UV protection for students is a critical issue for universities, schools and colleges who need to meet stringent health and safety regulations.
Correctly positioned shade sails can block out up to 95% of the suns rays and cut heat levels down dramatically.
Strict smoking bans have also prompted the construction of shaded terraces, courtyards and roof top spaces to accommodate smokers.
Monash University in Melbourne needed shade sails for a new outdoor terrace area. This sizeable outdoor recreation space was designed to give students an area to relax between lectures and accommodate smokers.
The second storey terrace was north facing and had little natural shade protection. During hot summers it would be largely unusable for critical parts of the day. Rainy days could also be a problem and the shade sail solution had to be waterproof too.
GV Mulder was selected as the shade sail supplier. One large span floating shade sail, The Eclipse, was proposed to provide maximum shade cover. This innovative two pole design had a smaller footprint that a traditional four pole design and could easily fit within this constricted space.
For solid construction and durable tensioning, each supporting post had a large diameter. High clearance ensured no obstruction to passing vehicles.
The sails were designed from a natural tone PVC, ideally complementing Monash University’s own brick design. This high quality membrane was waterproof and UV resistant, able to provide good protection from rain, wind and sun. Supporting posts were made from hot dipped galvanised steel, resistant to rain, salt corrosion and rust.
The end result was a light and airy looking shade structure. Students could now relax outside in comfort, whatever the weather.