MakMax Architectural Umbrellas
MakMax Architectural Umbrellas for Permanent Outdoor Shade
MakMax Architectural Umbrellas are trusted by architects, developers, and designers for their engineered performance, long-term durability, and architectural presence. Commercial Outdoor Umbrellas designed for alfresco dining, resort pools, playgrounds, walkways, and other high-traffic commercial zones. Built to withstand wind speeds up to 120km/h and fabricated using UV-stabilised PVC membranes and corrosion-resistant steel frames, every model meets AS/NZS structural standards. With options for canopy shape, colour, branding, and linking, MakMax umbrellas offer flexible solutions for any outdoor space. Supplied and installed across Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, South-East Melbourne, Greater Geelong, and many other areas, each MakMax umbrella is backed by 40 years of experience delivering high-quality outdoor shade solutions.
MakMax Centra – Central Support Shade Umbrella for Commercial Use
The MakMax Centra is the flagship model in the architectural umbrella range — a central support permanent umbrella engineered for high-use commercial spaces. It’s the preferred choice for large hospitality venues, schools, and sporting clubs seeking reliable outdoor coverage that blends durability with clean architectural lines.
Centra umbrellas are available in multiple shapes, including square, truncated square, octagonal and hexagonal, with canopy sizes ranging from 2.7 metres to 5.0 metres. Each model is wind-rated to 120 km/h and constructed from a heavy-duty steel frame with a four-stage powdercoated finish, ensuring long-term weather resistance.
Designed to be installed permanently into concrete footings, the Centra range also supports a linking system, allowing multiple umbrellas to be joined together to expand shaded areas. In severe weather, the canopy can be safely closed using a dedicated opening kit. These large shade umbrellas are ideal for alfresco dining, walkways, play spaces, and pool surrounds.
Key Features:
- Available in 4 shapes and 7 size options, from 2.7m to 5.7m
- Wind-rated up to 120 km/h for reliable outdoor performance
- Optional linking system to create continuous covered areas
- Designed for permanent installation with closable canopy
MakMax Leva – Cantilever Umbrella with Clear Undercover Space
The MakMax Leva is a cantilever architectural umbrella designed to maximise space efficiency by removing the need for a central column. With its side-mounted support and overhanging canopy, the Leva range is ideal for poolside installations, cafes, and restaurants where tables and chairs need uninterrupted coverage.
Leva umbrellas are square in shape and available in 2.7 metre and 3.2 metre sizes. The steel cantilever frame is finished with the same 4-step powdercoat protection system used across the MakMax range, offering durability in coastal and high-use environments.
Installation options include standard cantilever, wall-mount, swivel boom and dual canopy configurations. The Leva is wind-rated to 120 km/h and, like the Centra, can be safely closed during extreme conditions. For hospitality venues or landscape architects seeking a stylish, permanent cantilever umbrella that prioritises usable space, Leva offers a practical and high-performing solution.
Key Features:
- Cantilever arm creates unobstructed usable space below
- Two square canopy sizes: 2.7m and 3.2m
- Compatible with wall mounts, swivel booms, and double canopy arms
- Permanent installation with wind rating up to 120 km/h
MakMax Porta – Portable Umbrella for Lightweight Outdoor Applications
Compact, collapsible, and highly portable, the MakMax Porta is the smallest model in the architectural umbrella range. Designed for low-wind environments, Porta is the go-to portable umbrella for cafes, pop-ups, street furniture, and temporary alfresco areas.
With a 2.1 metre square canopy and a 38mm central pole, Porta umbrellas are sized to fit through standard outdoor tables, offering practical shade for smaller outdoor layouts. Despite their lightweight form, these umbrellas use the same structural-grade steel frame and architectural PVC membrane as larger permanent models, ensuring durability across frequent use.
The Porta umbrella features a pulley-operated opening system and can be relocated with ease. For venues without a fixed outdoor space, or for operators who need flexibility without compromising on build quality, MakMax Porta delivers a commercial-grade shade solution in a portable format.
Key Features:
- 1m square collapsible canopy with commercial-grade finish
- Lightweight steel frame with 4-step powdercoat
- Central pole fits through most standard outdoor tables
- Ideal for cafes, markets, and low-wind outdoor zones
Mak Max Umbrella Customisation
Customise Your MakMax Shade Umbrella for Maximum Impact: MakMax Architectural Umbrellas aren’t just engineered for performance — they’re built for flexibility, presentation, and brand alignment. Each umbrella can be tailored across multiple dimensions, from canopy size and shape to structural colours and integrated accessories.
Whether you’re designing for a rooftop bar, an outdoor school campus, or a retail plaza, MakMax umbrellas can be configured to suit your layout, brand colours, lighting requirements, and user comfort needs. Every element is customisable — from digitally printed logos to colour-matched steel frames — allowing you to create a visually cohesive outdoor space that’s also built to endure. Explore our commercial shade solutions.
