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.
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.
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 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 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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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