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:

TagsLSAA, Member, Ronstan, cables, rods, stainless, steel, tension, lightweight, Projects, Architecture

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)

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.

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.

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (#7007)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project was essentially a weather cover over a public space. During discussions with our sales team at the tendering stage it was clear that the project also had an element of environmental consideration. For this reason we developed a custom design that worked to these constraints.

The purpose according to builders was to create an inviting public recreation area. The architects specified a tensile membrane roof in order to cover the area while allowing natural light to enter the space.

Read more: Yas Island - Gateway Park

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0010

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

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)

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 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

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.

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.