Tenshon's Featured Sun Shade Sail Projects

At Tenshon, helping our customers create visually stunning outdoor living spaces is our passion. For more than a decade, we've had the privilege of creating some incredible and beautiful shade solutions for many wonderful clients. 

Browse our featured projects below to see examples of actual, real world shade product applications.

We love to showcase beautiful outdoor spaces. If we've had the honor of being a part of your shade project and you would like to be included in our featured project showcase, please contact us and let us know.

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Banner Health’s The Big Outside: Mesa, AZ

 

Problem: Banner Health needed to create a safe and engaging outdoor play space at the Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona. The space had to provide sun protection and support outdoor rehabilitation therapy for children undergoing treatment.

Solution: Tenshon partnered with McCarthy Building Companies to design and install custom shade sails tailored to the specific needs of the children. These sails offered crucial sun protection while seamlessly integrating into the facility’s design, contributing to a therapeutic environment.

Results: This project transformed an outdoor area into a sanctuary for young patients, enhancing their well-being and providing a supportive space for play and rehabilitation. Tenshon’s shades not only ensured safety but also enriched the lives of the children and their families.

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Google Inc. Rooftop Hangout Shade Solution: Venice, California

Problem: Google’s Venice, California, facility featured a rooftop hangout designed to foster employee creativity. However, the intense Southern California sun limited the usability of the outdoor wood deck, reducing its value as a collaborative hub. Without a design-forward shade solution, the space remained an untapped asset.

Solution: Tenshon partnered with Google to design custom retractable Roman shades that mirrored the facility's modern, open-air look. Crafted from high-quality HDPE tensile fabric, these shade sails provide shade and comfort while maintaining the architectural integrity of the rooftop. The retractable shade design allows flexibility, enabling employees to enjoy an open canopy on overcast days or full coverage during peak sun hours.

Results: The custom Roman shades transformed the rooftop into a versatile, all-day collaboration zone. By significantly reducing temperatures, the installation aligned the outdoor space with Google’s innovative culture, creating a functional outdoor environment for work or breaks. This project highlights Tenshon’s expertise in delivering custom shade structures that maximize usable square footage and, in this case, elevate the look of a modern corporate campus.

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Washington Nationals’ Stadium: Washington, DC

Problem: The Washington Nationals aimed to enhance the fan experience at their stadium, particularly in the newly developed Scoreboard Walk. This area, featuring restaurants, lounges, and social spaces, needed effective sun protection to keep fans comfortable during the hot baseball season.

Solution: Tenshon designed and manufactured custom shade sails using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tensile fabric. These sails provided critical UV protection, lowering the temperature in shaded areas by up to 20 degrees. The design seamlessly integrated with the stadium’s aesthetic, offering both functionality and visual appeal.

Results: Tenshon’s shade sails significantly improved the fan experience by providing cooler, more comfortable areas during games. The installation has become a focal point of the stadium, combining practicality with sustainability, and contributing to the overall enjoyment of visitors.

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Caterpillar Generations Park at CONEXPO: Las Vegas, Nevada

Problem: Caterpillar aimed to impress attendees at CONEXPO, the premier construction trade show in Las Vegas. Their vision was to transform a parking lot into an immersive outdoor experience called Generations Park. The challenge was to create an eye-catching environment offering a break from the desert heat without sacrificing the open-air trade show atmosphere.

Solution: Tenshon collaborated with Caterpillar to design and manufacture striking, large-scale shade sails that served as architectural landmarks for Generations Park. These custom structures, made from commercial-grade shade cloth, defined the exhibit boundaries and enhanced the park’s aesthetic appeal. The canopies covered key areas, ensuring visitors could explore the heavy machinery comfortably.

Results: The shade sails were a success, drawing crowds and creating a distinct visual identity for Caterpillar at CONEXPO. The custom structures reduced temperatures, so visitors could stay longer at the exhibit. This project proved that you don’t have to sacrifice style for strength. It gave Caterpillar a bold, polished presence at the show.

