Shading a Medieval‐Themed Environment: La Puebla Real at Puy du Fou Spain

Abstract

The shading project developed for La Puebla Real square at Puy du Fou Spain presents a lightweight textile architecture solution designed to provide climatic comfort while preserving the scenographic integrity of a medieval‐themed environment. Unlike conventional tensile systems, where fabric prestressing plays a structural role, this installation is based on non‐tensile sails. The textiles are suspended and supported by the interaction between steel masts, reinforced concrete foundations, and a network of radial and perimeter cables anchored to adjacent buildings. This strategy results in a lightweight and minimally intrusive system, deliberately departing from the rigid geometries and mathematically driven expression typical of tensile architecture.

Aesthetic integration was a key design driver. Steel masts were finished in brown RAL 8014 to blend with surrounding timber and masonry, while cables were clad with textile coverings imitating hemp ropes, reinforcing a handcrafted appearance consistent with the historical narrative. The sails were fabricated using Sauleda Commercial 95 FR, a fire‐retardant HDPE fabric with high UV resistance, selected in three natural tones to evoke traditional materials such as stone, clay, and plaster.

The system complies with applicable building codes regarding structural safety and fire performance and incorporates quality control measures including on‐site anchor testing and inspection of textile fabrication. The design allows seasonal dismantling, ensuring durability, adaptability, and reuse across multiple campaigns.