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:
Entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4, Large Fabric Structures #4114)
Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)
Location: The Esplanade. Completed: 2016
Client: Scentre Group (Westfield)
Team: Scentre Group (Westfield), Wade Design, Textile Fabrication Services, Fabritecture
Application
Statement architectural fabric structure with complex steel geometry and state-of-the-art LED lighting system as part of a $670 million redevelopment of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4431)
Application: 2 roof canopies for tennis courts – one to cover the synthetic show court and stadium seating; and one to cover another synthetic multipurpose court.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project involved design, fabrication and installation of 2 fabric roof structures at the Marrara Tennis Centre (now Darwin International Tennis Centre) – one weatherproof shelter to cover the Main Show Court and its associated seating; and another protective shade shelter over a multi-purpose court. The project had a total plan covered area of over 3,750m2 with Mehler FR1000N being used on the Main Court and Gale Commercial Heavy 430 on the Multipurpose Court.
The main show court is a long spanning roof, covering a 60m x 50m space. Given the cyclonic location, this presented additional design challenges throughout the project.
LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (4210)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
Canopy shade structure: The architectural PTFE membrane canopy provides weather protection for an outdoor events plaza and exterior walkway.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A truly stunning piece of fabric architecture was created with this stunning lightweight membrane roof at ITE College (West) in Singapore. Supported only by a complex cable system and large steel wall plates bolted to 4 different buildings, the 3000m2 PTFE Canopy provides shelter to the Events Plaza and exterior walkways below spanning an incredible 75m span in one direction and 45m in the other.
LSAA Design Awards 2013 Award of Excellence (Cat 6, ID 4303)
Souk Okaz Public Theatre
Entrant: MakMax Australia
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Location: Taif City, Kingdom of Audi Arabia
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Client: Taif City
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Completion Date: March 2013
Judges Comments:
"Well integrated and designed perfectly for its place."
"This looks to be very successful integration of lightweight elements with solid architecture. There's no sense that the roof has been conceived independently of the rest of the theatre. Lovely tent-like effect; very effective use of pattern on the 'fly sheet'."
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Decorative roof, culturally significant
The purpose of Souk Okaz Public Theatre was to deliver both a functional public space for cultural activities and evocative ambience reminiscent of the ancient pre-Islamic era of a bustling Bedouin market place.
LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry: Cat 4, (7008) Panoli Gate - India
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
As a flagship development in the area Panoli needed a striking and unique entrance. MakMax’s Indian office was able to provide a prominent entrance structure to suit. The project, Panoli Gate House presented a new challenge for MakMax engineers. The large 1,300 sqm area required shade, weather protection, as well as a plan for collecting run off. Inspired by the design and functionality of the St Tropez products MakMax already produces as standard products, engineers decided to replicate this shape and function on a grand scale.
LSAA 2013 Design Award Entry (#4301): Cabramatta Bowls Club
Entrant: MakMax Australia
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Category: 4 ID Number: 4301
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Location: Fairfield Rd, Cabramatta NSW
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Client: Paynter Dixon Constructions Pty Ltd
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Completion Date: October 2011
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Long span sporting arena roof.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Sun safety in sport is a growing concern across all sectors of our community. Providing a playing surface protected from harmful sun is vital to the continuity of some sports. The sport of lawn bowls in particular have realised this is especially true for their aging demographic and shrinking membership.
LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation (Cat 4, 4166)
Project: Porto Chino
Entrant: Geometal Limited
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Location: Samut Sakhon, Thailand
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Client: D Land Group Co., Ltd
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Completion Date: July 2012
Judges Comments:
"Contemporary structures have departed this dramatic curved shape tensiles, a nice return to Otto era."
"Seems an imaginative and successful answer to the challenge of unifying a shopping centre in need of some focus. The geometry of the main roof form adds interest to what could have been merely a pragmatic solution."
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.
Read more: Inglis Selling Centre Fabric Roofs at Warwick Farm Racecourse (2018)
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.
Read more: Wellington Bowling Club Greens Cover Project (2018)
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.
Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: 190 King Arthur Terrace - Tennyson Qld 4105
Client: Mirvac Architect: Mirvac Design Struct. Eng.: Wade Engineering
Specialist: Steel Structures Australia
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Skyspan Asia
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3 (#37008)
Description
The Queensland State Government approved and funded the development of a first class international tennis facility for Queensland to be located in the Brisbane CBD at Tennyson. The facility offers all tennis playing surfaces, a covered main court stadium and two covered outdoor championship size show courts. The State Tennis Centre was completed in time for the Adidas international in January 2009.
Entrant: MakMax Australia – Designer
Location: Mumbai International Airport – India
Client: Mumbai International Airport Limited
Architect: Designcell
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: Mahimtura Consultants
Builder: Mumbai International Airport Limited
Fabricator: MakMax Australia
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3. (#3832)
No further details have been entered for this project
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