Ep 149 Smart Shade: Cantilevers & The Future of Architectural Aluminum with Umbra Solace

Discovering next level shade in luxury outdoor living, Mike Farley hosts the Luxury Outdoor Living podcast (without co-host Trey, who is sick) and interviews Derek of Umbra Solace about engineered, contractor-supplied aluminum shade structures. Derek shares his path from storm restoration (2001) to founding and selling Hamilton Steele (2008), starting Outdoor Elements, shifting toward commercial multifamily renovations, then focusing on Umbra Solace to bring commercial-grade systems to homeowners. Umbra Solace sells wholesale to contractors and provides general engineering and training, not direct pricing or DIY kits. They discuss product options beyond louvers—arbors/pergolas, cabanas with walls, solid-roof “Perfect Panel” polyurethane/galvalume panels with wood-sublimated tongue-and-groove ceilings, and cantilever/double cantilever designs up to 14x16 and 18x16. Topics include footing tables, hidden fasteners, maintenance vs. wood, coastal corrosivity, integrated low-voltage lighting with built-in conduit, screen/fan accommodations, hail resilience, and an upcoming gable-roof configuration.   Discover more and connect: https://umbrasolace.com/ https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/ Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeFarleyDesigns/podcasts