Large fabric structures have generally been thought of as those that have a fabric surface area greater than 1000 square metres. These structures may be described as single surfaces or panels in the form of one of the classic hypars, barrel vaults, cones, panels with single or crossing arches - or a combination.

Larger fabric structures can also be made from several modules or panels of similar forms to build up a substantial sized structure. The multiple panels might be arranged in a linear layout, or in a circular or oval pattern commonly found in stadia roofs. The boundaries are defined structurally and geometrically by straight or curved elements such as arches, edge beams and cables. The prestress forces from adjacent panels often counterbalance and the more efficient structures have a larger degree of symmetry and continuity such as a complete "bicycle wheel" for the roof a major sports stadium. Stadiums are grouped in a separate menu item.

The following articles are in random order:

Award of Excellence LSAA 2018 Design Awards Large Structures (Cat 4, 4101)

Application: Bowling green tensile membrane roof

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The overall project was specifically conceived and designed to provide a community meeting point to focus and reinvigorate the residents of a depressed suburb which had been in steady decline for more than 30 years. Many residents of this suburb are elderly and due to transportation access and costs seldom left their homes, hence social integration and community interaction was poor. The additional aim of the project was to have the elderly and young be involved in community based sports and activities to invigorate, inspire and bond fellow citizens.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
Tennis stadium roof

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Memorial Drive Redevelopment Project was tasked with ensuring the future configuration of the Adelaide Tennis Centre complex met South Australia’s sporting and entertainment needs. Stage One of the project called for a redevelopment of all the court surfaces (over 30 new court surfaces in a mixture of Pluxicushion, grass and clay built to International Tennis Federation (ITF) standards), construction of a new sunken show court, player shelters and landscaping, and crowning the project, a 5800m² lightweight tensile membrane roof to cover the existing centre court and spectator stands.

An example of close-knit collaboration between Tennis SA, COX Architecture, MakMax Australia and local Adelaide construction firm Kennett Builders, the completion of the Memorial Drive Redevelopment Project Stage One set the scene for an exciting summer of tennis in early 2020. The most eye-catching element of the project is the 5800m² PTFE membrane roof that protects patrons in the permanent and temporary movable seating areas, as well as covering the corporate function event areas installed around the centre court for major tournaments.

Entered into the LSAA Design Awards 2007 (Large Structures, 3195)

Entrant: Oasis Tension Structures
Client: Multiplex Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd
Architect: Darryl Jackson Pty Ltd
Structural Engineer: Tensys
Specialist Consultant(s): Drafting Steel One
Builder: Oasis Tension Structures (Australia) Pty Ltd
Fabricator(s): Atkins Fabrications Pty Ltd Structurflex NZ,
Geelong Fabrications, Ronstan

Aside from the images below, no other details have been entered for this project.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Airport terminal drop off area roof

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The new Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) at Kulon Progo Regency, serves the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia, and is operated by Ankasa Pura. As part of the airport development, Fabritecture was contracted for the design & supply of ETFE pneumatic roofing as well as supply system and ducting.

The ETFE component of the roof comprises 84 2-layer cushions covers a plan area of approximately 14,314m² and is part of an overall canopy integrating polycarbonate elements also, overall providing 18,900m² of weather cover the exterior drop-off area.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The Link Chadstone is a covered walkway between Chadstone shopping Centre and Hotel Chadstone Melbourne.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Link walkway in Chadstone is a visually stunning fabric-over-glulam structure that provides easy covered access for patrons between the Chadstone Shopping Centre and Hotel Chadstone Melbourne.

Commissioned by leading Australian real estate investment trust Vicinity Centres, and completed in October 2019, The Link is a 100m arched walkway that soars up to 15m above the pedestrian zone and is covered with 1750m² of high-translucency THV-coated PTFE fabric.

Designed to blur the lines between the retail, commercial and leisure zones of Chadstone’s high-end fashion shopping precinct with the newly opened Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel, The Link transforms part of a multi-level car park into a luxurious, cathedral-like promenade for shoppers and hotel guests.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

The designing architect’s vision of The Link was to complement Chadstone Shopping Centre’s existing vaulted glass roof with an iconic light and airy structure created with glulam timber arches, covered with a semi-translucent tensile fabric membrane.

As the membrane contractors, the design and engineering challenge we faced on The Link was to deliver a premium tensile membrane finish to complement the projects’ luxury look and feel. With the aim to link the new 5-star Hotel Chadstone to the Chadstone Shopping Precinct – the membrane finish had to embrace the high-end, luxurious aesthetic of the project.

APPLICATION and DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

The creation of unique Exhibition Pavilion using these large conical forms. The conical forms to provide both shade and reprieve from the sun but also provide cooling through a passive cooling air ventilation system (reminiscent of the wind towers of traditional Middle Eastern architecture).

Entry in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 4, 4007) "Large Fabric Structures"

Entrant: Tensys

Location: Clarke Quay Redevelopment - Singapore Client: Capital and Commercial Ltd
Architect: SMC Alsops & RSP Architects Structural Engineer: Tensys
Specialist Consultant(s): Arup (Environmental) Builder: Kajima Overseas Asia Pte Ltd
Fabricator(s): Skyspan (Asia) Pvt Ltd – Riverside/Bluebell
canopies HIghtex GmbH – Street/Angel Canopies

Application and Function:

More than $50 million was spent upgrading the outdoor precinct to increase the shade and add to the comfort of visitors.

The Angel Structures are made from high performance thermoplastic film (ETFE). It is the first time this material has been used on such a large scale in Asia.

Around the river’s edge, striking bluebell canopies over lilypads revitalize the area, helping to create a new trend in outdoor dining and entertainment.

LSAA 2007 Design Award Entry (Cat 3, 3002)

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp (Later as MakMax in Australia)

Client: Major Projects Australia Architect: Peddle Thorpe Architects
Structural Engineer: Xiang Du (TMC) & Connell Mott McDonald
Specialist Consultant(s): Connell Wagner (steel design)
Builder: John Holland Pty Ltd

Application and Function:

Designed to be suitable both during and after major events, the roof has been designed in two sections.
Section one is a permanent roof made from PTFE fabric. This roof covers the pool as well as stadium seating for 3,000 spectators. Section two extends the roof for “Commonwealth Games” mode.
Two temporary PVC roofs are erected either side of the permanent roof to cover a further 8,000 seats. The temporary structures create a festive effect with their high pitches and large sloping support columns.

Commendation LSAA 2018 Design Awards Large Structures (Cat 4, 4433)

Application: Large canopies with a fabric surface area over 2800m2 to cover multiple areas at the Inglis Selling Centre Warwick Farm Racecourse

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project was the design, fabrication and installation of multiple decorative and functional canopies for the Inglis Selling Centre at Warwick Farm Racecourse. With an overall Chukoh FGT800 PTFE fabric area of approximately 3060m2, the project covered multiple areas and structure types - “Trees” to cover the horse parade ring; a shelter canopy for the patron walkway for the pre-parade ring; a canopy for the wedding pavilion, and awnings for the hotel.

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry: Cat 4 (4321) Auckland, New Zealand

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The Cloud is a semi permanent multi purpose event & exhibition structure, initially developed for the Rugby World Cup

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Cloud is a semi permanent structure erected on the western edge of Queens Wharf to accommodate the city's commitment to hosting an inner-city fanzone, festival and showcase event during the Rugby World Cup 2011. Installed as part of the recent 18 month redevelopment of Queens Wharf, The Cloud will be utilised by NZ2011 to showcase the best of New Zealand innovation and creativity during the REAL New Zealand Showcase. At almost 180m long, The Cloud can accommodate up to 6,000 people.