PUTTING THE COMPETITION IN THE SHADE

A retractable shade system stands up to the Queensland sunshine at Miami’s newly refurbished aquatic centre.

Recently undergoing a $15 million upgrade to its facilities, Miami Aquatic Centre now stands as one of the Gold Coast’s premier swim venues. With the addition of a new 50-metre pool, zero-depth splash pad, indoor heated pool and retractable shade system, along with upgraded reception, admin spaces and public amenities, the redeveloped facility has truly become a first-class venue.

THE PROJECT

Designed by architectural firm Liquid Blu and built by Hutchinson Builders, the new facility was required to benefit a growing community. “With the population of the surrounding area expected to exceed 40,000 people in the next two decades, it’s vital we continue to invest in local infrastructure so we can meet the needs of our growing city,” stated Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.

To protect patrons from the harsh Australian sun and maximise use of the centre, Liquid Blu specified the hugely popular Shaderunner® retractable shade system. The architects required a solution that was durable and effective in providing shade, while also being easy to use and capable of spanning the width of the new 50-metre pool without intermediate support. Given the flexibility of the Shaderunner® system, the architects knew it could get the job done.

Shaderunner® Australia was engaged to design, manufacture and install six retractable shade systems across the entire project.

Over the 50-metre competition pool, a series of four Shaderunner® systems, each with twin fabrics, were installed. This provided extendable shade coverage of up to 36 metres across the width of the pool. A collection of four Shaderunner® fabrics on each side of the pool extends towards the centre, travelling on marine-grade stainless steel wires to a central spreader bar.

Over the zero-depth splash pad, an additional two Shaderunner® systems, also with twin fabrics, provide controllable shade for the interactive playspace and deliver a total coverage of 31 metres when extended.

To ensure the full potential of shade coverage, engineering was performed to enable the Shaderunner® systems to span 36 metres between structural supports on either side of the main pool. With each shade being 5.1-metres wide, the large twin Shaderunner® systems provide a mammoth 1200 square metres of retractable shade on demand!

Each fabric sail is easily extended and retracted independently utilising the cord system. Each of the twin systems has high-strength tensile running wires with a series of quality custom yacht pulleys offering slick, low-friction movement and a dependable operating system.

The shade systems are supported by heavy-duty structural steel beams with a two-pack painted finish and reinforced concrete columns.

THE SYSTEM

Shaderunner® is ideally suited for a range of commercial and domestic applications. A fully retractable unit, it gives users the ultimate in convenience with unlimited configurations combined with unmatched aesthetics. The Shaderunner® system is easy to use and offers premium UV protection along with shade and thermal comfort.

The Shaderunner® is manufactured from a range of rigorously tested fabrics, from 95 percent polyester mesh to waterproof PVC. Each fabric is mould resistant and is available in a wide range of colours. Constructed using only the most durable marine-grade yacht fittings and Ronstan ball-bearing pulleys ensures years of trouble-free shade with minimal maintenance.

A key design feature of the Shaderunner® system is the ability to span large distances with minimal support. By utilising twin fabrics on common running wires, the effective shade span can be doubled to provide huge shaded areas over spaces where intermediate support would not be practical, such as swimming pools.

The system is easily operated by one person, with the low-friction operation allowing slick movement of the fabric to provide shade when required and then easily folded back when not in use.

A testament to its innovation, the Shaderunner® earned a Special Commendation at the Specialised
Textiles Awards in 2021.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client City of Gold Coast
Location Miami, Queensland
Architect Liquid Blu
Head Contractor Hutchinson Builders
Design, Supply & Install Shaderunner® Australia