• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For the LSAA, 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 "most recent" order. As of May 2025 we have about 47 projects listed displayed 10 per page.


 

Brisbane State Tennis Outdoor Show Courts - Roof Detail
Brisbane State Tennis Outdoor Show Courts - Roof Detail

Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: 190 King Arthur Terrace - Tennyson Qld 4105
Client: Mirvac  Architect: Mirvac Design   Struct. Eng.: Wade Engineering
Specialist: Steel Structures Australia
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Skyspan Asia

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3 (#37008)

Description 

The Queensland State Government approved and funded the development of a first class international tennis facility for Queensland to be located in the Brisbane CBD at Tennyson. The facility offers all tennis playing surfaces, a covered main court stadium and two covered outdoor championship size show courts. The State Tennis Centre was completed in time for the Adidas international in January 2009.

Conical Forms for the Spanish Pavilion - Internal View
Conical Forms for the Spanish Pavilion - Internal View

APPLICATION and DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

The creation of unique Exhibition Pavilion using these large conical forms.  The conical forms to provide both shade and reprieve from the sun but also provide cooling through a passive cooling air ventilation system (reminiscent of the wind towers of traditional Middle Eastern architecture).

Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) - View of Mast and Cone from Below
Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) - View of Mast and Cone from Below

 

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.

Field of Dreams Weather Protection to 2 Courts
Field of Dreams Weather Protection to 2 Courts

APPLICATION OF PROJECTSports Court Canopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A specialised canopy structure was commissioned for the Field of Dreams project at Oxford Falls Grammar School in New South Wales, Australia. The design aimed to provide weather protection for two competition playing courts situated on the upper level of a two-story building, covering 2,200 square metres.

In addition to the canopy made of PTFE, stainless steel mesh was incorporated around the perimeter of the open-air facility. The rated mesh effectively enclosed the area and acted as a barrier to prevent equipment from falling through and provided fall protection for users of the courts all while maintaining adequate air circulation.

Underside View of the Inverted Tensioned Fabric Cones at Mumbai Arrival Plaza
Underside View of the Inverted Tensioned Fabric Cones at Mumbai Arrival Plaza

 Twin Levels of Inverted Tensioned Fabric Cones is the Signature of the Mumbai Airport Arrivals Plaza

Entrant: MakMax Australia – Designer
Location: Mumbai International Airport – India
Client: Mumbai International Airport Limited
Architect: Designcell
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: Mahimtura Consultants
Builder: Mumbai International Airport Limited
Fabricator: MakMax Australia

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3. (#3832)

No further details have been entered for this project

Marrara Tennis Centre Fabric Roof - Aerial View
Marrara Tennis Centre Fabric Roof - Aerial View

 

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.

Porto Chino Shopping Mall - Freeform Fabric Roof
Porto Chino Shopping Mall - Freeform Fabric Roof

LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation (Cat 4, 4166)

Project: Porto Chino

Entrant: Geometal Limited

  • Location: Samut Sakhon, Thailand
  • Client: D Land Group Co., Ltd
  • 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."



Clarke Quay Redevelopment - New Shade Structures - Singapore
Clarke Quay Redevelopment - New Shade Structures - Singapore

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.

The Farm - Major Red Fabric Trumpet Sculpture by Anish Kapoor in New Zealand
The Farm - Major Red Fabric Trumpet Sculpture by Anish Kapoor in New Zealand

The Farm Major Sculpture by Anish Kapoor - Entered into the 2009 LSAA Design Awards, Category 4 (4022)

Entrant: Structurflex Ltd - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Kaipara Harbour
Client: Keystone Trust
Architect: Noel Lane Architects
Struct. Eng.: Structure Design & Compusoft Engineering
Builder: Grayson Engineering
Fabricator: Structurflex

No further details have been entered for this project at this stage.

.

  1. Large Fabric Structures - 2024DA - Hamilton Workingman’s Club Canopy
  2. ASU – Skysong
  3. Platypus Remediation
  4. Sharjah Safari - Birds of Africa Aviary (DA 2022 Entry by Tensys)
  5. Radome
  6. Queensland State Velodrome
  7. Projects from 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4)
  8. Large Structures - 2024DA - Bank of Indonesia Millennial Function Hall
  9. Auckland Cablenet Zoo Aviaries Enclosures
  10. Mooloolaba Bowls Club
  11. The Glen Shopping Centre, Glen Waverley (Entry by Fabritecture)
  12. Panoli Gate House, India
  13. Ken Rosewall Arena, Stadium Roof, Sydney
  14. Memorial Drive Tennis Centre Canopy (2021 DA)
  15. Large Structures - 2024DA -Te Hiku Sports Hub Project
  16. ITE College West, Singapore
  17. Macquarie University Campus Dining Room Project (2018)
  18. Fabric Structures at Expo 2015
  19. Yogyakarta International Airport, Indonesia (2021 DA)
  20. Pacific Fair Resort Roof
  21. Greenslopes Private Hospital Car Park Canopies
  22. Brisbane Airport Walkway
  23. The Grand Pavilion RAS
  24. Chevron Renaissance
  25. The Link Covered Walkway, Chadstone, VIC (2022 DA Entry by MakMax)
  26. Souk Okaz Public Theatre
  27. QUT Sports Field Car Park Project (2018)
  28. The Cloud, Auckland
  29. Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre
  30. Marassi Beach Resort, Egypt
  31. Wellington Bowling Club Greens Cover Project (2018)
  32. Large Fabric Structures - 2024DA - Whitten Oval Indoor Training Facility
  33. Cabramatta Bowls Club
  34. East Cessnock Bowling Club
  35. Large ETFE Structure - 2024DA - Link at Langley Atrium
  36. Playford Bowls Club Triple Green Roof Cover Project (2018)
  37. Inglis Selling Centre Fabric Roofs at Warwick Farm Racecourse (2018)
  38. Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility