THE PERFECT SHADE

Offering expansive coverage to a historic project, this outdoor area sports retractable protection in all kinds of weather.

When it comes to outdoor dining, protection from the elements is a must in order to ensure patrons remain comfortable no matter the weather — and won’t run off if it decides to rain or things heat up. That’s exactly the course of action taken by the owners of the Kingsford venue in the Barossa Valley.

Located in the heart of Kingsford, the historic Kingsford The Barossa was built in 1856. A picturesque venue that has been lovingly restored, the homestead has become one of Australia’s leading luxury retreats. Nestled on the riverbanks amid the rolling hills of the Barossa Valley, this stunning retreat is surrounded by a lush native Australian landscape.

Upon taking over the property, the owners undertook a series of renovations to expand its facilities. These included extra accommodation, a large outdoor swimming pool and a stylish alfresco terrace with barbecue area and a contemporary bar. To further enhance the property, a comprehensive shade solution was commissioned to enable patrons to use the outdoor terrace year round.

To complete the project, Shaderunner® Australia were engaged to design, manufacture and install a series of three Shaderunner® retractable shade systems positioned side-by-side. Working alongside the builder, architect and engineer on the Kingsford project, Shaderunner® came up with a design for a retractable shade system that would provide uninterrupted coverage of the outdoor space, while sympathetically complementing the historical aesthetic of the heritage building.

The new shade system is a stylish yet classic solution that is easy to use and provides the venue with fully retractable shading as and when required. Combining three adjacent Shaderunner® systems, each 5.5-metres wide with an extension of up to nine metres, the retractable shades cover around 450 square metres of outdoor space.

Constructed using only the most durable marine-grade yacht fittings and Ronstan ball bearing pulleys, the Shaderunner® system will remain trouble-free for its owners for years, requiring only minimal maintenance. Mounted on an engineer-designed custom steel framework, the shades are operated with an easy-to-use, endless cord system that allows the users to adjust the coverage according to the needs of the day. The low-friction operation provides slick movement that can easily be controlled by one person.

Made from 95 percent polyester mesh, the sails are mould resistant and offer excellent protection from the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays. Manufactured in a warm white hue, the fabric of the Kingsford shades sits harmoniously against the creamy stone of the historic building, ensuring the project’s integrity.

In addition to satisfying the exacting clients, the design of the Kingsford shade project was also recognised by industry officials. Awarded first place in the Commercial Blinds & Awnings category at the Specialised Textiles, Australian Textile Fabrication Industry Awards for 2022, the Shaderunner® system has yet again proven itself a winner.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client Kingsford The Barossa

Location Kingsford, South Australia

Architect JBG Architects

Builder Ahrens

Engineer Magryn’s & Associates

Supply & Install Shaderunner® Australia