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Integrations and Accessories for Your Project

When planning a commercial shade structure, it is essential to think beyond the basics. Whilst protection from heat, harmful UV rays, and rain are often the primary project drivers, exploring what else your structure can deliver is essential. Shade structure integrations and accessories can transform a simple project into a versatile and highly functional space.

These add-ons can enhance your structure, making it more than just a shelter. They can provide added value, improve usability, and offer additional protection. Let’s explore how the right integrations and accessories can elevate your project to the next level.

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The Importance of Integrations and Accessories

Choosing the right integrations and accessories is crucial for maximising the benefits of your shade structure. Whether you’re designing a sports facility, a school COLA, or a community space, the right add-ons can seamlessly integrate with your structure design, enhancing functionality and comfort. They’re not just extras—they’re essential elements that can make or break the success of your project.

Key Integrations to Consider

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING

Well-placed lighting extends the usability of your space. Artificial lighting is necessary for areas that need to be functional during evening hours or in low-light conditions.

Our design team can create a custom lighting plan and seamlessly integrate lighting solutions into your shade structure. This will ensure your facility has the required lighting without impacting its aesthetics or functionality. The team will also ensure that your facility complies with any specific lighting level requirements, whether for competition, to minimise the impact on your neighbours, or both.

DATA POINTS AND WI-FI

In today’s connected world, reliable internet access is vital. Data points and Wi-Fi integrations allow for smooth device operation, making your space tech-friendly. Whether for educational purposes, events, or day-to-day operations, this integration ensures your outdoor space is as connected as any indoor environment.

SKYLIGHTS

Skylights are an excellent option if you are considering a steel roof structure to meet your project needs. They provide natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial lights during the day. Including skylights in a steel roof structure creates a more open, airy feel.

END INFILLS AND SIDE SKIRTS

End infills are a solution for filling in the open ends of your structure. They offer additional protection from the elements while maintaining airflow. These features are especially beneficial for areas requiring a balance of light and shelter.

Side skirts offer additional shade and protection from wind and rain, making the space more comfortable and versatile. They effectively add partial sides (typically about a metre) between the columns along the sides of a structure. Side skirts minimise the driving rain that can enter the space. They also maximise the duration of shade coverage throughout the day.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Sustainable and practical rainwater harvesting systems can seamlessly integrate into your shade structure. These systems collect and store rainwater, which can be reused for landscaping, cleaning, or flushing toilets. It’s an environmentally friendly solution that reduces water waste and supports sustainability goals.

SOLAR PANELS

Harness the sun's power with solar panel integrations to generate renewable energy. If you choose a skillion or gable steel roof structure, our team can incorporate solar panels into the design. This reduces your carbon footprint and can lead to significant cost savings.

SYNTHETIC TURF AND ACRYLIC SURFACING

Synthetic turf and acrylic surfacing are essential for sports facilities. These materials provide durable, low-maintenance surfaces that are perfect for a variety of activities. Whether it’s tennis courts, playgrounds, or multi-use sports areas, these surfaces ensure your space is ready for action.

RETRACTABLE HOOPS AND SCOREBOARDS

Retractable hoops and scoreboards are critical accessories for sports structures. They equip your facility for competitive play and training, providing an experience comparable to indoor sports arenas. Our design team can neatly integrate these accessories into the structure so you can quickly and easily deploy or conceal them.

FANS, HEATING, AND COOLING SYSTEMS

Climate control is key to making your outdoor space comfortable year-round. Our team can integrate fans, heating, and cooling systems into your shade structure design. These integrations ensure user comfort, no matter the weather. This is particularly important for frequently used spaces or large gatherings.

POST PADS

Safety is paramount in any structure. Post pads protect the base of structural posts, reducing the risk of injury.

SOUNDPROOFING/ABSORBING PANELS

If your project requires a steel roof solution, it can produce a lot of echoes and sound reverberance when in use. This can detract from user experience, so soundproofing or absorbing panels can be a vital addition. These panels reduce noise levels, making the space more enjoyable and functional.

Soundproofing/absorbing panels are particularly useful in educational settings. They ensure that the noise of play in the space doesn’t disrupt learning in adjacent classrooms.

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We deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

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Making the Most of Your Project with Integrations and Accessories

Selecting the right integrations and accessories for your project is about more than just adding features. Integrations enhance your space's overall value and functionality. By thinking about your users' needs and the demands of your environment, our team can design a space that looks great and is functional.

Choosing which integrations to include in the design phase helps manage project delivery during construction.  This approach ensures that every element, from shade sails to PA systems, is seamlessly integrated into your structure design, resulting in a cohesive, functional space that meets all your needs.

If adding integrations and accessories to your structure exceeds your initial project budget, our team can design for those elements to be seamlessly fitted later.  

When planned correctly, these optional extras and accessories are integral to your project’s success. Your structure delivers sun protection and weather resistance. Integrations deliver enhanced functionality and user comfort. The right integrations and accessories will help you create a space that stands out and serves its purpose efficiently.

Reuben Wallace
REUBEN WALLACE   Business Development Manager