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.
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 List of Medium Structures is in order of most recently modified article first:
APPLICATION OF PROJECT
Outdoor concert theatre at Jacobs Park
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Rady Shell in San Diego Symphony’s new bay side venue is the first permanent year-round bay side concert venue in the nation operated by the Symphony Orchestra. The Rady Shell can accommodate audiences of 3,500 – 8,000 per concert and up to 10,000 for special events.
Fabritecture was engaged for the technical design and fabrication of the Rady Shell performance structure and surrounding pavilion structures. The Shell itself comprises a rolled steel frame and PTFE cladding. The entire structure is approximately 236,000lbs (107,000kgs or 107 tonnes).
The stage accommodates an orchestra size of up to 150 musicians and choir with a front of stage width of 32m and depth of 20m. The roof cantilevers 15m from the front of the stage and can carry a payload of up to 50T. The stage incorporates state of the art constellation sound system designed and engineered by Meyer Sound. This system provides an exemplary sound environment on stage for the musicians, whilst also providing the technical flexibility required for a variety of other performances
The overall project includes development of a range of public facilities, including restrooms, fitness facilities & rest areas. Food pavilions and a small stage are also part of the master design plan.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2321)
APPLICATION: Public space & market canopy
As part of a major revitalisation and landscaping project for the Whangarei City Town Basin, the local council approached FSS to design a permanent canopy structure for the recently closed John Street bridge.
The John Street Bridge was one of two original road bridges connecting the Northern and Southern shores of the upper Whangarei harbour and forms part of the City Town Basin.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT
Theme park ride entrance canopy
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
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!
Read more: Dreamworld Taipan Theme Park Entrance Canopy (2021 DA Entry)
Entrant: Structurflex Ltd - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Hamilton Lake Domain
Client: Hamilton City Council
Architect: 360 Architects
Struct. Eng.: Compusoft Engineering
Builder: Foster Construction
Fabricator: Structurflex
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards - Medium Structures (#2022)
No further details have been entered to date.
Sydney Aquarium Dugong's at Mermaid Lagoon
This Project was entered into the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (29047)
Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: Sydney Aquarium - Darling Harbour Sydney
Client: Sydney Attractions Group
Struct. Eng.: Wade Consulting
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Fabric Shelter Systems
No further details have been entered.
Entrant: Atkins Fabrication (Aust) Pty Ltd - Fabricator
Location: Abilene - Texas USA
Client: USA Shade & Fabric Structures Inc.
Fabricator: Atkins Fabrication (Australia) Pty Ltd
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards - Medium Structures (#2129)
No further details have been entered at this stage.
Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, #2007, Medium Fabric Structures)
Entrant: PT Binatama Akrindo
Client: PT Summarecon Agung Tbk.
Unit La Piazza
Architect: PT Binatama Akrindo Sarjono Sam
Structural Engineer: PT Binatama Akrindo Tensys
Builder: PT Binatama Akrindo
Fabricator(s): Atkins Fabrications Pty Ltd,
PT Binatama Akrindo - Tridome space frame system + steelwork
Application: Lightweight Roof Canopy Over Café and Exhibition Stage
Entrant: MakMax Australia - Designer
Location: Port Lincoln South Australia
Client: Kym Clarke Constructions
Architect: John Diekman Architects
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: Cost Management Partners
Builder: Kym Clarke Constructions
Fabricator: MakMax Australia
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat2, Medium Fabric Structures #2813)
No further details have been entered to date.
Entrant: Fabritecture
Location: Brisbane
Client: AGS Construction
Completion Date: February 2012
This project was entered in the LSAA 2013 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2301)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Halo was designed to take full advantage of Brisbane's wonderful weather offering a sophisticated, open-air lounge environment. In the trendy suburb of Paddington on the West Side of Brisbane is the Caxton Street Precinct famous for its entertainment venues and bustling nightlife.
