Norm Sadler Pavilion Custom Shade
Project Details
Location: Maida Vale, WA
Completion Date: June 2026
Size: 220 sqm
Fabric: PTFE
Client: AE Hoskins Building Services
The Norm Sadler Pavilion Custom Shade project demonstrates how the right engineering advice can be just as valuable as the structure itself. Designed to provide comfortable spectator shade at the Kalamunda Rangers Baseball and Softball Club, this striking 43-metre-long canopy combines premium materials, practical design and collaborative problem solving to deliver a durable, visually impressive outcome.
Positioned behind the backstop fencing, the stepped curved canopy provides protection from the elements for spectators, while complementing the surrounding sporting facilities. Supported by a central row of seven steel columns, the structure creates the appearance of one continuous architectural umbrella stretching around the home-plate edge of the baseball diamond.
More than simply delivering another of MakMax Australia’s engineered shade structures, the project highlights the value of engaging specialist expertise early in the construction process.
The Brief
MakMax Australia was engaged by the project’s builder to develop a custom canopy solution that had initially been allowed for as an indicative provisional sum.
As the design progressed, our team undertook a detailed review of the project requirements and quickly identified a critical compliance issue. The site was located within a designated bushfire zone, meaning the originally proposed PVC membrane would not satisfy the required fire performance criteria.
Rather than allowing this issue to emerge later in the project, MakMax immediately raised the concern with the builder and provided comprehensive fire test data for an alternative PTFE membrane canopy solution to support the certification process. The proactive advice was welcomed by the builder, who appreciated identifying a potentially costly issue before construction commenced.
The original concept also exceeded the available project budget. Working closely with the builder, MakMax developed a value-managed redesign that maintained the architectural intent while reducing the overall project cost. Although the canopy was refined slightly in scale, the finished structure delivers the same premium appearance, long-term durability and performance expected from a MakMax installation.
The Concept
The Materials
The completed Norm Sadler Pavilion Custom Shade features a premium PTFE membrane canopy, selected for its exceptional longevity, fire performance and visual appeal.
PTFE architectural fabric combines a woven glass fibre base with a durable fluoropolymer coating to create one of the world’s highest-performing membrane materials. Its outstanding strength makes it well suited to large-span shade structures, while its crisp white finish remains bright for decades without degrading under Australia’s harsh UV conditions.
The material also offers excellent natural light transmission, creating a brighter and more inviting space beneath the canopy compared with conventional roofing materials. Combined with its naturally low-maintenance, self-cleaning surface and excellent fire resistance, PTFE provides an ideal solution for public sporting facilities where long-term performance is essential.
The Result
The Norm Sadler Pavilion Custom Shade provides welcome protection for players, officials and spectators watching the action from behind home plate. Its elegant stepped curve profile has become a distinctive feature of the venue, delivering practical shade while enhancing the overall presentation of the baseball complex. You could say it has become the diamond standard for spectator comfort.
More importantly, the project demonstrates the value of early collaboration between builder and specialist contractor. By identifying a critical compliance issue, recommending the appropriate material solution and delivering a carefully value-managed design, MakMax was able to achieve an outcome that satisfied performance requirements, respected the project budget and exceeded client expectations.
The success of the project also established a strong working relationship with the builder, who has since engaged MakMax Australia on a subsequent project. It’s a result that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality engineered shade structures, backed by practical advice, responsive service and decades of specialist expertise.
