Why Build a Portable Shade?
Pop-up canopies cost $100–$300 and break in wind. Permanent pergolas cost $3,000–$10,000 and don't move. Beach umbrellas blow away. The Shadosphere is a modular shade structure that packs flat, sets up in minutes, and uses the same geometry as every other Thios product — but optimized for portability and UV protection.
What You Get
Everything you need to go from idea to finished structure
Construction Plans
Complete cut lists, assembly sequences, and connection details for every module in your chosen product.
Bill of Materials
Exact quantities and dimensions for every piece of lumber, fastener, and material you need to buy.
3D Configurator Access
Design your layout in our free 3D configurator. Experiment with module combinations before you cut a single board.
Builder Network
Connect with local lumber yards and builders. Share your design, get real quotes, find people who can help.
How It Works
Design
Configure your layout in the free 3D tool. Choose modules, materials, and placement.
Plan
Get your bill of materials, cut list, and assembly sequence. Order materials locally.
Build
Follow the step-by-step handbook. Standard tools, standard lumber, no special skills.
Why Shadosphere?
5-Minute Setup
Snap-together modular panels — no tools required for assembly. Pack it flat, set it up anywhere, take it down in minutes.
Wind-Stable Geometry
Geodesic panel geometry distributes wind loads across the entire structure. No more chasing blown-over canopies.
UV-Resistant Fabric
Industrial UV-blocking fabric panels provide full shade coverage. Swap panels for ventilation, privacy, or rain protection.
Technical Specifications
| Footprint | 2.4 × 2.4 m (8 × 8 ft) |
| Height | ~2.1 m (~7 ft) |
| Weight | ~7 kg (~15 lbs) |
| Setup Time | ~5 minutes, no tools |
| Material | UV-resistant fabric + aluminum frame |
| UV Protection | UPF 50+ |
| Wind Rating | Stable to 25 mph (40 km/h) |
| License | CERN Open Hardware License v2 |
Get the Complete Build System
Step-by-step handbook, cut lists, material specs, and assembly guides — plus lifetime updates and community access. From $29.
See Pricing & Editions30-day money-back guarantee · Open-source license included
Get Quotes from Local Builders
Design your configuration in our free online tool, then get material quotes from suppliers near you.
Design & Get QuotesBuilder Tools
Everything you need to build with precision — from templates to jigs.
MDF & Paper Templates
Precision CNC-cut MDF routing guides and full-scale paper patterns for accurate fabrication.
View Templates →3D-Printable Jigs
Download STL files for assembly jigs, alignment tools, and drilling guides. Print at home.
Drop-Ship Jig Kits
Professional-grade steel and aluminum jigs shipped directly to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Other Products
OPEN SOURCE HARDWARE
The Thiosphere™ SDK, the foundation to all our products, is open source hardware. In fact, all Thios products are. Specifically the CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 - Strongly Reciprocal.
That's a fancy way of saying that if you want to use our design, even for commercial purposes, you have to share your changes with everyone else.