Tensile Membrane

Structure.

When you need practical, all-weather protection with architectural freedom

Tensile Membrane Structures are made using the same fabric and structural steel as our COLA Canopy® backed with the same industry-leading warranty of 25 years. They provide practical protection for your community from the rain and sun while allowing plenty of natural light to shine through.

Some fabrics incorporate a heat shield to keep the temperature comfortable for your students too. Due to the lightweight nature of the fabric used, there is architectural freedom to create any form imaginable. A Tensile Membrane Structure suits our widest range of applications from playgrounds to walkways, bus-stops, click & collect and eating areas and more. Large or small, these shade structures are in a class of their own.

shade warranty
waterproof shade
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Key features

  • Sun and rain protection. Heat resistant. 100% waterproof. Blocks over 99% of UV rays.

  • Product warranty: 25 years. Structurally engineered using galvanised RHS steel framework and fixings for ultimate safety and durability.

  • Lead time: 6 – 9 months. From confirmation of the contract.

  • Council consent not required 49 m2 and under. If larger, we take care of the consent process

  • Cover small to large sized areas.

  • Architectural freedom to create a wide array of shapes. Fully customised to your aesthetic.

  • 100 % turn-key solution. We take care of the design, council consents, manufacture, installation, maintenance, and more with our experienced in-house, NZ-based team.

Delivered by Shade Systems

Engineered by our Global partner NDN (featuring ACU Stadium)

Engineered by our Global partner NDN (featuring ACU Stadium)

Delivered by our global partner Dunn LWA (featuring Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium Stadium)

Delivered by our global partner Dunn LWA (featuring Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium Stadium)

A Tensile Membrane Structure is perfect for…

  • Stadiums

  • Playgrounds

  • Walkways

  • Classroom porches

  • Outdoor learning areas

  • Picnic or eating areas

  • Click and collect areas

  • Carpark shade and shelter

  • Connecting one building to another

“Shade systems were a pleasure to deal with and brought many creative ideas to the table to help us instal the first crochet play net in Australasia. The resulting Whoa! Web has been climbed over by nearly 50,000 kids in less than a year.”

David Sutherland, Whoa Studios

faq.

Yes. Tensile Membrane Structures offer considerable architectural flexibility. We design around the site’s dimensions, intended use and visual requirements, developing roof forms that suit your structure and its surroundings.

Tensile Membrane Structures can be designed for small through to large-scale commercial projects. The achievable span, height and covered area depend on the overall roof geometry, framework, site conditions and engineering requirements. There is no single standard size that applies to every project.

Our Tensile Membrane Structures combine engineered steel frameworks with tensioned waterproof fabric. Material selection considers the required roof form, light transmission, weather protection and the project’s technical specifications. The structure and membrane are then developed together to suit your project.

Yes. Each structure is engineered for its location and the relevant design loads. The engineering considers wind exposure, roof geometry, supporting steelwork and foundations, together with other applicable environmental conditions. Requirements are assessed for each specific project.

Estimated lead-times are approximately 6–9 months from signing of the contract. This is a general guide rather than a fixed timeframe for every project. Large or complex structures may require a longer timeline for design development, engineering, approvals and manufacture. We establish your project schedule once the scope is fully understood.

Building consents are required for COLA Canopies and Shade Systems coordinates the consent process as part of our project delivery. The specific engineering and compliance documentation is determined by the structure size and local site conditions.

Project lead times are approximately 6–9 months from confirmation and signing of your contract. This includes the wider design, engineering, manufacture and installation of the complete structure. Final timeframes will be dependent on approvals and site conditions.

The standard product warranty for our COLA Canopies is 25-years. The applicable fabric warranty documentation outlines the terms, coverage and exclusions.