A shading structure by the award-winning designer Nicolas Thomkins will make its global debut in Dubai on Saturday, September 17.
The sleek-looking Gate Shade will be unveiled at The Leisure Show, which is taking place at Dubai’s World Trade Centre from September 17 to 19. While the Gate Shade is probably better suited to hotels and commercial projects, it can also be incorporated into villas with larger outdoor spaces. And given how hotel design plays a key role in influencing residential landscape design in this part of the world, it seems likely that the Gate Shade will be making its appearance in gardens across the UAE before long.
The Gate Shade is being presented by Unosider, a specialist in outdoor shading solutions, which has teamed up with Thomkins to create a very contemporary-looking structure. The Gate Shade consists of a stainless-steel arch connecting two oversized canopies, which, when extended, provide 30 square metres of shelter from the sun. The awnings are made from an acrylic fabric and can be adjusted with a remote control. They are also fitted with an anemometer, which means they will close automatically in the event of strong winds.
“Gate Shade offers shade in a puristic, architectural way,” says Thomkins, who is a recipient of Red Dot, Legacy of the Future and iF design awards. “Luxurious outdoor furniture is relatively new. Modern technologies and weather-resistant materials allow designers to think of structures which couldn’t be manufactured some decades ago.
“The awareness for comfortable and functional outdoor furniture and accessories has become a major factor in the furniture world. Consumers are willing to spend more for garden furniture than for indoor.” A built-in base plate keeps the structure grounded, but for those who are unable to drill into the ground, there is also the option to keep the structure in place using plant pots or a wooden deck. There are LED lights built into the lower panel and the option to integrate more LED light strips into the inner sides of the portal or the end of the awnings. Both the awnings and arch are offered in a range of colours and, best of all, there is the option to include a built-in stereo system.
“Gate Shade is an attractive and unique new shading system ideal for the Middle East and GCC market,” says Mahan Pourghorban, general manager of Unosider Middle East. “It is modern, functional and has a luxury design which makes it a perfect match for developments in the region.”
Other exhibitors at the show include Fiore Rosso, Neoteric Luxury Outdoor Collections, Talenti, Bridgman DMCC, Rainbow Outdoor Living, MistAmerica and Maiori Outdoor Design & Lighting.
sdenman@thenational.ae
