Sails can be either triangular or hypar-shaped. A hypar, or hyperbolic paraboloid, has four corners, two attached to high points and two attached to low points. When the sail is tensioned, there is a twisting effect so the sail takes a unique shape (like a Pringle)! The sails are made from shade cloth that is specially designed to block the sun’s UVA and UVB rays while allowing air to pass through.

Sails may be attached either to columns or to wall attachments. The immense tension force in the sails requires larger than normal supports. Typically, columns will be 10” in diameter, use Schedule 80 steel, and require a 6’ to 10’ footer. Depending on the exact size of the sail, columns may be as large as 24” in diameter. Wall attachments can only be used if the wall has a steel frame. We can also design a custom steel frame with cantilevered arms or a square frame shape.

⅜” marine-grade stainless steel cable is used to tension the perimeter of the sails. For large custom structures, guy wires may be used in addition to columns to tension and stabilize the structure.