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Sagewood Senior Living Shade Canopies: Scottsdale, Arizona

Problem: Sagewood, a resort-style senior living community in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers luxurious outdoor amenities set against the Sonoran Desert. To maintain their high standard of living, they needed to mitigate the intense Arizona heat that often kept residents indoors, leaving beautiful pools and clubhouses underutilized.

Solution: Tenshon manufactured four large sun shade sails engineered to withstand the desert climate while softening the visual landscape. These custom canopies were designed to complement the community’s Southwestern architecture, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. The sails beautify the area and ensure that residents can fully enjoy the outdoor pools and lounges.

Results: The installation set a new standard for luxury senior living design, transforming Sagewood’s outdoor spaces into comfortable havens. By extending the usable hours of these amenities, the canopies enabled year-round active lifestyles for residents. This project highlights Tenshon's ability to deliver premium shade solutions that enhance high-end residential communities.

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Rise on Apache Student Housing Shade Sails: Tempe, Arizona

 

Problem: Rise on Apache, a luxury student housing complex in Tempe, Arizona, featured premium amenities like a rooftop pool and fitness center. However, direct exposure to the desert sun made these high-value areas difficult to enjoy during the day.

Solution: Tenshon designed and installed multiple custom shade sails across the rooftop. Crafted from high-quality HDPE fabric, our shade canopies introduced a sleek, sculptural element that matched the building's modern vibe. The artistic shade design created cool, inviting social hubs for students to relax in Arizona’s sunny climate.

Results: The installation dramatically improved the lifestyle appeal at Rise on Apache. Students now enjoy shaded rooftop areas year-round, creating a social, living-learning environment. These architectural shade structures elevated the property’s curb appeal, solidifying Rise’s status as a top student housing destination.

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Intel Employee Break Area Shade Sails: Denver, Colorado

Problem: Intel’s Denver facility included an outdoor seating area intended for breaks. The space needed more aesthetic appeal and protection from the elements, so employees could take breaks and relax without being exposed to the sun's heat.

Solution: Tenshon collaborated with Intel to design a series of large triangle shade sails in ivory and white. These custom canopies were engineered to create a sense of enclosure and calm. The elegant design blended with the facility’s modern look, creating a shaded retreat for employees.

Results: The shade sails transformed the break area into a comfortable, design-forward retreat. The stylish structures enhanced the facility’s appeal, showcasing Tenshon’s ability to deliver corporate solutions that balance employee wellness with architectural sophistication.

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Eli Lilly Indoor Shade Sail Art Installation

Problem: Eli Lilly sought to enhance the aesthetic appeal of an indoor open space. They weren't looking for sun protection, they wanted a visually captivating environment that reflected their culture. The challenge was to reimagine traditional shade structures, typically used outdoors, as interior architectural art.

Solution: Tenshon embraced the challenge, designing custom shade sails for the indoor space. Unlike typical applications, these canopies were tailored for artistic impact, playing with form and volume to complement the surrounding architecture. The sails served as sculptural design pieces, enhancing the open space with a modern aesthetic.

Results: The indoor shade sails created a distinct focal point, turning the open space into a dynamic environment. We successfully adapted tensioned fabric technology for an innovative indoor aesthetic, proving that shade design can redefine corporate interiors.

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Texas Instruments Break Area Shade Sails: Tucson, Arizona

Problem: The outdoor break area at Texas Instruments in Tucson was exposed to the harsh desert sun. Without shade, the intense sun exposure made the seating area uncomfortable during the hottest parts of the day.

Solution: Tenshon was tasked with designing large, white shade sails made from high-quality HDPE tensile fabric. These custom canopies were strategically positioned to maximize shade coverage and elevate the space. The sleek design complemented the Tucson facility’s architecture, creating an inviting space for relaxation.

