne has a cooler climate. High spec European and Australian materials are more expensive upfront but give a far better finish and much better long-term performance. Do they have access to specialist manufacturing equipment and their own factory facilities? Sophisticated tools like computerised fabric plotter cutters, high-power radio frequency welders and high productivity installation equipment make all the difference in the finished product and factory facilities also mean installation time is minimised as most of the pre-assembly and preparation work takes place in the factory, not at your property. What warranties do they offer? Many warranties only cover replacement of the fabric and not the labour and repair costs. Do not be caught out with nasty surprises. Look for an iron clad warranty package over the entire system, not just the fabric skin and ask what product and back-up servicing are included?  

When investing in commercial shade structures, it’s essential to understand the distinction between price and value to ensure a sound return on investment (ROI). As Warren Buffett famously said, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” Understanding Price and Value The price of a shade structure is the upfront cost, while its value encompasses the benefits it provides over time, such as durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Opting for the cheapest option may lead to higher maintenance costs and shorter lifespan, diminishing the overall value. Evaluating Return on Investment (ROI) ROI measures the profitability of an investment by comparing the net benefits to the initial cost. A positive ROI indicates a worthwhile investment. For example, if a shade structure costs $10,000 and generates $15,000 in benefits over its lifespan, the ROI is 50%. Factors Influencing Value and ROI Material Quality: High-quality materials may have a higher upfront cost but offer greater durability and lower maintenance, enhancing value and ROI. Design and Functionality: Custom designs that meet specific needs can improve usability and customer satisfaction, contributing to higher returns. Installation Expertise: Professional installation ensures structural integrity and longevity, preventing future expenses. Maintenance Requirements: Structures requiring minimal maintenance reduce ongoing costs, improving ROI. Making Informed Decisions To maximize ROI, consider the long-term benefits and costs associated with a shade structure, not just the initial price. Investing in a high-quality, well-designed, and professionally installed structure can provide greater value over time. At Versatile Structures, we specialize in creating innovative and customized solutions for various projects, including commercial shade structures. Our team is always up for a challenge, and our competitive edge lies in our agility in the market while ensuring a delightful customer experience. We never compromise on the quality of our work, even if it means keeping our prices competitive. Our unique selling proposition is a key factor in our success, as we have set ourselves apart from the competition. We are proud to say that no other company can match our standards when it comes to delivering exceptional results. Conclusion Understanding the difference between price and value is crucial when investing in commercial shade structures. By focusing on factors that influence value and ROI, you can make informed decisions that benefit your business in the long run.

Every industry has its inside story and here is ours. The domestic and commercial shade sails industry is unregulated, with no formal qualifications or official industry training required. Training and standards come down to the individual shade structure businesses and their internal systems. Inexperienced operators don’t know what they don’t know and with many simply having a go, it means they could learn on your job and at your expense. Not to mention how severe the consequences can be if loads are calculated incorrectly and causing the structure to collapse. Australian weather conditions are very tough on fabric. Material quality differs hugely across suppliers and not all fabric can handle the searing heat and high wind loads in areas like Brisbane and along the East Coast of Australia. A quote using a cheap fabric cannot be compared to one with high spec European or Australian made fabric and fittings, so make sure you are comparing apples with apples. In our experience cheaper fabrics work out far more expensive in the long run and your smartest investment is to only use materials that are proven in our extreme conditions. Fabric structures are complex to build and it takes years of observation and trial and error to master fundamentals such as live loading, fabric knowledge, wind uplift and down forces, and material limitations. Tolerance levels are small, and there are many ways to get it wrong. Flat spots or big wrinkles that appear once the sail is pulled tight are indicative of the three-dimensional curves in a sail not being designed, cut, joined, and fabricated accurately. Inferior design can also create excessive vibration causing fatigue and early failure in a structure. Also, the final sail shape and the positioning of the poles are important to ensure adequate coverage throughout the day and seasons, as a sail that is built with the incorrect shape and orientation will fail to cast shade or provide sufficient rain cover in the correct place. Experienced shade structures suppliers have an excellent understanding of design for all types of shade structures from insulated polycarbonate roof panels and external awnings and blinds, to carpark shade structures and custom shade sails. When choosing value over price, what may seem as more expensive upfront will deliver a far better return on investment in the long run.

