Shady claims on shade sails

The 90-foot sailing yacht, Acadia, designed for both cruising and racing, features interiors by Baton Rouge interior designer Colleen Waguespack. This vessel, launched in late 2016, balances classic marine style with modern aesthetics, a blend that garnered attention even before its completion. The owners sought a yacht that they could actively sail with minimal crew, and Waguespack, having previously worked with the couple on three land-based design projects, was chosen to lead the interior styling. The design process involved a collaborative effort between naval architects at Hoek Design, yacht designers Ezra Smith, and Claasen Shipyards. A key challenge was the streamlined nature of the yacht, which necessitated built-in elements for every item, eliminating arbitrary decor. Every detail, from furniture to small accessories, required meticulous selection and sizing, maintaining close communication with design and construction teams across different time zones. Pinterest served as a crucial tool for Waguespack and the owners to share ideas, make comments, and finalize selections, down to decanters and votives. The interiors were planned to accommodate specific items, such as Hermes “Bleus d’Ailleurs” china and Christofle flatware, requiring custom-built cabinetry to fit them perfectly. The choice of materials, particularly the balance between varnished wood and painted surfaces, was a significant design decision aimed at achieving a fresh, contemporary feel while honoring traditional woodwork. Three-dimensional models were utilized to visualize each space from all angles. The design extended to minute details, including the stitching on leather trash cans and monograms on guest towels. Waguespack employed a neutral color palette with classic blue accents for the below-deck areas. Above-deck spaces incorporated red accents, inspired by the yacht's distinctive red and white sail and the red hue of its aluminum hull below the waterline. Everyday placemats were sourced from Custom Linens in Baton Rouge. To connect the yacht to the owners' Gulf Coast roots, Waguespack integrated regional art. A silver leaf-motif painting by Slidell artist George Dunbar was placed in the salon, while a commissioned piece by Mobile, Alabama, artist Susan Downing-White, depicting a fisherman casting a net in a marshy landscape, adorns the master stateroom. Both artists' works are also present in the owners' main residence. The Acadia is now managed by a full-time captain and first mate, with the owners actively participating in sailing. A chef plans and prepares meals onboard. The yacht has also proven its racing capabilities, securing second place in the Antigua Superyacht Challenge in February. The yacht's schedule includes dividing its time between Caribbean and European waterways, with annual maintenance in the Netherlands. #YachtDesign #NauticalStyle #InteriorDesign #LuxuryYacht #ColleenWaguespack #CustomInteriors #MarineDecor #SailingYacht #GulfCoastInfluence

The article details the collaboration between fashion designer Roksanda Ilinčić and artist Rana Begum for Roksanda's A/W 2020 show at London Fashion Week. This partnership resulted in a unique, kaleidoscopic netted runway installation, reflecting both artists' shared emphasis on color and light within their work. Ilinčić's brand consistently explores female creativity and collaboration, a theme evident in her previous partnerships and her ongoing artistic dialogues. The inspiration for the A/W 2020 installation stemmed from Begum's observations of fishermen in flooded rice fields in Bangladesh. The artist chose lightweight netting as her primary medium, sourced during her residency in Morocco, due to its capacity to be manipulated for tension and force. This netting was spray-painted in vibrant neon blocks, allowing colors to blend and diffract light, creating a hazy, ethereal effect. The installation was strategically placed within the majestic courtyard of the Durbar Court of The Foreign & Commonwealth Office, floating above the catwalk and serving as a modernist cloud. This design choice directly complemented Ilinčić’s A/W 2020 collection, which showcased fluidity and movement through caped dresses, slouchy leather sportswear, and chunky cable jumpers, all presented in a rich palette of lime, aubergine, magenta, and caramel. Ilinčić consistently integrates art and architecture as foundational elements for her collections, viewing them as crucial starting points for her designs. She emphasizes the importance of collaborating with other creative individuals to enrich her storytelling. Prior to this collaboration with Begum, Ilinčić worked with the London-based art collective Troika for her A/W 2019 show. This earlier collaboration featured an abstract runway installation with six rainbow projections, drawing inspiration from Troika's 2019 Barbican artwork, 'Borrowed Light.' These continuous artistic collaborations highlight Ilinčić's commitment to creating immersive and narratively driven runway experiences. The installation not only served as a visual spectacle but also underscored the essence of Ilinčić’s collection, which focused on lightness and movement expressed through various mediums. Both Ilinčić and Begum share a background that has influenced their artistic appreciation for prismatic aesthetics, with Ilinčić hailing from Serbia and Begum from Bangladesh. This shared sensibility further strengthened the collaborative vision, making the installation a natural extension of both their individual artistic languages. The partnership showcases a harmonious blend of fashion and art, where the runway becomes a dynamic canvas for artistic expression and storytelling. #RoksandaIlincic #RanaBegum #LondonFashionWeek #FashionInstallation #ArtCollaboration #RunwayDesign #AWCouture #FemaleCreativity #TextileArt

