Creating effective shelter for open spaces at school and university campuses, such as for playgrounds/recreation, sports fields, outdoor seated lunch areas and staff courtyards, presents unique challenges.
Whilst it is generally impractical to screen fields and playgrounds from wind and rain, protection from overhead sun for sports bystanders, outdoor dining areas, and features like sandpits at early learning centres, is not only possible but advisable. Shade7’s premium, durable commercial umbrella range offers solutions across scale and budget. All Shade7 commercial umbrellas offer the highest possible UV protection, excellent strength and wind-resistance, and if rain sets in, high water-resistance offers protection from rain.
The statuesque Tempest umbrella continues its long-standing service at schools and universities, coastal restaurants and public venues nationwide. These sturdy telescopic centre pole umbrellas are engineered to withstand winds of up to 80kph (5m square Tempest? and 100kph (4m square Tempest).
With its significant weight and size, the Tempest is typically bolted to a concrete patio or to an in-ground fitting that has been cast into cement. Deck installation is also an option when planned in consultation with an engineer.
The larger a square umbrella is, the longer the corner arms and the greater the likelihood the arms could hit furniture or even the ground when the umbrella is closed. The Tempest umbrella resolves this issue with its telescopic function, the top of the umbrella rising as the umbrella is closed, drawing the long arms after it. When the umbrella is fully closed, the closed arms easily clear tables.
For those wanting a large yet moveable umbrella, Shade7’s new 3.5m square Alfresco balance umbrella will be the perfect solution. The incorporation of telescopic action means that the generous 3.5m square can be used through or near any table. The special ‘balance’ design ensures that opening the umbrella is virtually effortless, and the unique hub-locking leaver offers additional ease of operation. The Alfresco is especially suited to restaurants who are unable to bolt down, and school courtyards, where umbrellas may be used to shade lunch tables or play groups, then re-arranged or moved altogether for assemblies and group activities.
Bases are all that stand between an upright umbrella and the wind, so special stackable bases have been developed to support the scale of the Alfresco. Each stack is 25kgs and can be stacked up to 200kgs. These bases are not wheeled, so are best suited to locations where umbrellas won’t be frequently moved.
These stackable umbrella bases can also be used with the Milan umbrella range, Shade7’s smaller ‘big’ umbrella range. The new stackable bases would typically only be used with the Milan in very exposed locations, as the 45kg concrete filled base and 45kg premium wheeled base are sufficient for most locations and may be more easily moved.
For a generous scale and elegant presence, Shade7’s highly wind-rated Riviera premium cantilever umbrella is beautifully designed and engineered to be strong enough for commercial use. The Riviera has become the umbrella of choice for early learning and daycare centres. It elevates outdoor settings as well as supplying protective shade, and is also in demand at hotels, restaurants and pacific resorts as well as countless residential locations nationwide.
The smaller, lighter, but equally strong Venice umbrella is another fantastic option for courtyards and café tables.
With an outstanding range of options designed and engineered for New Zealand’s challenging costal conditions, Shade7 will help you to discover the best solution for your school or university space. To discuss options, call into the showroom or contact the team.
