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:
Mehler Coated Technical Textiles supplied large quantities of coated fabric for the 2015 Milan Expo.
The major application was for sun shading the two main axes of the Expo. The 85,000 sqm of fabric was essentially planar rectangular panels attached to opposing valley and ridge cables.
One important concept behind the simple forms was the re-use of the fabric following the Expo.
Other projects included:
- Iranian Pavillion (2,500 sqm)
- Ferreo Pavillion (1,600 sqm)
- Institution Bologna Pavillion (4,500 sqm)
- Tent at the entrance (6,000 sqm)
For further details see HERE
The following Large Structure Projects were entered into the 2018 LSAA Design Awards in Category 4
Category 4 "Large Structures > 1000 sqm"
4001 Macquarie University Campus Common.
4066 QUT Sports Field Car Park.
4100 Sumartran Tiger Adventure.
4101 Wellington Regional Bowling Club.
LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (4322): Cablenet Zoo Aviaries
APPLICATION OF PROJECT
As part of a major upgrade to Auckland Zoo, Fabric Structure Systems built four new aviaries to accommodate different New Zealand bird & animal species.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Thirteen years in the planning and almost four years in the design and building, Te Wao Nui is Auckland Zoo’s most significant project in its eighty-eight-year history. Covering more than 20 percent of the zoo’s seventeen hectares, the exhibit showcases New Zealand species in their natural environment.
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.
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
Application: Sports stadium on top of a multi-level car park
This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4066)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Sportsfield Car Park project was part of the construction of a $27 million multi-story car park at the QUT Kelvin Grove campus in Brisbane. The roof-level is home to a FIFA accredited sports field, developed as part of the long-term expansion plans for the University.
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Sportsfield Car Park features a FIFA-accredited sports field on the roof of the AUD$27 million multi-level car park. This unique project included the design and construction of the steel, PTFE fabric membrane, fall arrest mesh, static line and score board.
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.
Entered into the LSAA 2011 Awards (Cat 4, 4610)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Sheltered below an innovative woven timber canopy, new amenities for visitors to the Waitomo Caves includes tourist gathering areas, 250-seat dining, retail, seminar and exhibition areas as well as a café and theatre for Tourism Holdings Ltd (Fig.1). (Note: These Figures / drawings are not available)
The cave entrance is accessed from the car park on the upper path while a lower path returns the visitors back alongside the stream exit (Fig. 2). Between these paths the amenities were accommodated within a simple base structure that extended the contours of the land (Fig. 3). The form of the base is distinguished and separate from the curved geometry of the overhead canopy.
LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation
Entrant:Structurflex Limited
-
Category: 4 ID Number: 4101
-
Location: Auckland, NZ
-
Client: Westlake Girls High School
-
Completion Date: May 2012
Judges Comments:
"Well executed variant of a "Standard" structure for sports."
"A tough site by the side of a motorway. Fine integration of structure and membrane to make the most of the potential of lightweight materials. A generous span provides uncluttered space; a sense of levity throughout."
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.
This project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Large Structures, 4352)
East Cessnock Bowling Club
Entrant: Light Weight Structures
-
Location: Neath Street Cessnock NSW
-
Client: East Cessnock Bowls Club
-
Completion Date: September 2012
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
The project covered one Bowling Green measuring 1820 sqmts. The project was designed to offer weather protection to bowlers, including night time use of the Bowling Green (in a residential setting) and minimal cleaning maintenance over the life of the structure.
LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (3185)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
Shading systems: The Marassi beach Clubhouse, resort villas, and spas required a large range of shading systems.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Marassi is a Mediterranean‐styled resort development sprawling across 1,544 acres of pristine waterfront. Situated along the magical shores of Sidi Abdul Rahman bay, the resort is close to Alexandria and a few miles away from the historic city of El Alamein.
Page 2 of 3