The author shares their delight in the resurgence of oceanic motifs in home decor, a trend dubbed "seashellcore," which was prominently featured at Paris Design Week. This trend includes not only seashells but also coral, sea glass, and fish accents. The article highlights several instances of this trend, starting with the French design studio Uchronia's "Stolen Objects from the Sea" exhibition at Paris Design Week. This immersive display featured octopus-shaped lamps, seascape sculptures by Antoine Billore covering various surfaces, and furniture pieces adorned with shells, barnacles, and coral, all set to the tune of a French rendition of "Under the Sea." At Maison&Objet;, a major design exposition, Objets de Curiosité showcased shelves filled with backlit bleached white coral, while Klaus Dupont presented sculptural totems made of fish, shells, and stone, crowned with flame-red coral. The article also mentions the launch of the latest Tony Duquette collection by Jim Thompson, which includes a maximalist trompe l'oeil cabinet of curiosities wallpaper featuring seashells and coral. Hutton Wilkinson, Tony Duquette's successor, recreated Duquette's own shelves at his California home, Dawnridge, for this design. Stateside, The Philadelphia Show featured shell-encrusted grandfather clocks by Diana H. Bittel and Earle Vandekar, reminiscent of traditional sailor's valentines. Furthermore, John Derian's 2023 decoupage calendar features a seashell arrangement on its cover. The article delves into the deeper meaning behind this trend, with Uchronia's Julien Sebban explaining that it's not just about aesthetics but also a commentary on the consequences of human actions on marine ecosystems and the potential loss of traditional skills in an increasingly digital world. This conservation-minded approach is echoed by Belgian studio Ostrea, which presented a line of terrazzo made from crushed shells as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Dutch manufacturer Zuiver also launched an "Ocean chair" made entirely from ocean-bound plastic waste, following Herman Miller's similar initiative with its Aeron chair. The influence of oceanic themes extends to the art and hospitality sectors. The Louvre's "Les Choses" exhibition, exploring still life, features seashells prominently in its advertisements. In Paris, the bar at the Château Voltaire hotel is named "La Coquille d'Or" (the Golden Shell) in homage to a 16th-century shell motif on the building's façade. The trend is not confined to Paris, with artist Dionysios highlighting Greece as a prime location for sourcing seashells, especially with the emergence of the Athens Design Forum and increased tourism to the Greek islands. The article concludes by suggesting that while the aesthetic appeal of seashell decor is undeniable, the underlying message of environmental awareness and the celebration of natural forms contribute to its widespread appeal. #SeashellDecor #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #ParisDesignWeek #MaisonObjet #Uchronia #SustainableDesign #OceanicMotifs #InteriorDesign

The article provides a comprehensive guide on how to install a shade sail, transforming a sun-exposed area into a comfortable outdoor space. Shade sails, typically triangular canopies made from tightly woven weatherproof mesh, offer sun protection and allow water to pass through, while also enhancing the aesthetic of patios and outdoor areas. Despite their simple appearance, proper installation of a shade sail requires careful planning, specific tools, and precise execution, which can be a significant undertaking. Key benefits of installing a shade sail include crucial UV protection for both individuals and outdoor structures like decks and patios. UV rays can cause damage to wood and discoloration of outdoor furniture, leading to costly repairs. Beyond protection, shade sails contribute to a more comfortable outdoor environment during warm weather by preventing overheating. When selecting a shade sail material, UV resistance is a primary consideration. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a highly recommended choice due to its excellent UV resistance, good airflow properties, and durability across various weather conditions. While acrylic and polyester are more affordable alternatives, they are generally less durable, and polyester may require additional treatment for UV protection. Acrylic offers good UV protection and aesthetic appeal, influencing choices based on durability versus appearance. Installing a shade sail correctly involves ensuring sturdy and well-anchored attachment points, typically utilizing standalone poles rather than directly attaching to building walls. Concrete bases are essential for these support poles, necessitating a check of weather forecasts to avoid rain during the concrete pouring process. The installation process is detailed in several steps, beginning with laying out the triangular shade sail on the ground to determine its placement and tension. Hardware, including quick link triangles, turnbuckles, and eye bolts, is then attached to the sail, with turnbuckles opened halfway to allow for tension adjustment. Heavy-duty tent stakes are used to temporarily tension the sail on the ground, marking the precise locations for the support pole holes. The next phase involves digging holes for the support posts, typically around 30 inches deep, extending beyond the frost line, and widened to about 18 inches in diameter. Support poles, usually 12-foot-long Schedule 40 galvanized steel, are prepared by drilling holes and inserting galvanized steel all-thread pieces at six-inch intervals, rotated 90 degrees to form crosshairs, and secured with nuts. These poles are then set into the concrete mix, ensuring the all-thread cross braces are fully covered. Water is added, and the concrete is agitated before using a level to ensure the poles are plumb. The concrete is left to dry overnight, after which the holes are backfilled and tamped. The final steps include preparing attachment points on the exposed poles by drilling holes at a desired height (eight or nine feet standard) and securing eye bolts. The shade sail is then hung, and turnbuckles are progressively tightened to achieve the proper tension, ensuring a taut and secure installation. The entire process is estimated to take about six hours of active work, plus a 24-hour concrete drying period. The article also addresses common questions, such as year-round usage and maintenance. Shade sails can be left up year-round in suitable climates to extend outdoor living space, but regular cleaning and proper maintenance are crucial. In the event of a storm, it is advisable to take the sail down to prevent damage to the sail itself or surrounding property. Cleaning a shade sail involves using soapy water and a sponge or soft brush, avoiding aggressive detergents that could harm the fabric or its UV protective properties. When storing a shade sail, it should be clean, folded, and kept in a dark, cool place. The guide emphasizes that this project is best suited for experienced DIYers due to its complexity and need for precision. #ShadeSailInstallation #DIYHomeImprovement #OutdoorLivingSpace #UvProtection #PatioEnhancement #HomeMaintenance #ConcreteWork #ToolGuide

