About Us

Alistair MARTIN grew up around boats and sailing and turned his passion for all things nautical into a business in the UK back in 1992 when he created Marine and Commercial Rigging Systems.  He offered services locally for yacht rigging but also got involved in architectural rigging around London and the South East creating architectural features such as modern wire-infill balustrades and staircases in many office buildings and public spaces. Through this work Alistair gradually developed and honed skills in welding and metalwork.

In 2006 he moved to South West France with his wife and young children.  Far from the sea, with his newly set-up company EURL Tension Suspension, his rigging and metalwork knowledge lent themselves to creating original and beautiful shade structures, and designing and realising installations of sailshades – wonderful swooping shapes of taut fabric creating stylish but practical areas of shade from the hot southern French sun in both public and private settings.

Between 2015 and early 2018 Alistair spent a period of convalescence living and working at a chateau, looking after the grounds and welcoming guests for holidays and events.

Tension Suspension was re-established in 2018, offering the same services as before, and Alistair looks forward to working with you to create original and unique installations, structures and objects for the home, garden, and public spaces.