A Free Span Fabric Structure is a cable-reinforced, high-tension shade sail stretched between multiple anchor points. The sail can be attached to existing buildings and/or engineered posts designed to handle significant loads.

These structures are suitable for both small and large areas and are especially visually striking when the attachment heights are varied to create hyperbolic (twisted fabric) shapes. While the posts are permanent, the fabric can be removed during winter or heavy storms.

Free Span Fabric Structures are used across a wide range of applications, including restaurants, playgrounds, seating areas, public parks, storage spaces, and event venues.

Key Features:

  • Certified Installation Recommended
  • Large Spans
  • Limited Span
  • Post Position Flexibility
  • Shade Design Flexibility
  • ShadeArt™
  • Substantial Footings

Start Designing Your Free Span Fabric Structure Today!

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Large Span Capability

Our posts and footings are engineered specifically to support large sails spanning a maximum of 40ft to create large amounts of shade without having to use posts in the middle of your space. This also enables us to create the maximum amount of shade in a single installation instead of chaining together smaller structures like umbrellas.

Spans longer than 40ft are possible but would require significant and potentially expensive changes to a typical free-span structure design.

Large custom shade sail installed in residential yard

Post Location & Construction

These structures require substantial footings to accommodate the weight of the sail and the tension needed to fly them properly. The upside of the strength of these footings means that posts can be placed in a variety of locations to accommodate the usability of your space or engineering considerations such as plumbing and vegetation.

Freestanding shade structure installation

Aesthetics & Shade Art

With free-spanning structures, multiple sails can be attached to each post. Post placement and height are extremely flexible, allowing intricate designs that are both beautiful and unobtrusive to your space. Shade Art is becoming increasingly popular in our industry. Creating an eye-catching centrepiece can attract more customers and add to the aesthetic of your space. Structures with more than one sail look fantastic in multiple colours and can be customized to match your branding or equipment.

Large freestanding shade canopy

Connect the Shade Sails

Interlinking shade sails offers more than extra coverage. Connecting multiple sails creates more shaded area with fewer gaps, keeping spaces cooler and more comfortable. The interlinked setup also forms a more robust structure, as sails support each other for better stability. Plus, it enables a playful, dynamic design that turns shade into a visual feature.

Close-up of a red and brown fabric with a metal hook against a blue sky.

Shade Analysis & Design

Our 3D Shade Analysis shows shaded spaces at different times of the day, maximizing needed shade areas while allowing sunlight in others.

Share this with your clients giving them/you complete control of the finished product and vision of the space.

Our friendly expert staff members specialize in our products and work in-house. Expect very prompt response times for edits and feedback. 

Use this service as a tool to offer clients a visual experience of their future shaded space.

3D model of an outdoor seating area with blue shade sails in front of a building.

 

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