More than twenty-five years ago Shade7 set out to make the finest cantilever umbrellas, designed by Kiwis to be strong enough for New Zealand’s challenging environment and elegant enough to be admired and used world-wide.
- The best NZ cantilever umbrella would be strong in the wind.
- The best NZ cantilever umbrella would perform in salty, marine conditions.
- The best NZ cantilever umbrella would protect kiwis from UV damage in our ozone-depleted environment.
- And of course, the best NZ cantilever umbrella would be stunningly beautiful.
The best to emerge is Shade7’s world-class Riviera cantilever umbrella. With each new Riviera version that Shade7 creates, it seems to be “job done”. But Shade7 is committed to continuous innovation, and each incredible new Riviera cantilever umbrella brings something more to be enjoyed and admired by New Zealanders as well as by the rest of the world.
So what exactly makes a cantilever umbrella the best cantilever umbrella for New Zealand conditions?
With the introduction of Shade7’s latest Riviera Premium cantilever umbrella, (launched as the Riviera 4), let’s take a closer look at what goes into making the best cantilever umbrella for New Zealanders.
Making a cantilever umbrella durable:
The starting point for strength in a Shade7 cantilever umbrella is engineering: aerodynamics, stance of mast to cantilever ratio, scale, weight, and much more. Within the design, each external and internal component is engineered for the pressures of wind, rain, marine conditions and UV impact. With premium features such as tilt and rotation, key requirements such as stability in the wind become even more important. The design and engineering around function working with appearance are tested and honed for the best Shade7 customer experience. Mast, frame, joints, canopy, cables, fastenings, installation fittings, tilt and rotation features – all parts contribute to the whole and each must do their job.
What is the Riviera Premium construction?
New Zealand’s coastal environment is challenging to any construction. Outdoor umbrellas, which are essentially freestanding sails, can be more rigorously demanded upon than even outdoor furniture or decorative features such as pergolas. Premium outdoor umbrellas can be exposed to years of often extreme conditions as well as seasons of inactivity, consistently exposed to sun, wind, and rain.
The Riviera mast is aluminium with 20micron anodising for added durability. The strength of the anodised aluminium mast is continued through the frame and trim and winder handle with superb elegance. Riviera Premium aluminium arms have been re-engineered to be 300% stronger than the durable strong aluminium arms of early models. Internal streamlining and refined engineering together with increased strength of components like the hub locator make this the strongest Riviera cantilever to date.
Making a cantilever umbrella perform in marine conditions:
Marine performance is closely aligned with the quality of materials used. In addition to the anodised aluminium mast, frame and trim discussed above, Riviera Premium fittings such as spigot, bolts, base plate, along with joint fixings and internal operating cables, are 316 marine-grade stainless steel, to ensure longevity. Canopies are constructed from European-made solution-dyed, UV and water-resistant canvas and XX UV-rated stitching. With burn-times so short in New Zealand, having an extra layer of protection between your loved ones and the sun not only reduces UV damage, it allows for greater use and enjoyment of outdoor spaces.
Making a cantilever umbrella strong in the wind:
In addition to using premium weather-resistant durable materials throughout, testing umbrella strength in a wind-tunnel ensures that when Shade7’s Riviera cantilever umbrellas are installed nationwide and across the pacific at resorts and beautiful homes all over the country, they will enhance any space for many years. Shade7 Riviera cantilever umbrellas parts, materials and components are all engineers with the determination to provide lasting, beautiful shade for New Zealanders.
Shade7 umbrellas enhance the most beautiful and challenging locations across New Zealand, the Pacific and further afield, looking better for longer, and doing the tough job Shade7 designed them to do, in beautiful, enduring style. To learn more about how the Riviera 4 can transform your own outdoor living space, contact the friendly, experienced Shade7 team, or visit the Shade7 showroom at 1096 Great South Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland.
