Company:
Tropical J's Inc. Honolulu, HI

Project Details

Fabric 1

Soltis 92
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Trivantage LLC


Engineer Name 1
Ian N. Robertson, PhD, P.E.

Engineer Company 1
INR

Design Name
Diego Alejandre

Design Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Architect Name
ahl.

Architect Company
Architects Hawaii, Ltd.

Fabrication Name
Tara Cabral

Fabrication Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Project Manager Name
Justin Barnes

Project Manager Company
Tropical J's, Inc.

Installation Name
Alwin Lacar

Installation Company
Tropical J's, Inc.


Please describe the project specifications

Seventy-seven radiating and uniquely-trapezoidal panels suspended above the pedestrian corridor at The Grove, a new 109,000-square-foot addition to Ka Makana Ali'i Shopping Center. Paying homage to the agricultural roots of Kapolei and the Ewa plains, once a flourishing sugar plantation, our installation is uniquely inviting, both artistic and functional.


What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

Shading is often one of the single most important facets to consider in Urban planning, especially when dealing with the sweltering heat of the Leeward Side of O'ahu. Our client had recently constructed a new and beautiful shopping center and understood the importance of protecting patrons from the blazing hot Hawaiian Sun.


What is unique or complex about the project?

Our system utilized the existing architectural beams along with a separate support structure to suspend seventy-seven unique, trapezoidal shades over the pedestrian corridor. Each panel is unique and had to be tensioned correctly as part of the more extensive system. This was a design-heavy project from beginning to end and required active coordination both in manufacturing as well as with the developer to incorporate all of our connections behind the EFIS. This flat system also allowed us to provide adequate shade for the patrons of the shopping center without obstructing any line of sight concerns in regards to storefront signage. The shadows created by the overhead shade are also beautiful and angular, breathing ever-changing life onto the passageway below.


What were the results of the project?

The suspended shade system has created a relaxing environment that, in turn, serves as an oasis to escape the hot sun rays. Shoppers weave from one shadow to the next as they enjoy the beauty overhead. It is an enticing spot that captures the eye and imagination, and a proven hit with both customers and architects. This project is also a follow on to last years IAA with the same developer who truly appreciated all of the positive feedback received from his patrons and tenants alike.


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