Entrant: Architectural Sails
Client Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales
Architect: Jackson Teece Architects
Structural Engineer: Hughes Trueman (Concept Design)
Specialist Consultant(s): Wade Consulting Group, Meinhardt
Fabricator(s): Architectural Sails
This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, Medium Fabric Structures #2469)
Aside from the images, no further details have been entered at this stage.
Entrant: Structurflex Ltd
Client: Emirates Engineering Services Architect: ARENCO
Structural Engineer: Wade Consulting Group
Fabricator(s): Structurflex Ltd
This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Medium Structures #3022)
Application and Function
Provide an ascetically pleasing entrance structure that is visible from a great distance.
The instruction was to supply an open and light atrium at the entrance to the mall.
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)
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.
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.
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.
LSAA 2013 Design Awards - High Commendation (Category 2 Medium Structures #2926)
Entrant: Oasis Tension Structures
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Location: East Boundary Rd, East Bentleigh
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Client: Glen Eira City Council; Completion Date: December 2011
Judges Comments:
"Advances the technology in insulated membranes"
"Rather idiosyncratic form which answers a functional challenge, has a bit of fun, and provides some identity to a facility not short of disparate elements"
Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp
Client: Taiyo Birdair Asia PTE LTD
Architect: Taiyo Membrane Corp
Structural Engineer: Robert McDonald (TMC)
Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp
This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2002) Medium Fabric Structures
Application:
The project was designed to enhance the area around the mosque where believers come to pray. It allowed for a unique and innovative design for the Mosque and its congregation. Installed in Taman Rasuna, Jakarta, this outdoor area has been enhanced through the structures without it defaming the mosque and its ambient presence.
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
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.
This project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2 Medium Structures #72)
Entrant: GeoMetal Limited (Design & Engineering)
Location: Ocean Supercenter, Myanmar, Thailand. Completed: January 2016
Client: Capital Properties
Team: Process Architect & Planner Co., Ltd., Fastech Company Limited
Application: Signature Structure at a shopping Mall
This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards - (Cat2, 2697)
Entrant: Structureflex (Designer / Engineer)
Location: Junortoun, Bendigo. Completed: December 2015
Client: Catholic College Bendigo
Team: Y2 Architects, Steve Huppert, John Killmister (Cert. Eng), Shade Living Pty Ltd, Glarfab (membranes), Thornton Engineering (steel)
Application
A large asphalt courtyard area was upgraded to provide a focal point for the students for play and school functions.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2397)
Entrant: Oasis Tension Structures (Australia) Pty Ltd
Location: Hugh King Boulevard - Mildura VIC
Application: This large PVC structure was created to provide a spectacular shelter from which entertainment of all descriptions can operate under cover in the picturesque environment of the banks of the Murray River in Mildura.
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.
Jakarta ETFE Canopy
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)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
3 Pod like classrooms at Green School NZ
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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.
DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF
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.
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.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (#3197) "Medium Fabric Structures"
Entrant: Tattersall Engineering
Client: Aquinas College / J A Dodd Architect: Designinc Adelaide (Geof Naim)
Structural Engineer: Tattersall Engineering (See SEMF 2015)
Specialist Consultant(s): Wade Consultants Builder: Tecraft Pty Ltd
Fabricator(s): Horizon Sailmakers / C E Bartlett, Riband (Steel), A Noble & Son (Cables)
Application and Function(s) of Project:
The structure is a pivotal element in an $8m redevelopment of the main Aquinas College campus, which comprised a new library, Year 9 centre, canteen and arts centre as well as refurbishment of the old library as an IT, arts and careers centre. The Forum structure links and protects all the adjoining buildings, proving a substantial undercover area in the middle of the school which serves as a protected function centre, meals and play area, incorporates a stage with a protected auditorium area, and links with the existing gymnasium and sports centre building.
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
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)
No further details have been entered at this stage
APPLICATION OF PROJECT
Recreational facility shade structures
PROJECT 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.