Results: Our solution transformed the break area, offering a cool environment for Texas Instruments employees. With temperatures reduced by up to 10 degrees, the sails turned a transient space into a destination, enhancing employee comfort and satisfaction.

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Delta Airlines Sky Deck Shade Sails: JFK Airport, New York:

Problem: Delta Airlines aimed to create a luxurious outdoor lounge, the Sky Deck, at JFK Airport. Spanning 24,000 square feet, the space needed shading that protected guests while boldly reflecting Delta’s iconic brand identity.

Solution: Tenshon designed several large, red triangular shade sails to span the Sky Deck. The vibrant red fabric mirrored Delta’s logo, creating a visually striking canopy that doubled as a brand statement. The custom structures were tailored to enhance the lounge’s modern aesthetic, offering shaded comfort for Sky Club members.

Results: The installation transformed the Sky Deck into a stylish retreat. The iconic red sails were featured on the Cool Hunting website, reinforcing Delta’s brand identity through architectural design. Tenshon’s expertise in delivering custom shade solutions helped solidify the Sky Deck as a premier airport lounge.

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Camp Heber Amphitheater Shade Canopy: Heber, Arizona

Problem: Camp Heber, a youth summer camp, featured a large outdoor amphitheater. Located in the high country, the altitude increases UV intensity, making sun protection a critical safety requirement for the hundreds of young campers and people attending various events.

Solution: Tenshon was commissioned to design an expansive custom shade structure covering a full third of the amphitheater. Crafted from durable shade fabric, the canopy provided robust UV protection and significant heat reduction. The design blended with Heber’s natural landscape, enhancing the amphitheater’s functionality.

Results: The shade canopy transformed the amphitheater into a safe, all-day venue. Offering essential protection for the campers, the sail enabled year-round use of the space. The large- scale installation showcased Tenshon’s ability to deliver durable, high-impact solutions that protect and beautify.

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New American Public Art Blue Hour Exhibit Shade Sails

Problem: The Blue Hour exhibit featured interactive square columns with LED lights. The artists needed a surface to capture and reflect the light to create a seamless, immersive experience.

Solution: Tenshon provided multiple triangular shade sails suspended between the exhibit’s columns. These structures were selected not for shade, but for their ability to act as a canvas for the LED lights. The flowing design complemented the interactive aesthetic, creating a dynamic interplay of light and form.

Results: The shade sails elevated the Blue Hour exhibit, enhancing the visual narrative for attendees. Featured on the New American Public Art website, the project showcased Tenshon’s ability to blend engineering with art, setting a new standard for public installations.

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Audubon Zoo: New Orleans, LA

Problem: The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans needed to enhance visitor comfort at their sea lion exhibit, especially during the hot Louisiana summers. They sought a shade solution that would integrate seamlessly with the zoo’s natural surroundings while providing effective sun protection.

Solution: Tenshon designed these custom forest-colored shade sails tailored to the exhibit’s unique environment. These sails not only provided ample shade but also enhanced the aesthetic appeal, blending naturally with the zoo’s lush landscape.

Results: The shade sails significantly improved visitor comfort, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits, while also adding to the visual attraction of the sea lion exhibit. Tenshon’s durable and aesthetically integrated solution met the zoo’s needs for both functionality and enhanced visitor experience.

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EVO Swim School Pool Shade Sails: Arizona

Problem: EVO Swim School provides swimming education for children and youth in Arizona. The combination of intense sun and heat absorption created a harsh environment, making robust UV protection a non-negotiable requirement for the kids.

Solution: Tenshon designed and installed large custom shade sails covering 90% of the outdoor pools. These systems were engineered to provide maximum UV protection and significant heat reduction. The sleek design blended with the facilities’ modern aesthetic, enhancing the appeal of EVO’s locations.

Results: The shade sails transformed EVO’s pools into safe, comfortable learning environments. By prioritizing the health of young swimmers, the canopies enabled extended pool usage and supported EVO’s mission to provide quality swim education.

