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:
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 (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.
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: 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.
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."
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.
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
Entrant: MakMax Australia
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Category: 4 ID Number: #4302
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Location: Brisbane Domestic Airport
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Client: Brisbane Airport Corporation
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Completion Date: June 2012
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Pedestrian bridge roof, open air.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
This airport terminal access project involves the construction of a major pedestrian bridge linking a new multi-level car park and train platforms to the terminal building one of the country’s business airports.
This covered walkway project is part of a larger group of construction projects which serve to improve all pedestrian and vehicular traffic at the airport.
Our client requested design, fabrication and installation of the tensioned membrane roof system. The purpose was purely weather protection for pedestrian traffic on new pedestrian access bridge.
Application: Container-mounted architectural structures for university dining hall.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4, 4001)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Macquarie University Campus Common project comprised of the design & construction of a series of 11 container-mounted architectural awnings to cover a new temporary dining area for students. The design involved 6 market structures, 1 larger 30m x 30m ‘main’ structure, and 4 awning structures. The main structure was required to have an internal environmental control system for temperature regulation inside.
The intention of the temporary solution meant that the design allows for the structures to be easily dismantled and relocated in 5 years.
Photo Credit: Michael Anderson, Paramount Studios
Read more: Macquarie University Campus Dining Room Project (2018)
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.
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