Available upgrades and configuration options include:
- Multiple canopy shapes and sizes (up to 5.7m wide, 22.9m² coverage)
- Integrated LED lighting and infrared heating systems
- Custom logos, digital patterns, and premium colour selections
- Powdercoated steel in RAL colours to suit any brand or palette
- Linkable canopy options to expand usable shaded space
Sizes & Canopy Configurations
MakMax umbrellas are available in square, octagonal, hexagonal, and truncated square shapes, with canopy sizes ranging from 2.1m to 5.7m. From compact café footpaths to large resort courtyards and school grounds, each model offers generous clearance, reliable wind performance, and full compliance with AS/NZS structural standards.
- Canopy sizes range from 2.1m (3.8m²) to 5.7m (22.9m²), depending on model and shape
- Shape options include square, octagonal, hexagonal, and truncated square
- Largest Centra model spans 5.7m diagonal with 6484mm overall width
- Models provide up to 2400mm under-canopy clearance and meet AS/NZS wind rating standards
Integrated LED Lighting & Heating
Enhance functionality after dark with integrated LED lighting (warm white or RGB) and Celmec Heatray systems. Electrical access is pre-designed into the umbrella column, avoiding trip hazards and simplifying installation. Ideal for hospitality venues, winter activation zones, and extended trading hours.
- LED lighting available in warm white, RGB colours, strip lights, or flood lights
- Heatray heating options include infrared and electric radiant systems
- Pre-integrated column wiring eliminates trip hazards and external cabling
- Optional wall-mounted remote and dimmer system for lighting and heat control
Colours, Logos & Frame Finishes
Choose from a wide range of PVC membrane colours, including Soltis 502V3 and eco-friendly Soltis Loop® options, with digital prints or vinyl-cut logos. Structural steel frames can be powdercoated in standard or custom RAL colours to suit your space. Combine performance with visual impact and make your umbrella a standout feature.
- Wide choice of Soltis 502V3 and Soltis Loop® fabric colours, Extended fabric palette and 20 premium tones
- Custom digital printing and vinyl-cut logos for full brand integration
- Powdercoated steel frames available in standard or custom RAL colours
- Non-PFAS fabric options available for environmentally conscious projects
Ready to Install a MakMax Umbrella?
Peninsula Shade Sales supplies and installs MakMax Architectural Umbrellas across Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, South-East Melbourne, Greater Geelong, and more. With over 40 years of experience, we deliver tailored shade solutions for commercial, hospitality, and education projects. Whether you need one umbrella or a full system, we’ll help you get it right — from product selection to professional installation.
Get a quote, request a brochure, or book a site visit today.
Permanent Umbrella Installation, Linking & Operation Features
MakMax Architectural Umbrellas are engineered not just for shade but for long-term usability in a wide range of site conditions. Whether you’re installing umbrellas into concrete pads, timber decks, or using flexible base options, every detail has been designed for structural integrity and seamless integration. For larger installations, umbrellas can be linked with precision to create a continuous covered area that includes integrated rainwater runoff management.
And when conditions demand it, each umbrella is equipped with a dedicated opening mechanism — tailored to the model — to allow safe closure during severe weather. These installation and usage features ensure that every MakMax umbrella performs as well in practice as it does in design.
Ground Fixing Options for Permanent and Flexible Installations
MakMax umbrellas come with a base plate as standard, designed for permanent installation into concrete slabs, pads, or pier footings. For added flexibility — particularly in café or deck environments — a variety of ground fixing options are available across the Centra and Porta ranges.
- Pavement sockets allow semi-permanent installation with flush-mount security
- Concrete bases and planter boxes offer stability with optional seating or greening
- Deck brackets enable secure mounting on timber structures, subject to structural approval
- All fixing systems are engineered for commercial safety and ease of use
Linking System for Continuous Shade Coverage
For larger spaces or modular installations, the MakMax linking system allows multiple umbrellas to be joined seamlessly. A custom membrane infill sits between canopies, integrating rainwater runoff channels and maintaining clean lines across the full span.
- Compatible with square Centra and Leva umbrellas
- Powder-coated aluminium channels direct water away from seating areas
- Standard gap between umbrellas is 115mm; maximum 900mm
- Special applications available for hexagonal and truncated square models
Opening Kits for Safe Operation in All Conditions
Each MakMax umbrella model includes an opening system tailored to its structural design. These kits ensure the canopy can be safely closed during extreme weather or overnight, protecting the fabric and frame without compromising function.
- Centra umbrellas use an erection lever and strap system, with extra retaining bolts for larger models
- Leva umbrellas feature a chain lever block, SWL strap, and support pole for cantilever stability
- Porta umbrellas include a pulley and cable system with a manual opening handle
