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.
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.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2600)
Entrant: Tensys Engineers
Aside from the images below, no further details have been entered at this stage.
This is a replacement structure for the one built in 1989 that was damaged in a storm
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.
3 Pod like classrooms at Green School NZ
To provide an outer skin from a material that can be recycled if/when replaced and also blends into environment. Wastage of non-recyclable materials to be kept to a minimum.
Also to provide the support frame to take the PVC membrane.
It was requested by the architect that we would supply a membrane solution for three-pod like classrooms for Green School New Zealand, to function as an aesthetic cladding and to create a ventilated thermal barrier to reduce a “heat soak effect” into the building. This was to complement the “green” label for the structure, reducing running costs and adding an organic look.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
ETFE 600 sqm Skylight over an indoor swimming pool
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Shore Physical Education Centre (SPEC) was built to deliver a suite of new flexible learning spaces including a multi-purpose sports complex and an indoor swimming pool. The 16 pillow, 3-layer ETFE skylights were a key part of the indoor swimming pool roof, designed to fill the indoor aquatic centre with natural lighting, while also providing a modern, highly aesthetic architectural feature to the roof.
DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF
The ETFE skylights located over the indoor swimming pool in the new Shore Physical Education Centre (SPEC) were required to interface with the surrounding Kingspan insulated roof system. We worked closely with the project Architect, Structural Engineer and Builder to develop design details that allowed the two elements to seamlessly connect.
Hiding of ductwork and the air supply plenum was important to the overall finish and as part of our value engineering approach to design, we proposed unique design touches, such as painting the air supply lines to match the internal fascia and keeping the ductwork hidden adjacent to structural elements in order to keep the premium-quality project finish required by the project brief.
Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Medium Structures, #4047)
Entrant: Fabric Structure Systems (Designer / Fabricator / Installer)
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand. Completed: October 2014 Client: Cantebury Cricket Association
Team: Athfield Architects, Wade Design Engineers Ltd, Southbase, Fabric Structure Systems
Application: The establishment of an international venue at Hagley Oval for the 2015 cricket world cup and beyond. This required the construction of a new world class cricket pavilion, out of which an architectural fabric was chosen.
Entrant: Structurflex Ltd
Client: Dubai Municipality Structural Engineer: Wade Consulting Group
Builder: Mazroui General Contracting Fabricator(s): Structurflex Ltd
This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Medium Structures, #2022)
Application: Provide a simple ascetically pleasing structure over the courtyard of a kindergarten. The small awnings around the perimeter to provide shade in the classrooms.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Close to completing the tensile membrane roof at Metricon Stadium, our client engaged MakMax to cover a smaller outdoor area. This project was a simple solution to shade and weather protection with a twist. Considerations for maximum ground space and design constraints made this project far more interesting.
Our brief for this project outlined a need for a large covered area for common use. Specifics included limited space for footings and design considerations to match the structure’s surroundings. The structure also needed to compliment the design of the stadium roof, MakMax engineers and architects Populous came up with a simple looking yet highly complex shape.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 6, 6005)
The Steel Taipan ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast is the theme parks newest attraction. The AUD$32million roller coaster features a 1.2km track roller coaster and the Southern Hemisphere’s first triple launch system that launches the train forward, backwards, and then forwards again at a top speed of 105km/hr!
Fabritecture was contracted for the design & construction of a bespoke walkway canopy structure to shelter patrons as they wait in line for the Steel Taipan ride. The structure features custom printed Serge Ferrari PVC designed to match the architectural intent of the structure – to emulate the scales of a taipan snake!
Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia. Completed: June 2015 Client: Leightons Asia
Team: Denton Corker Marshall, Maffeis Engineering, Fabritecture, Seele Covertex
Application: ‘Floating’ canopy suspended over a courtyard using a 2-layer ETFE cushion system, supported exclusively by stainless steel tie rods
This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Medium Fabric Structures, 8128)
This project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards Category 2 (Medium Fabric Structures # 2114)
Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)
Location: Broadbeach, QLD. Completed: Feb 29 2016
Client: Scentre Group (Westfield)
Team: Scentre Group (Westfield), Wade Design, Fabritecture, Textile Fabrication Services, Fabritecture
Application
A spectacular feature porte cochere architectural fabric structure for the main entry point of the new Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
Page 1 of 5
