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SHADE SAILS: FORM MEETS FUNCTIONShade structures in public spaces such as parks, greenways and plazas provide an essential, functional role, but they should also contribute to the overall ambiance of a public space. Shade sails—the geometric swaths of shade cloth stretched taut betweenbuildings or stanchions—are increasingly used to provide a point of intrigue and much-valued shade to any public space.

“As more designers see shade design as a central component of their plans for public spaces, shade sails are becoming more popular,” said Steve Daegling, Awning Products Manager for Trivantage, the nation’s one-stop shop for shade, marine and upholstery fabricators.

COLOR TO ATTRACT OR BLEND INA wide variety of fabrics are available to create shade sails that are eye-catchingor that blend into the landscape. Brighter colors will complement blooming fl owers in the spring, provide a pop of color in the winter and be a point of interest for the space. Neutral colors allow the shade sail to blend in with surrounding buildings, so element, like public art can shine.

FABRIC FOR ANY APPLICATIONFabric selection will depend on the amount of light transmission and rain protection desired. Choose from a wide range of fabrics from knitted shade cloth that allows for air movement through the fabric, to vinyl mesh that blocks solar heat but preservesthe view. Fabrics suitable for shade sail applications include Polyfab Architec 400®, Polytex® and Comtex®; Gale Pacifi c Commercial 95™ Synthesis, Commercial 95 WP™ and SaFRshade™; Serge Ferrari Soltis® 86, Soltis® 92, Soltis® 93 and Précontraint®

502; and BTF-19™.

SHAPES THAT PROVIDE SHADEShade sails get their name from their most popular shape— the triangle that is reminiscent of a ship’s sail— but shapes are limited only to the designer’s imagination.The four-point shape, installed two high points and two low points, offers optimal shading and wind resistance. Two, four-point sails that interlock provide the most effective shade coverage for children’s playgrounds, picnic areas and spectator areas at ball fi elds.

Even more creative and eye catching are amoeba-like shade sails with even more anchor points to cover larger areas.

ENGINEERED TO LASTThe beauty and gravity-defying elegance of shade sales requires technical collaboration of a shade fabricator and a structural engineer. The fabricator brings expertise in color, installation and sewing of the fabric to create straight, smooth lines. An engineer provides insight into siting shade sails and assuring that anchor points are safely positioned to withstand the forces of gravity and wind.

“Your fabricator/engineer team will also select the correct hardware for the installationto ensure that it’s not only beautiful, but safe and long lasting,” Daegling said.

Polyfab™ Pro Shade Sail Hardware, a premium line of marine grade stainless steel hardware, is designed to be used in engineered tension shade sail structures. Durable and weather resistant, using this hardware in conjunction with your choice of fabric will provide a shade sail structure that will last for years.

GROWING IN POPULARITYInvented in Australia, shade sails are growing in popularity in the United States. Municipalities have a renewed focus on park and greenway development as a means to enhance the civic culture of communities across the country. Shade sails are one part of the park equation, providing sculpture-like beauty and much needed shade to commonareas where residents can relax, recreate, exercise and get to know their neighbors.

CREATE DISTINCTIVE PUBLIC SPACES WITH SHADE SAILS

Photos courtesy of Phoenix Tent and Awning

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