Read more: M6 Community Recreational Facility, Rockdale, NSW (DA 2021 Entry)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
3 Pod like classrooms at Green School NZ
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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.
DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF
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.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
The overall complexity of the project was caused by the intriguing shape and challenging geometry, also the construction materials which were proposed.
The glulam timber beams implicated large tolerances on site, which required the steel components to be customized to match each of the three structures.
3d- digitizing of the design assisted by the construction of the tension-membranes. The high stretch of the fabric paired with the shape of the structures added the additional complexity of staged tensioning over multiple weeks.
MATERIALS
Mehler – Valmex Lodge de lux FR – 580gsm PVC
FABRICATION
The fabrication had complex geometry as the fabric had a high weft compensation which meant minimum tolerance to allow for the correct fit. The geometry for the fabric started with digital site measure using a Proliner first, followed by computer controlled cutting many checks and keder length dimensions to ensure accurate final panel size.
A similar process was used for the steel fabrication given the challenging geometry.
COLLABORATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Being a bespoke membrane structure Cleland Construction Limited had to overcome the different approach from standard construction methodology and Fabric Structures & Cleland Construction work well to get the desired effect. This was mainly around a realization that fabrication off a 3D model was not going to create a successful outcome, therefore a proliner measure once the steel had been installed, then fabrication (with multiple QA check s) was agreed.
COSTS
Design – 12% Fabric – 6% Fabrication – 6% Steel – 50% Extrusion etc – 4% Installation – 22%
PROJECT CREDITS
Project Name Green School New Zealand
Location 406 Koru Road, Koru
City New Plymouth
Country New Zealand, 4374
Completion Date Oct-20
Category 2 Medium structures – 250m2 – 1000m2
Entrant Name Fabric Structures Limited
Address: 141 Dent Street,
Suburb: Central Business, Whangarei
Country: New Zealand, 0110
Telephone Land line: +64 9 4388343
Mobile: +64 275276452
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website address: www.fabricstructure.co.nz
Entrant Type / Role Designer / Fabricator / Installer
Project Client: Green School
Project Architect: Glen Brebner, Milca Severo, Boon
Structural Engineer: Fabspan/XiangDu
Specialist Consultant & Role: Kayne Jacobson, Project Manager
Building Contractor: Cleland Construction Limited
Fabricator(s): Fabric Structures Ltd – for membrane fabric
Others: Meco Engineering Co for Steel (under FSL contract)
This project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Category 2, Entry 2063)
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.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2, Medium Fabric Structures 1293)
Entrant: Shade And Membrane Structures Australia (Design / Project Management / Install)
Location: Hornsby, NSW. Completed: April 30 2014
Client: ADCO Constructions / Hornsby City Council
Team: Peter Hunt Architects, Larry Shyu Global Membrane Design, ADCO Constructions, Shadecom / Fabric Solutions
Application: To design, engineer, fabricate and install approximately 400 sqm of waterproof shade structures to cover two seating areas.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
The project was to design and install a unique waterproof shade structure to a Year 11/12 study area at an elite private Grammar School in Sydney.
The area under cover is 760sqm. The space to be shaded was clearly defined and located between the austere 19th century red brick buildings on a second floor flat tiled roof
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Beyond a school’s playing fields, exposed concrete surfaces often represented the extent of outdoor space in many schools built a century ago. Knox Grammar was no different.Today the definition of outdoor space is much more exciting and open to design possibilities. For schools with resources, outdoor spaces can be unique, comfortable, multifunctional and aesthetic.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, #2066)
Entrant: Tensys Engineers Pty Ltd
Location: Las Vegas, USA
The tensile fabric roof (approximately 10,000 sq ft) each covers the APM station at Monte Carlo and Bellagio Casino/Resort. The APM stations are part of the US7 billion dollar development in Las Vegas (designed by Gensler LA) due for opening in various stages the end of 2009.
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