Abacus Shade Structures is still working at the highest heights after receiving High commendation for Shade Structure at our joint Australian and New Zealand Association Conference in Queenstown New Zealand.
A 150sm shade structure incorporates a vertical screen into the main shadecloth structure. Striking and functional, it keeps out heat, glare and hail but attracts clients due to its distinctive blue colour and design. The shadecloth is Monotec Bundeena Blue.
The purpose of the project was to provide a shade solution to a western facing car yard. The structure needed to be functional to protect vehicles in the yard from the elements and have visibility to attract car buyers.
The client requirements were· value for money, a unique design, shade protection, hail protection for cars, protection from the western afternoon sun and high visibility.
The shade structure was designed and manufactured to be strong and provide service for many years in all kinds of weather including hot summers and hail storms. Hail damaged cars in car yards cost millions of dollars every year to the motor vehicle industry.
The client couldn’t deal with the glare from the western sun. He wanted 100% coverage over his yard. The structure was made in one piece so no sun or hail could penetrate through open areas. This job had to be practical and on budget.
The design is unique in that it incorporates a vertical drop screen into the main overhead structure.A sewn band differentiates the roof from the vertical screen. This seam is cut on a curve and under tension to create a gentle sweeping saddle effect between the posts. This adds another element of interest. The structure stands independently of the building. Steel posts are strong and functional and support the fabric. Being hot dipped galvanised the posts will not rust inside or out.
A fabric structure need not be expensive to be functional and strong. With the cost of building extensions in excess of $1200/sm this shade structure which is classed as a type of building, cost 20% of that. The structure has achieved all the client’s wishes of shade, hail protection, visibility, strength, screening from the western sun and the right price. A solid building would have cost the client over $150,000.00. Imagine the client’s surprise at our quote! It’s not hard to decide on a fabric structure.
Because money mattered, the savings achieved by building a shade structure instead of a solid building have made this project special. The results exceeded expectations and the client is elated.