This article features an interview with Cristiano Gatto, the interior designer for Heesen Yachts' Project Altea, a 50-meter all-aluminium superyacht priced at nearly €36 million, with delivery scheduled for May 2021. Gatto, who trained as a sculptor, approaches yacht design with a focus on blending aesthetics and function, viewing each project as a sculpture refined to the smallest detail, incorporating curves, lines, lighting, and patterns to achieve the final result. The process of styling a yacht's interior varies depending on whether it's a fully custom or semi-custom project. For fully custom projects, Gatto collaborates closely with the owner, translating their ideas and emotions into a feasible design over many months. For semi-custom projects like Project Altea, the approach involves anticipating future clients' desires and creating a versatile design that allows for customization without significantly impacting the advanced construction stage. A 50-meter project, from concept to delivery, typically involves approximately 50 to 60 people. The primary brief for Project Altea was to create a yacht with a distinct personality, catering to the lifestyle expectations of 2021, while building upon the experiences gained from its sister ships, “Home” and “Electra.” The goal was to develop a warm and welcoming ambiance, a cocoon where occupants feel pampered and protected. This was achieved through interior design choices such as soft, curvy lines for furnishings and surfaces, a palette of soft colors, and a meticulous selection of materials like wood, various textures, fabrics, and upholsteries to foster a calm and relaxing atmosphere throughout the vessel. One of the main challenges for Project Altea was to imbue it with a new soul and unique interior approach, despite sharing a similar exterior design with its predecessors. Gatto emphasized the importance of ensuring Altea was not a mere replication but a distinct entity. During construction, Gatto maintains a close collaboration with Heesen's team, relying on their organizational structure for quality control and adherence to a tight schedule. This involves numerous meetings to meticulously select materials such as marble and wood, ensuring high-spec, long-lasting quality and a balance between cost and premium standards. Reflecting on his career, Gatto states that his favorite projects are always the next ones, as each vessel holds a unique place in his heart. Currently, he has seven vessels on the design board. Regarding potential future adjustments to yacht design due to social distancing, Gatto believes yachts are inherently ideal for maintaining a healthy and protected environment. He notes that challenges would arise from space limitations, particularly for crew areas, necessitating independent air conditioning systems and dedicated outdoor spaces for the crew. He is also currently restoring a castle in the UK, aiming to return it to its original grandiose state, drawing inspiration from his Venetian heritage. If he were to own a yacht, Gatto indicates it would likely be one he is currently deeply involved with, such as the Aquamarine Project for Heesen, which incorporates Japanese influences and philosophies, focusing on achieving perfect harmony through a "Mushin"-inspired design process. Looking ahead, Gatto expresses a desire for continued travel, viewing it as essential for his creativity and ability to avoid repetitive designs. He maintains a highly personal approach to his work, overseeing each project closely rather than managing a large team or quantity of projects. #CristianoGatto #HeesenYachts #ProjectAltea #YachtDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryYachts #Superyacht #NavalArchitecture

