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.
and some more projects
The following articles are in random order:
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre - New Zealand
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.
The historic caves were formed from the limestone transported by water over thousands of years, so we wanted to emphasis a connection with the Waitomo stream and the flows of water running through the caves. The canopy gridshell is aligned with the curve of the Waitomo stream. It reinforces the generating idea for this project of a simple lightweight ‘sky shell’ to counterpoint the subterranean cave space that is dissolved and moulded out of the ground. (Fig. 4). The canopy in combination with the caves, create a positive and a negative, if you like.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
Sports stadium on top of a multi-level car park
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.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
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.
This project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards
East Cessnock Bowling Club
Entrant: Light Weight Structures
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Category: 4 ID Number: 4352
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Location: Neath Street Cessnock NSW
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Client: East Cessnock Bowls Club
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Completion Date: September 2012
Credits:
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Structural Engineer: Jeremy Hunter
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Specialists: Trevor Scott Building Designer
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Builder: Light Weight Structures
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Fabricator: Stanfast
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Installer: Light Weight Structures
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.
The client requested that the project offered weather protection to bowlers and require low levels of cleaning maintenance. The club building was elevated and adjacent to the bowling green. Floor to ceiling glass in the Sportsman’s Bar and Restaurant offered panoramic views of the bowling green. The club requested these views not be impeded. The Wide Span Structure was to integrate into the existing club building offering a weatherproof seal between the club building and the Wide Span Structure. Importantly, the club wanted to increase revenue by offering night time bowling to stimulate other income streams. As the club was positioned in a residential area complaints from neighbours had prevented the operation of night time lighting of the green. The structure was to encapsulate the artificial lighting so the greens could be used at night.
Nelson Mandela Bay Multipurpose Stadium
Entrant: MakMax Australia - Designer
Location: Prince Alfred Park - North End Lake - Port Elizabeth South Africa
Client: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
Architect: GMP Architects
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: MakMax (Installation)
Builder: Grinaker / Interbeton JV
Fabricator: MakMax Australia
Chevron Renaissance
MakMax Australia (Engineer, Fabricator, Installer)
Location: Gold Coast, QLD.
Team: MakMax Australia
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