Maximise your outdoor living and energy savings with Australian-made retractable sail system
Current environmental design employs a combination of passive solar-control strategies to reduce the impact on mechanical air-conditioning and heating systems, with passive design involving the combined approach of reducing unwanted solar gains during summer, while maximising solar gains through winter. In its simplest terms, this means shading of glazed areas during summer while allowing sunlight exposure through winter. By using retractable shade systems, this scenario is easily accomplished.
A fully retractable shade system that is fast becoming one of Australia’s biggest success stories, Shaderunner® is a unique system made in South Australia by a family-owned business. Developed from more than 50 years of sailing experience and the precision needed for yacht sails, the Shaderunner® is manufactured from a range of rigorously tested fabrics that are as durable as they are stylish, designed to withstand high-traffic applications and the demands of the harsh Australian climate. Combining the highest-quality yachting fittings with a robust yet lightweight sail canopy, the Shaderunner® is easy to operate and suits a wide variety of applications.
In the lovely coastal town of Port Willunga, the owners of a stunning new home decided to install a Shaderunner® system and are reaping the benefits. In a beach house that represents the ultimate fusion of contemporary style, functionality and sustainable design, the combination of vertical sliding timber screens and two Shaderunner® Retractable Sail Systems overhead has transformed the entertaining deck into a usable outdoor space, even on the hottest days. As well as providing thermal comfort to the outdoor spaces, this combined approach protects the windows from the sun when at lower angles, minimising unwanted solar gains and reducing the load on the air-conditioning system. During the cooler months, the timber screens can be opened and the Shaderunner® systems folded back to maximise light and solar gains, reducing the need for mechanical heating.
Shadeform operations manager Steve Constable worked alongside architect Ben Mountford from the early design stages of the Port Willunga home to ensure the Shaderunner® Retractable Sail Systems were neatly incorporated into the final building design. By following the process through to construction, Steve ensured the final design was both functional and stylish, with the creation of a series of custom brackets to enable maximum shading without compromising the operation of the sliding timber screens. The result is a practical shade solution that will provide years of enjoyment for the homeowners and their guests.
Constructed from only the most durable marine-grade yacht fittings and Ronstan ball bearing pulleys, Shaderunner® Retractable Sail ensures years of trouble-free shading with minimal maintenance. The Shaderunner® is manufactured from a range of rigorously tested fabrics, from 95 per cent polyester mesh to waterproof PVC. Each fabric is mould-resistant and offers protection from glare and the sun’s harmful rays, with a wide range of fabrics and colours available.
The Shaderunner® Retractable Sail System is ideally suited to a range of applications around the home, including outdoor entertaining spaces, patios, swimming pools and courtyards. Complementing all architectural styles — from contemporary suburban homes to traditional country residences — the unique qualities of Shaderunner® make it suitable for the smallest domestic settings right up to large-span commercial projects, such as aquatic parks and hotels.
With distributors in each state, the Shaderunner® is available throughout Australia. Contact Shaderunner® Australia today to discuss your residential or commercial project.
Project details
Architect: Mountford Williamson mountfordwilliamson.com.au
Builder: Catalyst Homes catalysthomes.com.au
Photos: Phil Handforth philhandforth.com
Shaderunner® product: 2 x manual Shaderunner® Retractable Sails in Outlook “Chalk”
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