HOW IT WORKS
ENGINEERED TO ABSORB
THE ELEMENTS.
Wind. Rain. Snow. Sun.
Outdoor shade structures live in a constantly changing environment. Conventional systems typically respond to environmental forces with more rigidity, more structure and more mass.
FLX SHADE takes a different approach.
Our patented Flex Rod™ technology introduces engineered flexibility into the shade system, allowing it to respond to environmental forces while maintaining canopy tension and helping reduce stress on the structure and fabric.
Instead of simply fighting the elements, FLX SHADE is engineered to absorb them.
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT. WATCH IT FLEX.
- FORCE
- FLEX
- ABSORB
- RETURN
THIS IS FLX SHADE ENGINEERING IN ACTION.
Watch the Flex Rod™ bend under load, absorb energy and return as the force changes.
FLEX. ABSORB. RETURN.
That controlled movement is the fundamental difference behind FLX SHADE.
THE DIFFERENCE IS
FLEXIBILITY.
Traditional shade structures depend heavily on rigidity. As environmental forces act on the canopy, those forces are transferred through the fabric, connections, supports and foundations.
FLX SHADE changes that relationship.
The patented Flex Rod™ system is designed to flex as forces increase, helping absorb energy and manage stress on the canopy and supporting structure.
As conditions change, the rods respond and return while helping maintain the tension that gives the canopy its clean architectural form.
FLEX. ABSORB. RETURN.
A simple idea. A fundamentally different approach to commercial shade.
WHY THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.
01
LESS STRUCTURE
02
LESS STRESS
The Flex Rod™ system is designed to absorb environmental forces, helping reduce stress transferred to the canopy fabric and supporting structure.
03
MAINTAINED TENSION
Engineered flexibility helps the canopy respond as conditions change while maintaining the tension needed for performance and appearance.
04
CLEANER DESIGN
Less structure means fewer visual obstructions, helping preserve views, circulation and the character of the space.
WHY THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING.
Conventional shade engineering often begins with a question:
How much structure do we need to resist the forces?
What if we manage those forces differently?
That shift in thinking is at the heart of Flex Rod™ technology.
Rather than relying exclusively on rigidity and mass, FLX SHADE incorporates controlled flexibility into the system itself.
The result is a shade system designed to be responsive, efficient and visually lighter.
LESS STRUCTURE DOES MORE THAN SAVE STEEL.
It can change the economics of the entire project.
Reducing structural requirements can mean less material, simpler installation, fewer construction operations and less disruption to an existing property.
For a hotel, restaurant, amusement park, recreation facility, sports complex or other operating property, that matters.
Less construction can mean less interference with guests, visitors, employees and revenue-producing spaces.
SMARTER TO INSTALL. LESS TO OWN.
ENGINEERED FOR THE REAL WORLD.
01
WIND
Flex Rod™ technology allows the system to respond dynamically as wind loads change, helping absorb energy while maintaining canopy tension.
02
RAIN
Maintained canopy tension and project-specific geometry help the system respond to changing weather while preserving its architectural form.
03
SNOW
FLX SHADE systems can be engineered for the environmental conditions and structural requirements of the specific project and location.
04
SUN
The reason shade exists in the first place. FLX SHADE creates comfortable outdoor environments while minimizing the amount of structure competing with the space.
DESIGNED AROUND YOUR PROJECT.
FLX SHADE isn’t an off-the-shelf canopy dropped onto a site.
Every environment brings its own requirements: dimensions, use, architecture, exposure, local conditions and project objectives.
Our team works with owners, architects, engineers, contractors and operators to develop a system appropriate for the space.
From a restaurant patio to an amusement park queue, from a hotel pool deck to stadium seating, the technology remains the same while the solution adapts to the application.
PATENTED TECHNOLOGY. PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES.
01
LESS STRUCTURE
A lighter approach to creating substantial areas of shade.
02
LESS SITE DISRUPTION
Simpler construction can reduce the impact on an operating property.
03
FASTER INSTALLATION
Fewer heavy structural requirements can streamline installation.
04
REDUCED STRESS
Engineered flexibility helps manage forces acting on the canopy and structure.
05
LONGER CANOPY LIFE
Reducing stress on the system can help protect the canopy over its working life.
06
MORE DESIGN FREEDOM
Less structural clutter gives architects and designers greater freedom to create the space they want.
BETTER ENGINEERING CREATES BETTER ECONOMICS.
The innovation isn’t simply that the rods flex.
It’s what that flexibility can make possible around them.
Less structure. Simpler installation. Reduced disruption. Lower maintenance. Longer canopy life.
BETTER SHADE. SMARTER INVESTMENT.
READY TO RETHINK SHADE?
Tell us about the space you need to cover.
We’ll help you explore how FLX SHADE’s patented technology can create the shade you need with a system engineered for your environment.