Anyone growing up in New Zealand in the 1980s would recall when a new word hit the lexicon; ozone and more specifically, the ozone layer. This barely perceived layer of gasses in the earth’s stratosphere was coming under attack from the growing use of chlorofluorocarbons—a man-made series of refrigerants used in a range of products.
Why was this of concern? The ozone layer is responsible for absorbing most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The depletion of this layer, particularly near New Zealand, was resulting in increased cases of UVR-related skin cancers and other health issues related to long-term UVR exposure.
The subsequent ban on CFCs and their phasing out has had a beneficial result on the ozone layer, however, the damage already done has meant that overall peak ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels during the New Zealand summer, as measured by the Ultraviolet Index (UVI), are about 40 per cent more than those Northern Hemisphere countries at similar latitudes.
“Protecting ourselves from UVR exposure is particularly important here in New Zealand,” says Richard Lee, founder of Design Concepts. “That said, we all love those long summer days and spending time outdoors, especially entertaining friends and family, is central to our culture.
The wall-mounted Paraflex square umbrella is an ideal solution for outdoor areas with limited floor space.
Umbrosa: the building block to a great outdoor experience
“Ensuring minimal exposure starts with installing the right shade protection for your outdoor space. Unfortunately, the New Zealand marketplace is flooded with sub-standard products, especially in the outdoor sector and it’s a sad fact that you get what you pay for, which is why I always advise my clients to do the research and to make sure that what they’re buying is worth the long-term investment they’re ultimately paying for.”
Richard says it was just that very scenario that made him look into potential suppliers of a product range that would suit New Zealand’s conditions.
“A long-term client came to me bemoaning his existing outdoor umbrella—which he assured me was from a very reputable brand—and the fact that it would blow over at the slightest hint of wind. The final straw came after the company that sold it to him suggested a more permanent fixing to the outdoor area—well, the result was torn up concrete when the umbrella once again blew over.
“Feeling for his plight, I did some research online and came across the Umbrosa range out of Belgium. I imported four, two for my client and two for the showroom and was amazed when they were snapped up practically before I had even landed them in the country.
“Needless to say, three-plus years later, my client has never had an issue with his Umbrosa umbrella and I am now the exclusive distributor of the brand in New Zealand.”
The Icarus cantilevered umbrella has been wind tunnel tested to over 50kph and features 19 canopy colour options.
Umbrosa: form and function in equal measure
Belgian-designed and manufactured, the Umbrosa Umbrella range features both free-standing —cantilevered and centre-post models—and wall-mounted options for total design flexibility within your outdoor space.
“Umbrosa umbrellas have been wind tunnel tested and can withstand up to 50kph winds—with some models, it’s up to 90kph—making them an ideal option for New Zealand's coastal conditions. All are rotational through 360 degrees to move with the sun and provide shade where you need it.
“The company’s tagline—unique shade design—is very true and resonates with me personally. All of their designs are very well considered and conceived by a group of renowned industrial designers. Whether you’re looking for a square or round umbrella, something of a more traditional style or very contemporary, the Umbrosa range has an option for you.”
Constructed from marine-grade aluminium, the Eclipsum features a 3-metre canopy, which, along with the mast, is rotational through a full 360 degrees.
Umbrosa and Design Concepts: quality products within reach
Design Concepts offers six Umbrosa products including the Paraflex wall-mounted range; the Eclipsum, Icarus and Spectra and Spectra Duo cantilevered ranges; and, the Infinia centre-post range.
“Each umbrella features multiple colour choices for fabric and there are base options for free-standing models as well as colour options for the support structure. We stock a range of hardware options and the most popular fabric colours but can also source different fabrics as required.
