Shade System of the Hut of the GlamTech Warrior
A type of shade used by Disorient.
The shade system used at the Hut of the GlamTech Warrior on the playa is composed of two layers.
The goal is to protect containers and space between containers from sun exposure.
Guy-wires
Under layer and top layer are secured with ball-bungees to two guy-wires (blue and red on the diagram below) installed along edges of the containers.
- The blue guy-wire makes a cross with 3 borders to support the under layer.
- The red guy-wire runs along the bottom outside of each container to anchor the top layer.
Ratchet straps connected to both ends of each guy-wire keep shade layers in tension which creates the roof between the two containers. Additional guy-wires of ratchet straps are usually installed at the bottom of the container to create anchor points to display Banners.
Material
These are recommended components to make the guy-wires. Similar components such as 1/8" wire rope can work too.
3/16" Stainless Steel Cable
Wire Rope Clamp for Stainless Steel Wire Rope
Stainless Steel Thimble for 3/16 Steel Wire Rope Cable
Under layer
- 1x 20'x20' 100% shade trap
- 40x ball bungees most 6", some 9"
- 1x 100' guy-wire
- 2x ratchet straps
The under layer provides shade to the space between the containers. It is a 20' X 20' (actual size 19'6" X 19'6", this is important as the tarp needs to be slightly smaller than the space between the containers to create and maintain tension) Heavy Duty Premium Silver or Black or Brown Poly Tarp (available for instance here, here or here) supported by guy-wires secured to the top anchor points of the containers with (2) ratchet straps, one at each end (point 1 and point 6) indicated in yellow on the diagram and crossing in the center for additional support so the tarp doesn't sag too much.
Longer guy-wires can extend farther at a 90-degree angle to wrap around the container, but eventually friction builds up to the point where the sections farthest from the ratchet strap no longer move.
Top layer
- 1x 30'x40' Aluminet Shade Cloth with webbing and grommets all around
- 25x Rubber Bungee Cords with Hooks (1', 2' and 3')
- 1x 80' guy-wire
- 2x ratchet straps to connect both ends of guy-wire to the container
The top layer covers both containers and the space in-between. It is a 50' x 40' piece of aluminet connected to the outside of the containers with about two dozen bungee cords. A couple of inches of separation between the aluminet and the container roof/sides provides space for air movement that helps keep temperature inside containers lower. If aluminet is not available, shade cloth can be used instead.
Aluminet is a high quality reflective metalized HDPE knitted screen. Used in greenhouse thermal screens and as an alternative to black shade cloth. It is specially treated to prevent oxidation and protects against frost radiation damages. Also repels pests and thrips, moderates day/night temperatures. Easy to install due to light weight and high elasticity.
After Setup
Re-Tension
Within the first two days after installation, the ratchet straps should be re-tightened to keep the guy-wires as taut as possible. The same applies to the ball bungees that connect the tarp to the guy-wires. This prevents several wind-related issues, including tarp tearing.
Expansion
Containers are amazing anchor points. Keeping a few 10 ft. guy-wires and Quicklinks on hand helps address unexpected needs for extra anchor points. Ratchet straps can also be used for the same purpose but most of the ones we use are <15' and containers are usually placed 20' apart.
