Bespoke Sail Shades
Location: Romsey, Hampshire
The Brief
As their extensive landscaping project neared completion, the homeowners sought the perfect finishing touch for their vibrant, multi-functional garden. Designed to be enjoyed throughout the day, the garden features a variety of seating areas, a stylish new pergola, and raised flower beds — all tied together with bold red rendered walls that create distinct zones for dining, relaxation, and encouraging wildlife.
With the garden being a natural suntrap, the clients were keen to introduce shade to enhance comfort while entertaining — without compromising on style or light.
Our Solution
Due to the lack of existing structures to anchor a sail shade, we installed custom aluminium posts supported by galvanised ground sleeves. These sleeves make the posts fully removable — much like a rotary washing line system — allowing for easy storage during the off-season and helping to maintain the clean aesthetics of the garden year-round.
To balance effective shading with airflow and light, we specified Soltis Horizon 86 mesh by Serge Ferrari. This high-performance material blocks up to 86% of heat and UV rays, while still allowing soft natural light to filter through — ideal for alfresco dining and social gatherings.
Why Mesh Matters
Traditional sailcloth can exert high tension on mounting points, especially in windy conditions. The mesh fabric significantly reduces wind load by allowing air to pass through, improving both safety and longevity — a crucial factor in protecting both the structure and surrounding landscape.
Specification
- Design: Bespoke, made-to-measure sail shade with professional installation (groundworks excluded)
- Fabric: Serge Ferrari – Soltis Horizon 86 Mesh
- Fabric Colour: Boulder 2171
- Binding: Red WM80
- Thread: Gore Tenara PTFE (UV and weather resistant)
- Webbing: Black polyester
Fittings: - M8 Eyebolts – Stainless Steel 316
- M8 Adjustable Bottle Screws – Stainless Steel 316
- 60mm O-rings – Stainless Steel 316
Posts: - Aluminium (Round): 3000mm (L) × 100mm (Ø) × 3.25mm (W/T)
- Finish: Powder-coated in Anthracite RAL7016 – Classic Matte
- Ground Sleeves: Galvanised Steel – 600mm (L) × 114mm (Ø)
