01
Freestanding frame
A purpose-built structure creates an independent shade zone over pools, terraces and open entertaining areas.
02 8065 4911
Shaderunner® retractable shade systems
Shade when you want it.
Open sky when you don’t.
A beautifully simple retractable shade system, custom designed and installed by Aalta across Sydney and NSW.
40+
years of
industry experience
industry experience
What is a Shaderunner?
A retractable fabric roof
without the heavy structure.
A Shaderunner is a custom-made fabric canopy that runs smoothly along tensioned stainless-steel wires. When extended, its soft folding panels create cool, protected shade. When retracted, the fabric stacks neatly away to restore natural light, warmth and open sky.
It can be fixed between walls, fascias or posts, incorporated into an existing pergola, or designed with a new purpose-built support structure. That flexibility makes it suitable for pools, courtyards, decks, patios and large outdoor entertaining areas.
See it in motion
Shade that moves
with your day.
Watch the fabric glide and stack neatly away—opening the outdoor space back up to light, sky and ventilation.
Real Aalta installation
See the fabric move.
A closer look at the soft architectural folds that make the Shaderunner instantly recognisable.
Simple by design
How it works.
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01
Stainless-steel running wires
Tensioned wires create clean, strong pathways for the fabric with very little structure beneath.
-
02
Marine-grade pulleys
Low-friction ball-bearing pulleys allow the canopy panels to glide smoothly into position.
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03
Fabric stacks neatly away
The sculptural folds compact at one end, opening the area to sun, sky and ventilation.
Application options
Designed around
the space you have.
There is no single Shaderunner layout. Aalta designs the fixing and support arrangement around the architecture, available structure and way the outdoor area will be used.
02
Between structures
The running wires can span between suitable walls or building elements, keeping the area below largely unobstructed.
03
Wall or fascia to posts
One end connects to the home while discreet front posts support the outer edge—ideal for patios and poolside spaces.
04
Within an existing pergola
A Shaderunner can be integrated beneath or within a suitable existing frame to add controllable shade without replacing it.
Typical support layouts
Flexible fixing.
Minimal structure.
These layout concepts show how the same retractable canopy can be configured as a freestanding system, between walls, or from a building to supporting posts. Final fixing points and member sizes are confirmed after a site assessment and, where required, structural design.
Concept diagrams are indicative only.
Why Shaderunner
Engineered to disappear.
Designed to be enjoyed.
Shade on demand
Extend it for cool, comfortable shade. Retract it to welcome the winter sun and open sky.
Minimal structure
Cover generous areas without the visual weight of a conventional fixed roof or dense supporting frame.
Custom designed
Made around your courtyard, pool, patio or entertaining area—not adapted from an off-the-shelf size.
Australian conditions
Durable fabrics, mould resistance and protection from glare and the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Marine-grade hardware
316 stainless-steel fittings and low-friction Ronstan ball-bearing pulleys for smooth, reliable movement.
Your choice of control
Easy manual operation, assisted winch options or motorised remote control for effortless everyday use.
Real Aalta projects
One system.
Many kinds of space.
Explore real manual and motorised Shaderunner installations completed by Aalta. Select any project to view the original post on Instagram.
Real Aalta installation
Large entertaining areas
View on Instagram ↗
Real Aalta installation
Poolside shade
View on Instagram ↗
Real Aalta installation
Retracted for sunlight
View on Instagram ↗
Real Aalta installation
Extended for protection
View on Instagram ↗
Real Aalta installation
Courtyard transformation
View on Instagram ↗
Real Aalta installation
Custom-made Shaderunner frame designs
View on Instagram ↗
Operation
Easy by hand.
Effortless by remote.
Choose the operating method that suits the size, position and way you use your space.
Endless cord system
Extend or retract the canopy using a continuous control cord, then secure it neatly at the horn cleat. Larger or inclined installations can incorporate a detachable manual winch.
Remote control
A discreet Somfy motor sits inside a slimline powder-coated headbox. Operate the shade with a handheld remote or wall switch, with optional sun, wind or rain sensors.
See it operate
From open sky
to shade in seconds.
This real Aalta installation shows the canopy extending smoothly across the space. Press play to watch it here without leaving the page.
Open the original post ↗Indicative capabilities
Made for small spaces.
Engineered for large spans.
Every installation is individually assessed and designed. These figures are typical published Shaderunner capabilities; final dimensions, wind rating and support requirements depend on the site, fabric, operating method and structural design.
Single-system width
Up to approx. 6.5–7.0 m
Standard extension
Up to approx. 14 m
Stowed fabric depth
Typically 250–500 mm
Running wires
2 stainless-steel wires standard
Motorised systems
Somfy RTS remote-control option
Automation
Optional sun, wind or rain sensors
Fabric choices
Choose the level
of protection.
Polyester mesh
Breathable, dependable shade with approximately 90–95% UV block-out and excellent glare reduction.
Acrylic canvas
A stylish external-grade canopy option available in a wide selection of colours and architectural finishes.
Waterproof PVC
Translucent all-weather protection when designed with the appropriate side fall for controlled water run-off.
Technical layout
Single-system configuration
14 m extension
6.5 m max width
2 running wires
20% fabric drop
Questions
Before you get
a quote.
Will it survive Sydney storms? +
The system is designed for use in winds up to 25 knots. Above that, it should be retracted. Higher wind ratings may be possible with an engineered support structure, and individual fabric panels can be replaced if one is ever damaged.
How big can one system go? +
A standard single system can span up to approximately 6.5 metres wide and extend up to 14 metres on two stainless-steel wires. Twin canopies may also run on the same wires and meet in the centre, offering greater coverage for long courtyards and commercial spaces. Final capacity is subject to site and structural design.
Do I need a fixed structure to attach it to? +
Not necessarily. A Shaderunner can attach to house fascias using rafter brackets, fix to suitable walls, span between posts, or run under or within an existing pergola. Aalta confirms the appropriate fixing points and structural requirements during the site assessment.
How is this different to a shade sail? +
A conventional shade sail is fixed in place. A Shaderunner extends and retracts on demand, giving you shade and UV protection when you want it, then natural light and open sky when you don’t.
What does upkeep look like? +
A gentle clean with mild detergent and water roughly once a year helps remove surface dirt. Beyond that, the durable fabric and marine-grade hardware are designed for minimal ongoing maintenance.
Do I need council approval? +
Approval requirements depend on your council, property, support structure and the scope of work. Aalta can identify relevant considerations during the site assessment, but any required planning or building approval should be confirmed for your specific project.
Let’s create your outdoor space
See what’s possible
with Aalta.
Tell us about your space and our Sydney team will help design the right retractable shade solution for your home or project.