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 in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 3, 3003)

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp

Client: Bureau of Meterology Architect: Taiyo Membrane Corporation
Structural Engineer: Michael Lester (TMC) Builder: OZRIG
Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp

Application and Function:

Air supported structure over a radar antennae to monitor weather for the Bureau of Meterology. The structure is air supported in order to allow for minimal interference with the antennae.

Read more: Radome

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.

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 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.

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 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.

This project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards

Entrant: MakMax Australia

Category: 4 ID Number: #4302
Location: Brisbane Domestic Airport
Client: Brisbane Airport Corporation
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.