Shadex SunTamer – Retractable Shade System For Lawn Bowls
The Shadex SunTamer is a retractable bowling green shade solution specifically designed to enhance the lawn bowls experience, for players and clubs alike. Engineered for performance, durability and ease of use, the SunTamer Retractable Shade System provides much-needed shade during hot weather, significantly reducing surface temperatures and UV exposure.
The Shadex SunTamer was created to meet the real-world needs of bowlers and clubs. On hot summer days, playing under a retractable lawn bowls roof can reduce the temperature on the green by up to 10 degrees, significantly improving playing conditions while offering protection from sun exposure and dehydration.
MakMax & Shadex – A Winning Pair
MakMax Australia, leaders in large-scale tensile membrane structures, have teamed up with Shadex, Australia’s trusted name in lawn bowls shade systems, in order to offer the Shadex SunTamer to more bowls clubs. This partnership combines decades of engineering experience with deep insight into the unique needs of bowls clubs from both companies; delivering a product that is reliable, high quality and purpose-built for lawn bowls.
Why Choose the Shadex SunTamer Retractable Shade?
Formerly known as the Shadex ShadeMaster system, the new SunTamer retractable shade system has been upgraded with a new Extra Heavy Duty shade fabric for strength and longevity. The new system also features an improved drive and pulley system, with 5mm 316 Stainless Steel operating cables and an 8mm Stainless Steel control cable above the canopy to limit vertical movement in windy conditions.
- Retractable Comfort: Reduce green temperatures by up to 10°C, creating a cooler, safer and more enjoyable playing environment.
- Protect Player Health: Minimise risks associated with sun exposure and dehydration with full-cover shade when needed.
- Preserve Green Quality: Strategic shading can reduce water evaporation, improve moisture retention, and support turf health during renovations.
- All-Weather Play: Expand the usable hours of your greens with a retractable lawn bowls roof that provides shelter from harsh sun or light rain.
- Boost Attendance & Revenue: Clubs report higher member turnout and increased social play in shaded conditions, particularly in summer months.
- Built to Last: Engineered to meet the demands of Australian conditions, with high-quality materials and durable components.
SunTamer Colours
The upgraded SunTamer 390 Premium Fabric
is available in Blue, Grey or Green.
SunTamer Technical Details & Construction
Fabric Shade Canopy
- Engineered Shade for Turf & Players: After consultation with both greenkeepers and bowlers, an 85% shade factor was carefully selected for the SunTamer. This level of UV protection strikes the ideal balance, shielding players from harsh sunlight while still allowing enough light to pass through to maintain healthy turf conditions. It prevents the playing surface from becoming too dark, ensuring visibility and atmosphere remain pleasant and natural.
- Premium Quality Fabric: he SunTamer uses only high-grade, monofilament knitted fabric designed for long-term outdoor performance. This premium shade fabric is manufactured to withstand the rigours of sun, wind and wear. Its structure resists stretching and sagging over time, helping to maintain a consistent canopy tension and sleek visual appearance.
- Durable Fabrication: All seams are double-stitched using UV-stabilised PTFE (Teflon) thread, far superior to standard polyester stitching. This specialist thread eliminates the mid-life re-stitching often required with conventional thread, offering peace of mind and reduced maintenance costs.
- Smart Seam Design: Seams are laid flat and double-sewn for added strength and a cleaner finish, helping the canopy stand up to long-term environmental stress without compromising aesthetics or structural integrity.
Retractable Drive System
- Motorised Operation: A series of 1HP, 3-phase motors drive the system which have been engineered for maximum reliability. The motors feature a heavy-duty Italian industrial gearbox.
- Secure Control Box: Key-controlled operation allows you to choose who can operate the shade.
- Cables: 5mm 316 Stainless Steel Operating Cables and Proprietary Heavy Duty Steel Drive Pullies.
Structural Components
- High-Quality Steel Supports: Manufactured using high-grade steel, hot-dip galvanised for long-term corrosion resistance.
- Custom Engineered Footings: Site-specific braced pier footings with reinforced 20 MPa concrete, tailored to soil and wind conditions.
- Marine-Grade Hardware: All bolts and tensioning cables are 316-grade stainless steel, built to withstand coastal and high-humidity conditions.
Safety Measures
- Overload Protection: Automatic shutdown in case of cable strain or obstruction, allowing issues to be resolved without damage.
The Perfect Shade Solution For Your Club
If you’re looking for an affordable, full-cover retractable bowling green shade system that balances comfort, durability and ease of use, the Shadex SunTamer is a reliable and proven choice. It’s well-suited to lawn bowls clubs seeking a functional shading solution that supports member comfort and turf health during the warmer months.
For bowling clubs seeking long-span, fully waterproof canopies with extended architectural design options, explore the MakMax Bowling Green Canopies – our premium range of tensile membrane structures designed for maximum coverage and longevity.
With MakMax, you’ll find the right shade solution to suit your club’s needs, budget and long-term vision.
Maximise your time on the green … Make It A MakMax.
Would You Like More Information About Retractable Bowling Green Shade Structures?
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements. We are the market leader in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of custom fabric structures for a wide variety of applications and industries. We have extensive project experience and offer endless possibilities when it comes to custom design solutions to meet your needs.