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:
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.
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.
The inverted cone shape of the modular structure eliminates rain water run off by collecting all water through integrated concealed drains. The design allows all water collected to enter the supporting columns, from there it is either stored or eliminated below ground.
The project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Large Structures)
Platypus Remediation
Entrant: Global Fabric Structures (UFS)
• Category: 4 ID Number: 3301
• Location: Sydney
• Client: Thiess Australia
• Completion Date: December 2012
Credits:
• Structural Engineer: Wade Design Engineers
• Fabricator: Global Fabric Structures
• Installer: Global Fabric Structures
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Environmental Remediation
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The former HMAS Platypus site is nestled below the suburb of Neutral Bay, Sydney Australia on a quiet harbour inlet.
This site has been an integral part of the history of Sydney Harbour since the early 1800's. A gasworks, a workshop for servicing torpedoes and a base for Australian Submarines have a left a contaminated industrial site that is excavated out of sandstone and spread over several levels.
The site has an area of approximately 1.8 hectares and includes 11 buildings and structures, some of which are of heritage significance. The soils, bedrock and groundwater on the site are contaminated, predominately related to the former gas works operations.
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust acquired HMAS Platypus in 2005 and has commenced the restoration, for the enjoyment of present and future generations to enjoy the history, heritage and harbourside location.
Rio Tinto Stadium
Entrant: Structurflex Ltd - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Sandy - Salt Lake City Utah USA
Client: Salt Lake County - Utah & Real Salt Lake
Architect: Rossetti Architects
Struct. Eng.: Wade Design Engineers & Wayne Rendely PE
Builder: Turner Construction
Fabricator: Structurflex
LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation
Mooloolaba Bowls Club
Entrant: Light Weight Structures
- Category: 4 ID Number: 4351
- Location: Mooloolaba
- Client: Mooloolaba Bowls Club
- Completion Date: November 2011
Credits:
- Structural Engineer: Jeremy Hunter
- Specialists: Trevor Scott Building Designer
- Builder: Light Weight Structures
- Fabricator: Stanfast
- Installer: Light Weight Structures
Judges Comments:
"An elegant project - the best of the bowling club offerings. As well as taking care of core business, the structure lends some design distinction to a town not oversupplied with architectural gems."
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Bowling Green Canopy
The project covered two bowling greens each measuring 1240 sqmts for a total undercover area of the tensile structure 3253 sqmts. Fabric roofing was the superior choice of roofing material over metal roofing, as fabric offers translucency of natural light during daylight hours and with the use of energy efficient up lights an aesthetically favorable backlit effect at night with the added benefit of shadow free reflected lighting to the bowling arena.
The structural design features leaning arches and valley cables spanning the width of the structure forming a Ridge and Valley canopy. The ends of structure are curved/closed encapsulating artificial nighttime light within the roof canopy minimizing the nighttime light spillage and annoyance to neighboring properties.
Pacific Fair Resort Roof
Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)
Location: The Esplanade. Completed:
Client: Scentre Group (Westfield)
Team: Scentre Group (Westfield), Wade Design, Textile Fabrication Services, Fabritecture
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