This article features the 'Fale Maker House' designed by RTA Studio, a 1,200-square-foot off-grid holiday bach situated on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. The architectural concept draws inspiration from traditional Pacific 'fale' (thatched hut) or Māori 'whare' (house) forms, characterized by a simple pitched roof sheltering an open living pavilion. From the water or beach, the structure presents a silhouette reminiscent of a harbor marker, designed to guide its seafaring owners home. The clients requested a modestly scaled holiday home with three bedrooms and a communal family gathering space. The challenging waterfront site at Midland’s Beach presented an obstruction of ocean views by a foredune. RTA Studio addressed this by designing living spaces to connect with the land, while sleeping areas were elevated to connect with the sky. This design choice positioned the bedrooms in the 'attic,' offering distinct views of either the ocean's horizon or the surrounding bush, thereby liberating the entire ground floor for flexible, communal living activities. The site's descending topography ingeniously allowed for a boat to be stored discreetly beneath the floorboards, maximizing the use of space. To manage privacy and sun exposure, particularly given the home's public and immediate proximity to the road, screens were incorporated at both levels. The lower-level screens are designed to slide away, offering flexibility, while the upper screens pivot forward, resembling the wings of a bird or kites. These screens contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of the house. Sustainability was a primary consideration, starting with the small footprint of the 1,200-square-foot home. Although the sandy substrate necessitated concrete foundations and some steel framing to withstand the region's seismic activity, the majority of the house is timber-driven to minimize embodied carbon. The 'Fale Maker House' operates entirely off-grid, integrating solar power for electricity, a rainwater collection system for water supply, and an on-site stormwater disposal system. Furthermore, passive solar control and natural ventilation are incorporated into the design to ensure energy efficiency and occupant comfort. #NewZealandArchitecture #AFrameHouse #OffGridLiving #SustainableDesign #CoastalHome #HolidayBach #RTAStudio #ModernDesign #TimberConstruction

The article investigates the growing global market for flame-retardant (FR) fabrics and its potential impact on demand for FR shade sails. While market research indicates a significant rise in the overall FR fabric market, shade sail vendors currently report that this trend has not yet translated into a substantial increase in customer demand specifically for FR shade sails. Forecasts from MarketsandMarkets™ project the global FR fabric market to grow from $3.2 billion in 2021 to $4.3 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1 percent. Grand View Research anticipates an 8 percent CAGR for FR products through 2028, driven by heightened consumer awareness, stricter regulations, and increased fire safety efforts across various industries, including construction. Despite the overarching growth in the FR fabric sector, three prominent shade sail fabric vendors—Alnet Americas Inc., Polyfab USA LLC, and Marlen Textiles—report healthy sales of their FR fabrics, but note that this does not necessarily stem from a specific demand for FR shade sails. Patrick Lane, President of Alnet Americas Inc., observes increasing demand for their Extrablock shade cloth, which meets stringent FR specifications like the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) test for Title 19. The product's appeal lies in its competitive pricing compared to non-FR alternatives, offering added value even when fire retardancy is not explicitly required. Alnet proactively developed Extrablock in the mid-1990s and has since invested heavily in production capacity to meet growing demand, benefiting from a cost-effective manufacturing process as it's exclusively produced as an FR fabric. Steve Morenberg, managing director of Polyfab USA LLC, states that while shade sail demand has increased by 10 to 20 percent over the past two years, largely due to pandemic-driven outdoor living area upgrades, clients rarely request FR shade sails. He explains that shade sails are typically detached from buildings and pose minimal fire risk, primarily from vandalism or airborne embers. However, Polyfab's FR fabrics, Polytex® and Comtex®, are popular due to their compliance with Australian and U.S. fire regulations (AS1530.2 and NFPA-701) and offer benefits like extended warranties, upgraded pigments, and new colors. Similarly, Alan Prelutsky, COO of Marlen Textiles, notes consistent sales of their FR fabrics, Top Gun® FR and Top Gun FR Lite, which meet FR standards while offering durability and affordability, but without a recent surge in demand. All three vendors agree that producing advanced FR fabrics is costly. Prelutsky highlights significant increases in raw material costs and production delays over the past year. A key challenge arises from the inherent conflict between chemicals used for fire protection and those for UV protection, requiring complex and expensive formulations to achieve both. Morenberg points out that the final fabric cost is directly tied to the type and quantity of FR additives needed to pass specific tests. He cites the discontinuation of Polyfab's FR Comshade® due to its high cost and inconsistent demand. Another major industry hurdle is the fragmented nature of FR standards across the U.S., with varying requirements at municipal, state, and county levels, complicating product development and compliance. Despite these challenges, the fabric technology for FR shade sails is deemed effective, as evidenced by their ability to char and retreat from flames without becoming a source of ignition or dripping flaming plastic. The article concludes by suggesting that FR shade sails may be a product ahead of its time, awaiting a future increase in demand. A sidebar notes that a 2018 fire incident in Sydney and Australia's bushfire history have not significantly boosted demand for FR awning fabrics in that country either. #FlameRetardantFabrics #ShadeSails #FabricTechnology #ConstructionMaterials #OutdoorLiving #FireSafety #MarketTrends #SpecialtyFabrics #BuildingCodes