Pandanus: Designed to Grow. Infinite Shade. Zero Waste.

The design challenge was clear: create a scalable shade structure that could adapt to different spaces and budgets. This aimed to address the growing gap between community needs and what’s delivered in green spaces - 97% of community members consider shade essential, yet only 19% have shade structures, and just 3% are permanent. Focus groups emphasised that visual appeal should never be compromised by functionality - which became non-negotiable design principles. Aluminium was deliberately chosen to support sustainable futures through its recyclability, presenting a unique engineering challenge: maintaining strength while spanning large areas without extra support.

Communities asked for lasting shade that looks as good as it performs - and Pandanus delivers. Inspired by the geometric pattern of the Pandanus fruit, the system uses just three components to form interlocking panels that span large areas with minimal structure. Laser-cut panels offer more than cover: they cast shadow art that turns each structure into a piece of place-specific storytelling. It’s cost-effective, scalable, and built from recyclable aluminium to withstand Australia’s harsh environmental conditions. Pandanus is designed for simplicity and longevity, making it easy to install, maintain, and deliver lasting impact.

Pandanus isn’t just a solution for now - it’s a revolutionary step toward creating better communities for the future. Crafted from 100% recyclable materials, it supports the circular economy and offers lasting shade solutions, ensuring future generations enjoy the same access to green spaces. Its cost-effectiveness makes shade accessible for lower-income communities, addressing the park access gap in cities where nearly 1.3 million Australians lack easy access to public parks. Scalable and adaptable, Pandanus opens opportunities for healthier, more inclusive spaces - bringing shade and comfort to Australia’s most vulnerable, while promoting environmental sustainability.

Better Together Developed over two years of engineering by GX Outdoors and guided by the creative vision of RPS Architects, this collaboration merges advanced manufacturing with visionary design, creating a shade solution that is cost-effective, scalable, and built for real-world use. Fast, Simple Assembly Just three core components make installation quick and straightforward - cutting down time, tools, and labour on-site. Affordable by Design Fewer parts and lean manufacturing ensures affordability without sacrificing quality. Low Maintenance Fewer moving parts reduce wear and tear, ensuring long-term reliability with minimal upkeep. Modular and Flexible Easily scales from one shelter to an entire park network, adapting to a variety of site sizes and needs. Short Lead Times 100% Australian-made, ensuring reduced lead times and quicker delivery, allowing for faster rollouts and meeting tight project deadlines.