Shade as Part of the Play Environment

Textile sunshades give a schoolyard in Madrid a new look

In a city like Madrid, where high temperatures and many hours of sunshine affect the use of outdoor spaces, shade plays an important role. At Colegio El Recuerdo, a school in the northern part of the Spanish capital, the preschool playground was redesigned to offer the children a more pleasant and versatile outdoor space. At the same time, the open character of the playground had to be preserved.

For the redesign, a structure featuring textile shade sails was chosen. The design is by JRB Arquitectos, and the project was carried out by BAT Spain, a specialist in textile architecture and a long-standing partner of the Serge Ferrari Group. Two Serge Ferrari materials were used for the sails: Tenseo Frontside 381 and Soltis Proof 502.

Inspired by natural forms

The new canopy covers approximately 260 square meters and consists of triangular sails stretched over a galvanized steel structure. JRB Arquitectos drew inspiration for the design from nature: the steel columns resemble tree trunks, and the green and yellow sails together form a colorful canopy over the square.

“This project clearly demonstrates that sun protection can be an integral part of how a space is used and experienced,” says Marcos Santos, Key Account Manager for Solar Protection Benelux at Serge Ferrari. “Especially in schools, it’s not just about keeping out heat. The right choice of materials also influences light, atmosphere, and the daily use of an outdoor space.”

Two materials with different functions

For this project, Tenseo Frontside 381 and Soltis Proof 502 were combined. The micro-perforated structure of Tenseo Frontside 381 ensures that daylight is preserved and air can continue to circulate. At the same time, the fabric helps limit direct heating from the sun.

Soltis Proof 502 serves a different purpose within the design and provides additional protection against the elements. The combination of both membranes creates a canopy that provides shelter without losing the open character of the schoolyard. Moreover, the different shapes and colors cause the interplay of light and shadow to change throughout the day.

According to Santos, this application is part of a broader market trend. “Textiles are increasingly being used as architectural materials. In addition to their functional properties, architects also consider the contribution that a fabric makes to the design and experience of a building or outdoor space.”

More space for outdoor use

The project at Colegio El Recuerdo demonstrates how textile applications can transform existing outdoor spaces. Through the collaboration between JRB Arquitectos, BAT Spain, and Serge Ferrari, a play environment was created in which technology and design complement each other.

For the school, the new structure primarily means that the playground can be enjoyed at more times of the day. The shade sails thus not only provide protection but also give the outdoor space a distinctive new identity.