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.
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)
A tensioned membrane structure with multiple panels defined by parallel steel arches.
No further details have been entered at this stage.
ID NUMBER 2284
ENTRY CATEGORY 2 – Medium structures
ENTRANT ROLE Designer / Installer
PROJECT NAME: MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre
APPLICATION: Amphitheatre canopy
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.
ENTRY CATEGORY (2)
ENTRANT ROLE (Designer /Engineer/ Fabricator and Installer)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Restaurant roof, recycled water collection and décor
This project was located in the Central Coast of New South Wales. It is a unique tension membrane structure designed to create a wow factor for a new restaurant. It was not only designed to create a visual impact, but also to provide extensive coverage to maximise the outdoor dining area table space and increase revenue for the restaurant.
We were approach by the client to Bring a design vision to life. The initial vision of the client to produce this project had come to a halt, then we were asked to come on board to use our expertise to bring this project to fruition and create a visual impact that would create global publicity for the restaurant.
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)
Provide a simple ascetically pleasing structure over the courtyard of a kindergarten. The small awnings around the perimeter to provide shade in the classrooms.
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.
Entrant: Structureflex (Designer / Engineer)
Location: Echuca, Victoria. Completed: January 2015
Client: St Joseph's Catholic College
Team: Y2 Architects, Steve Huppert, John Killmister (Cert. Eng), Shade Living Pty Ltd, Fabric Solutions (membrane), Thornton Engineering (steel)
Application
As part of a new gymnasium and music centre it was proposed to extend a covered outdoor area over the new netball court that adjoins the building with a 38m x 22m PVC barrel arch roof structure attached to new steel framed gymnasium.
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.
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: 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)
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