EuroBurners: TentsAndShade

Large scale shade structures need careful advance planning regarding design, costs, transport and, of course, safety. If you are thinking of erecting a large structure you should carefully consider what it's main function will be. At both Nowhere and BurningMan the most important consideration is shade. The most commonly used shade materials are canvas, tarpaulin or agricultural shade cloth over a light frame structure. It is very important that framework structures are firmly attached to the ground. A strong wind can easily blow a very large construction to pieces causing a great deal of damage. Tarpaulin is very waterproof but particularly prone to catching wind. It also flaps noisily. If your structure easily allows wind to blow in, you should ensure that it can easily escape through openings at ground and roof levels. Agricultural shade cloth (such as Aluminnet) is useful for this but can be expensive. Canvas is a very useful tent covering but needs to be strong. It can be used to stop rain but will catch wind. If you're thinking of making a waterproof structure you will have to consider how to restrict water coming in from the ground as well as the roof. A completely waterproof large structure is quite a serious undertaking - Is it really worth it? If it rains that much you should probably consider relocating your party!

At Nowhere2005 there will be two or three large tents. It may be possible to utilise these for a variety of theme camp ideas.

See also
CentralCamp
PvcDome
Jaima

External Links
THE do it yerself Geodesic site∞
Tipi design∞
Shelter Systems∞
Marquee erection∞
An account of building an arch and tarp tent∞
Shelter Publications∞ home of the books "Shelter" and "Home Work" by Lloyd Kahn
UK Tarpaulins Site∞
More UK Tarps∞

Shade advice from PlayaDust regarding shade structures
It is a bit messy but I took some of the points to put in here for general knowledge.

SaraJane: Practical advice needed here. 1st year at BM I noticed a brilliant sort of fabric/shade cover made of aluminium I think, or some kind of silver fabric, with slits in, which keeps 75% of sun out and lets air through. You can buy it in the States and it has a special name... It comes in large rectangles which are sewn together. Does anyone have any idea what its called? What I'm talking about? Where you can order it from. I think it's possible to order in the States and get it mailed somewhere for collection.

Paul: It's mylar. Be sure to put it on another fabric, or stronger surface as it is usually very thin and rips very easily. When the edges are firmly taped it does OK, even in wind.

Anon: The guys I camped with had a very good rebar structure last year - I think they used some sort of Mylar sheeting with it - two 10 foot rebar triangles standing on their points held down in tension by tightened cord. No problems with any of the winds at all.

BongoPedro: ...or you could consider silver tarpaulin. It seems to be more easily available in the states than uk. It's heavier than mylar but it's ready to go and won't rip. You could test your structure at Nowhere first!

J Savage: You may also want to consider sewing it to another fabric if you can,or using spray glue (although that's not the best stuff in the world environmentally).

Paul Dale: Agreed. Anything to keep anything that could catch wind down. If you get a good wind with even a small exposed edge it'll be shredded in no time.

TheSmoo: There's always the tried and tested parachute dome method if you don't find what you're looking for; You can usually find parachutes in ebay or in an army surplus store; Then you just need some pvc poles, some stakes (rebar equiv in europe?) and a way of joining them into a hub at the centre.

The product is: Aluminet Shade Curtain∞ made by Polysack∞.

In Spain "Aluminet I" (70% shade) costs 1.77 Euro/m2
The standard widths are: 3.30m 4.30m 5.30m
It can be cut and sewn for special measures at 0.60 Euro/meter cut.
PaulVazo

Another supplier of mesh material is Intermas∞. They do black, white, striped (green/white and blue/white), dark brown and dark green. Based in Spain.

CategoryNowhere