Carpark Shade Structures, a worthy investment. When Designed correctly they are robust and attractive! Why our Carpark Shade Structures are best Reinforced and Adequate Footings. Footings are the most critical element of a structure, See earlier posts in our blog. Footings must be engineered and take into account specific soil conditions of the site during the design process. Locating existing services can save all parties allot of hassle when it comes to the excavation of the footings, this is why we will always recommend a independent location service is included with your project Properly engineered and coated steelwork. Ensuring adequacy of steelwork is fundamental in our approach throughout the design process, without correctly engineered members, your structure is at risk of failure during stormy conditions. Taking into account site specific conditions, such as Wind Region Terrain Category Footing Details Localised conditions not covered by standard engineering formats. Connection details for the steelwork, ensuring the following is considered so the members can transfer the loads into the ground. Adequate details for transferring the loads whilst maintaining a uniform and streamlined look. Size of plates and load calculations to resist bending and twisting of plates throughout their life Adequacy of Bolts to resist the loads exerted through the member into the plates, held together by the bolts. Membrane or shade sail attachment to the members, should limit penetration into the steelwork if not avoid it completely. This will protect the steelwork from corrosion throughout the life span. Load calculations must also be completed to ensure the member can resist the tensioning forces of the membrane without deforming to an unrealistic level Steelwork coating options though vast in their options should be given high levels of thought before deciding to proceed with an option. Location specifics are particularly important. Hot Dipped Galvanizing: Long lasting and highly durable, best of all cost effective. Aesthetic appeal is low as it is not uniform in appearance and dull to shiny grey Warranties from 5 years – 25 years are common depnding on environmental conditions. Powderocatiing: The most diverse coating in quality and longevity of all coatings. Powdercoating is generally a cost effective option for adding colour to steelwork, however if not completed properly it can be very costly to recoat and in some cases not possible at all once installed. Warranty options are not generally available for standard systems. However we have some powdercoating options that come with up to a 10year warranty period on steel and 25 years for aluminium. Aesthetic Appeal is high and generally smooth in appearance. Just because you are being advised you are getting powdercoated steelwork does not mean that you are getting the above system. Each process has a cost so if our coating price looks more expensive ask us the questions and let us explain to you what have allowed for so you can compare with the other quotations you have received. Ensure your powdercoated steelwork receives a class 2.5 blast at minimum then a primer coat, and powdercoat after this. 2Pac: Long lasting colour coating systems. Standard systems are priced similar to powdercoat systems of the same quality level. Warranty available generally between 5 years – 15years and in some cases longer for extra high durability systems, though cost can be quite high. Colour options are unlimited as the paint can be matched to any PMS colour you require. Paint naturely cures in ambient temperature to achieve an even appearance and high quality finish. Not automotive finish for structural steelwork though. Steelwork is Sand blasted to Class 3: Primed and painted in a high durability 2 Pac System. HDG + 2Pac: Often used for council projects in coastal areas. Warranty not available though the process is believed to be the most superior of all systems available today. Coating is uniform in appearance from a distance, though on close inspections all imperfections from the galvanizing process will be visible. Primer and topcoat are then added to provide a coloured finish. Steel is whip blasted and rough edges taken off after Galvanizing process. HDG protects the steel substrate and 2 Pac paint provides the colour.  Minimum Height Requirements and site specifics. All too often carpark shade structures can be damaged by vehicular impacts, this generally occurs when certain things don’t take place. Installation of Clearance height indicators, though simple, are very effective at limiting vehicles from entering an area with a height restriction in place. Adequate consultation throughout the traffic management process, limiting delivery vehicles into areas of shade, curbing details and warning signs Ensuring the carpark shades are installed with enough clearance to accommodate large vehicles. Generally between 2.4m – 2.8m but can be higher depending on the site specific conditions, particularly in rural areas. Smart design prior to unearthing the issues is ideal, but if encountered throughout the life of a project, we ensure you that we are able to handle the situation, promptly, efficiently and most importantly cost effectively. In Summary, Carpark shade structures are a worthy investment if you consider the above information. Like any investment it often pays dividends to spend a little bit extra at the start to ensure a much longer lasting investment for years to come. Stay Versatile! Jamie Howard