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The Sailor’s Return Restaurant Shade Sails: Stuart, Florida

Problem: The Sailor’s Return sought to enhance its outdoor dining experience. The challenge was to cool the outdoor seating area without disrupting the restaurant’s signature coastal atmosphere.

Solution: Tenshon designed white shade sails configured to mimic the visual language of sailboat sails. These custom canopies provided heat reduction while acting as an extension of the nautical theme. The design created an immersive dining environment along Stuart’s waterfront.

Results: The shade sails transformed the seating area into a nautical-inspired haven. The sailboat-inspired design became a visual hallmark of the property, boosting the restaurant’s appeal and showcasing Tenshon’s expertise in hospitality design.

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SC Johnson Rooftop Shade Panel: Wisconsin

Problem: The SC Johnson headquarters featured a rooftop with an architectural opening that allowed excessive direct sunlight into the building. This caused glare and heat gain that disrupted the workspace and compromised the interior environment.

Solution: Tenshon was enlisted to design a custom shade panel to cover the rooftop opening. The structure was tailored to filter sunlight while respecting the building's architectural lines.

Results: The shade panel resolved the sunlight issue, restoring comfort to the workspace. The solution demonstrated how precision shade engineering can solve complex architectural challenges without altering the building's character.

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Riverwalk Shade Sail Structures: Florida

Problem: Riverwalk, a popular tourist destination, featured stunning waterfront views but lacked adequate shading. The intense created an uncomfortable environment for visitors.

Solution: Tenshon designed custom shade sails along the waterfront. The sweeping, flowing canopies were paired with rolled steel arches for a clean, modern look. Strategically lit with pink and blue lights at night, the sails transformed from sun protection into an illuminated art installation.

Results: The shade sails elevated the look and feel of Riverwalk. And the illuminated sails created a magnetic nighttime ambiance, solidifying Riverwalk’s appeal as a must-visit attraction.

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DeVry University Courtyard Shade Panels: Phoenix, Arizona

Problem: The open center courtyard at DeVry University’s Phoenix campus was exposed to the intense desert sun. The lack of cover prevented the courtyard from functioning as the communal gathering space it was intended to be.

Solution: Tenshon manufactured large rectangular shade panels lashed to the edges of surrounding buildings. These custom structures utilized the existing architecture to create a suspended ceiling of shade, providing significant heat reduction, making the courtyard inviting.

Results: The panels transformed the courtyard into a functional campus hub. The sleek design enhanced the campus’s modern aesthetic, fostering community and collaboration.

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Hernandez Residence Backyard Shade Sails

Problem: The Hernandez family sought to enhance their backyard, creating a comfortable space for gatherings. They needed a solution that felt like a natural extension of their home, rather than a temporary fix.

Solution: Tenshon designed two custom shade sails tailored to the backyard’s aesthetic. The carefully selected colors and shapes created a stylish, private oasis that complemented the home’s surroundings.

Results: The shade sails transformed the backyard into a designer-quality outdoor living space. The visually appealing design enhanced the property’s value, creating a more enjoyable experience for family and friends.

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Brittlebush: A Desert Dwelling by Simon De Aguero

Problem: Positioned in the McDowell Mountains, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture challenges students to integrate design with nature. Graduate student Simon De Aguero sought to create a desert dwelling for open-air living. The project required a sustainable architectural membrane that could adapt to the raw desert environment.

Solution: Tenshon produced a custom-tailored 150-square-foot roof membrane. This architectural canopy was designed to be as much a part of the structure as the rammed-earth walls, providing relief during the day and shelter at night. The design features intelligent details, including glowing orbs that illuminate the shade cloth at night.

Results: Brittlebush stands as a unique application of custom shade integration. This project highlights Tenshon’s commitment to supporting experimental architecture, proving that our creative solutions can adapt to even the most unique sustainable design visions.