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 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, 4771)
Entrant: MakMax Australia (Engineer, Fabricator, Installer)
Location: Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane. Completed: August 2016 Client: Watpac
Team: Cox Rayner Architects, Tensys, Arup, MakMax Australia
Application: Cycling Velodrome / indoor stadium
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.
The project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Large Structures, #3301)
Entrant: Global Fabric Structures (UFS)
Location: Sydney
Client: Thiess Australia
Completion Date: December 2012
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.
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.
LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation
Entrant:Structurflex Limited
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Category: 4 ID Number: 4101
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Location: Auckland, NZ
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Client: Westlake Girls High School
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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."
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.
Award of Excellence LSAA 2018 Design Awards Large Structures (Cat 4, 4101)
Application: Bowling green tensile membrane roof
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The overall project was specifically conceived and designed to provide a community meeting point to focus and reinvigorate the residents of a depressed suburb which had been in steady decline for more than 30 years. Many residents of this suburb are elderly and due to transportation access and costs seldom left their homes, hence social integration and community interaction was poor. The additional aim of the project was to have the elderly and young be involved in community based sports and activities to invigorate, inspire and bond fellow citizens.
Read more: Wellington Bowling Club Greens Cover Project (2018)
LSAA 2013 Design Award Entry (#4301): Cabramatta Bowls Club
Entrant: MakMax Australia
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Category: 4 ID Number: 4301
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Location: Fairfield Rd, Cabramatta NSW
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Client: Paynter Dixon Constructions Pty Ltd
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Completion Date: October 2011
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Long span sporting arena roof.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Sun safety in sport is a growing concern across all sectors of our community. Providing a playing surface protected from harmful sun is vital to the continuity of some sports. The sport of lawn bowls in particular have realised this is especially true for their aging demographic and shrinking membership.
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.
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.
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 (4210)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
Canopy shade structure: The architectural PTFE membrane canopy provides weather protection for an outdoor events plaza and exterior walkway.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A truly stunning piece of fabric architecture was created with this stunning lightweight membrane roof at ITE College (West) in Singapore. Supported only by a complex cable system and large steel wall plates bolted to 4 different buildings, the 3000m2 PTFE Canopy provides shelter to the Events Plaza and exterior walkways below spanning an incredible 75m span in one direction and 45m in the other.
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