With global temperatures on the rise, creating comfortable outdoor spaces has never been more important. Research has found that shade can reduce our physiological equivalent temperature (PET) by as much as 13°C compared with direct sunlight (Rahman et al., 2021).
But the benefits of good shading extend beyond the area beneath a parasol. Strategically positioned external shading can significantly reduce solar heat gain through windows, helping to keep interiors cooler and reducing reliance on HVAC systems (U.S. Department of Energy, 2016). This makes shade an important consideration not only for outdoor comfort, but also for the relationship between external spaces and the buildings they complement.
The ability to adjust shading throughout the day allows you to adapt as the angle and intensity of the sun change. Our cantilever parasols have 360-degree rotation and a tilting mechanism, making it easier to position them for effective shading across different times and spaces, as well as to reduce solar heat gain to adjacent interiors.
Of course, learning how to keep cool is only one aspect of adapting to a warming climate. The longer-term challenge is how we consume, manufacture and maintain responsibly, reducing our impact on the environment and helping to address the effects of climate change. This has been a cornerstone of our Indian Ocean ethos since we were founded in 1990. We make our furniture with FSC-certified Grade A teak and, as a member of Forest Carbon, offset our carbon footprint through woodland planted across the UK.
Designed to last for decades, teak furniture offers an alternative to the disposable model of fast furniture. Great design means choosing materials and products for longevity, reducing the need for repeated replacement and the resources that come with it. We will always seek to repair and maintain furniture we have sold, as our parasols deserve to be taken care of the same way they take care of us.
The impact of a parasol goes beyond improving comfort outdoors. It can help keep surrounding interiors cooler, while the environmental impact of the product itself begins long before it reaches your outdoor space. With responsible consumption, your parasol can cast a much larger shadow. To learn more about our commitment to sustainability and the choices we make to create furniture that lasts, visit Indian Ocean.
Rahman, M. A., Dervishi, V., Moser-Reischl, A., Ludwig, F., Pretzsch, H., Rötzer, T., & Pauleit, S. (2021). Comparative analysis of shade and underlying surfaces on cooling effect. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 63, 127223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127223
U.S. Department of Energy. (2016). Energy Efficiency in Separate Tenant Spaces. DOE - Energy Efficiency in Separate Tenant Spaces_0 (1).pdf
