Issue 58

FUNCTION VENUES
3
When all nine main tipi poles are in
position, the canvas pulley can be
positioned on the top. Working at
step ladder height, the team can then fix
the horizontal purlin beams in place, which
will ensure the spacing of the framework is
correct. 750mm long stakes are then driven
through the base of the poles, to secure the
tipi to the ground.
4
Once the framework is in position and
anchored, the canvas can be attached
to the pulley and pulled up and over
the top of the framework. It is important to
take note of where the zip locations on the
canvas need to be, as these will be the exit
points in the formation. The canvas will then
need to be pegged out using 450mm stakes
at the main pole points, and hook pegs
along all the other D-rings, to secure the
canvas into position.
5
Once tensioned and totally pegged out,
the zip can be opened and used as for
entry/exit. At this point, the internal
dressings can be installed, including carpet,
furniture and lighting.
“WE’VE FOUND THAT A GREAT WAY TO GET AROUND THIS IS
TO ADD OUTDOOR INDIAN FIRE BOWLS TO YOUR INVENTORY
AND SUGGEST TO YOUR END CUSTOMER TO USE THEM AS A
GATHERING SPACE OUTSIDE”
Top Tip
Fairy lights are the traditional lighting
enhancement used within tipis, with
them wrapped around the main poles.
We have found that attaching the fairy
light ring connector to the crown at
the very beginning of the build will
mean less time working at height for
your team.
DISSEMBLING AND PACKING AWAY
All of our tipis are provided in heavy duty,
waterproof PVC bags. Once all the pegs have
been removed and canvas pulled off, lay it
onto the clean waterproof sheeting and roll
it tightly together. Please note that if it has
been raining, we would not recommend
you pack the tipi away and leave it on the
storage shelf for months damp. It will be
fine for a couple of days, but any longer and
we would recommend you hang your tipi
canvas up to dry.
Top Tip
If there is any dirt or bird droppings
that have landed on the canvas during
the course of the event, ensure you
brush/clean this off before packing the
tipi away.
STORAGE
We recommend all our clients store their
canvas components inside, somewhere
dry, well-ventilated and raised off the floor.
Due to the incredible strength of the Nordic
spruce that we use, the poles can be stored
outside in the elements, should you not have
the internal space available. That said, we
would recommend they be stored off the
ground to avoid them sitting on the wet floor
and soaking up water, with a mesh sheet
over them to protect them from the sun and
snow.
MAINTENANCE
There are a number of things you can do that
will help to maximise the life of your tipi. All
of our clients receive fully comprehensive
maintenance guidelines, that they can also
access via our online training portal but
some highlights are noted below:
› Keep your firepits outside! Controversial
yes, because we all know that a firepit
inside a tipi is such a cosy, welcoming
addition but it will affect your canvas. In
the same way that lighting a fire in your
living room will stain the walls, lighting a
firepit inside a tipi will darken and mark
the canvas, meaning that you will have to
replace it sooner. We’ve found that a great
way to get around this is to add outdoor
Indian fire bowls to your inventory and
suggest to your end customer to use them
as a gathering space outside.
› Before taking down your tipis, inspect
them. Keep an eye out for any nicks, tears
and holes that may have arisen during the
course of the event and patch-repair any
that you see. With every tipi purchase we
provide a canvas repair kit.
› For any larger repairs, get in touch with
the after sales team as soon as possible
so that they can advise on the next best
steps.
› Clean your canvas. The use of harsh
chemicals isn’t recommended so get
ahead of your maintenance routine by
brushing off any dirt with a soft dry brush,
and then wash with warm water. White
vinegar is an incredibly useful household
cleaning agent that works wonders on
algae and stains on the canvas, so as soon
as you spot an issue, work fast.
› Conduct regular inspections of the fixtures
and fittings on both the poles and canvas
to ensure they are all secure and in good
working order.
› Conduct an annual inspection of all your
poles.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hayley Harthern is the
managing director of
The Tipi Company, a
British manufacturer
of high-quality giant
event tipis. By offering a
comprehensive range
of additional services including before
and after-sales support, training,
installation and repairs, The Tipi
Company has become a significant
player in the market, serving customers
both in the UK and internationally. The
company is proud to have been awarded
the Made In Britain mark, the official seal
of approval that is a true indication of
quality and reliability.
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