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Medium Fabric Structures

In terms of our LSAA Design Awards, a Medium sized Fabric Structure, or tensioned membrane structure, would have a surface area of between 250 and 1000 sqm.

Tensioned fabric or membrane structures of this size are often of one geometric form such as a conical structure with a central bale ring attached to a mast or tied down. The perimeter could be a series of edge cables, trusses or beams. If multiple units are used they the final structure may fall into the "large" category.

Other forms could be panels with internal diagonal arches, crossed arches, barrel vaults with intermediate valley cables. Sample structures in the following image gallery.



The following articles are in random order whilst the (separate) List of Medium Structures is in order of most recently modified article first. As of May 2025 approximately 42 articles are available.


 

Underside View of the Tumbalong Green Sound Shell
Underside View of the Tumbalong Green Sound Shell

2024 LSAA Design Award Entry ID #2863 Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre

ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)

2 Medium Structures

ENTRANT ROLE

Engineer / Install

PROJECT NAME:

Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre Roof

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Public Amphitheatre roof covering

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Creating a showpiece architectural structure in Darling Harbour, the Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre is a remarkable marriage of beautiful elements and engineering expertise. Exemplifying the stunning possibilities of lightweight structure design, the soundshell curves up and over the stage, appearing to almost float over the performance space and encourages sound to wash over the audience like a breaking wave.

An example of architectural design meets functionality, the combination of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structural elements supporting a 1000 square metre PVC membrane have created a lightweight, and visually appealing public amphitheatre roof.

Isa Royal Military College Grand Stand
Isa Royal Military College Grand Stand

 

Entrant: Light Weight Structures Advisory Service - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Isa Royal Military College - Kingdom of Bahrain
Client:  Alasco Group & Al Alaa Shade Company
Struct. Eng.: Trevor Scott & Jeremy Hunter
Specialist: LTWSAS
Builder & Fabricator: Al Alaa Shade Company

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, Medium Fabric Structures #24558)

Fabric Structures at Soul Surfers Paradise
Fabric Structures at Soul Surfers Paradise

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2131)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Hospitality and Recreation: The tensile fabric structures provide shade canopies for the patrons of the alfresco dining areas as well as creating an aesthetic focal point to the front of the apartment building at Soul, Surfers Paradise.


Elizabeth Quay Redevelopment Project in Perth
Elizabeth Quay Redevelopment Project in Perth

 

The Elizabeth Quay Project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards

Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)

Location: The Esplanade.   Completed: August 20 2015

Client: Leightons

Team: ARM Architects, Maffeis Engineering, Fabritecture, Seele, Fabritecture

Application

A unique ferry terminal structure utilising custom ETFE cushion system paired with aluminium cladding as part of the Elizabeth Quay upgrade development in the Perth CBD.

Laneways Canopy Whangarei, New Zealand
Laneways Canopy Whangarei, New Zealand

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2 Medium Structures, 2047)

Entrant: Fabric Structure Systems (Designer / Fabricator / Installer)

Location: Whangarei, New Zealand.   Completed: April 2016

Client: Whangarei District Council

Team: Wade Design Engineers Ltd, Fabric Structure Systems, Culum Engineering (Steel)

Application

To enhance the CBD environment and aid in the rejuvenation of the central business district to encourage the return of pedestrian traffic therefore enhancing the shopping experience.

Description

A local council initiative to revitalise the existing town center mall. The new canopy to be an integral feature of the ‘ shared space’ pedestrianizing of the dated 40 year old mall.

View of the Green School Kina Roof Project
View of the Green School Kina Roof Project

DESIGN FABRICATION INSTALLATION BRIEF

The Kina building at Green School New Zealand was conceived as a groundbreaking educational facility, designed to embody sustainable and innovative principles. The client’s vision was for a building that would integrate biophilic design with neuroarchitecture, enhancing both cognitive function and emotional well-being. The challenge was to create a structure that not only supported Green School’s commitment to holistic education and environmental stewardship but also reflected a deep connection to nature.

In addressing the design brief, Fabric Structures focused on several key aspects. The project demanded the use of cutting-edge fabric materials that would contribute to both the aesthetic and functional goals of the building.

View of the John Goodman Amphitheatre
View of the John Goodman Amphitheatre

ID NUMBER  2284 
ENTRY CATEGORY    2 – Medium structures
ENTRANT ROLE    Designer / Installer
PROJECT NAME: MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre 
APPLICATION:       Amphitheatre canopy 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre

The MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre stands as a testament to innovative design meeting environmental challenges. Covering 6,792 square feet, and constructed with PVC TX30 material for durability and weather resistance, it offers exceptional acoustics and a versatile venue for concerts, plays, lectures, and cultural events, ensuring a premier outdoor experience for performers and audiences alike.

Yas Island Gateway Park Shade Structures - 2011
Yas Island Gateway Park Shade Structures - 2011

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2575)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In total three structures with a combined coverage of 1930m2.  The project consisted of two identical shade cloth structures comprising of eight Monotech HDPE 370 shade sails, 806m2 in plan area. The third structure of similar design comprised of six main sails of Fibertop PTFE and two hypar decorative sails in Monotech HDPE 370, 318m2 in plan area. The requirement for the project was an Iconic Design providing Solar Shading to shelter play equipment and BBQ facilities.

OTHER IMAGES

General shot of shade structures
General shot of shade structures

M6 Community Recreational Facility Description

As part of Transport NSWs upgrade to the M6 freeway Stage 1 development, new recreational facilities were developed to provide shade to the community in various areas including McCarthy and Brighton Reserve. As part of the McCarthy Reserve upgrade, Fabritecture was contracted for the design and construction of eight (8) structures to provide shade cover for recreational facilities over a playground. The structures feature both Gale Pacific 95 Mesh and architecturally perforated aluminium.