Small Fabric Structures: Typically these may be of a plan area of 250 square metres or less. They are often used as shade structures or as signature items at entrances to larger buildings.

Other applications include the provision for a shaded area in playgrounds, school yards, car dealerships and as internal sculptures.

They may be made from coated fabric or membranes as a water-proof barrier or of open fabric such as knitted shade cloth.

The following articles are in random order:

PROJECT SIZE

30 sqm of external tensioned structures from knitted polyethylene shade cloth material.

ENTRANT ROLE Designer/Fabricator/Installer

PROJECT NAME: Noosa Botanical Gardens

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

To protect, preserve and prolong life of highly prized natural pant life within the botanic gardens

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

In the 1980s, Noosa Council relocated an extra-large bird aviary to the Noosa Botanic Garden and repurposed it as a shade house to establish and protect unique flora for public display. Included in this plant community is the prized King Fern, which was obtained as a pup from the World Expo ‘88 Australia display.

The existing shade house structure to be demolished, consisted of a steel frame, an iron mesh and shade cloth covering and a roof structure of tensioned steel cables. The removal of this structure was to be a delicate procedure to protect the highly prized shade plants that could not be relocated.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The project started out as a functional brief to provide a demountable structure for the M Pavilion 2021 installation. The catch with the project is that everything has been fully completed and launched on 1^st December 2021. M Pavilion and their designers (MAP Studio / AECOM) had not resolved this functional issue. M Pavilion needed a shade roof as well as one for light rain (during the summer month)

Emerson – The dearest events are summer rain

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A sculptural cubic frame with shade and rain protection fabric covering and outdoor area in Kings Domain.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Retail entrance canopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Canopy at Rosenthal is a complex redevelopment project in Lane Cove, Sydney featuring over 6,000m²of public space, including playgrounds, parks and landscaping, entertainment areas, retail services such as Coles and ALDI, BBQ’s, and amenities.

Fabritecture was contracted for the design & construction of an ETFE pneumatic cushion linkway roof canopy at the complex. The roof forms part of a larger collaborative project by ADCO Constructions, Lane Cove Council, and the local community. The skylight section of the canopy is made from two double-layer ETFE cushions that follow the rolling curvature of the main roof. The client was incredibly pleased with the end result of The Canopy project. Our customer survey results from the client were fantastic and we received a positive testimonial.

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0003

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Shade structure for park/playground in a residential development

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Designed to inspire wonder and engage children’s creativity, a unique 60m² floating shade structure with a flower-shaped pattern was incorporated into Navigation Park in the Newhaven at Tarneit planned community in Victoria.

Created with two different translucency fabrics lap welded together, the flower shape can be seen from below the structure, with the overall effect further amplified by sunlight filtering through the fabric unimpeded by supporting structural steelwork thanks to an innovative tensegrity structural system.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Playground canopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Wigley Reserve playground structure features an architectural shade canopy, designed to become a functional feature of the play space. The structure is a unique cable net canopy that utilises Gale Pacific Commercial Heavy 430 mesh. The concept behind the design was to provide adequate shade to the children below whilst simultaneously adding to the fun, adventurous spirit of the facility.

The overall design of the park builds upon the existing play space and fitness hub, created to be accessible by all. A fresh and vibrant recreational area integrated within the reserve, drawing on inspiration from the sand dunes that once inhabited the region.

Project Entry in LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 7, 7400)

Project entered by Tensys Engineers

Aside from the images below, no further details have been entered to date.

Project Entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 1, Small Fabris Structures, #71)

Nowadays, more and more commercial centers are launched. Among those, consumers always pay attention and choose the eye-catching, sophisticated design as a destination for shopping. Because of that reason, the architects study a unique design to attract pedestrians and Membrane structures is their choice.

The first concept was a waving, curved surface, using steel arch as supporting structures.
Engineering works also include form-finding, structure analysis, CFD analysis, detailing design, Installation method.

The following Small Structure Projects were entered into the 2018 LSAA Design Awards in Category 1

Cat 1 Banner A Web

1709 Oran Park Library.

1160 Mandura Fishing Pier Shade Structure.

1405 West End Common.

1400 Ryde Shopping Centre Travelator Canopy.

1431 Bondi Pavillion.

1900 Randwick Golf Club Canopy

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

To Provide weather protection for patrons of the golf club with a lightweight, nautical architectural feel but engineered strong enough to handle the extreme coastal weather conditions.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

RGC - The site is a Golf club that has been looking for ways to increase revenue for more financial security. The club was looking for help to modernise the look of the club to increase patron numbers and hire capabilities. They were looking for a creative and unique design to draw patrons to the outside dining area of the venue that had amazing views. They also wanted a structure that would not get damaged by flying golf balls and draw the eye out to the view. A tension membrane structure was the perfect solution for this application.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The project was to supply and install a unique waterproof shade cloth structure over the old two lane Mandurah Bridge built in 1952 .

The old bridge was recently decommissioned to vehicles and replaced by a modern 4 lane bridge to cater to growing population and traffic needs of Mandura and the Peel region of WA. The old bridge with it timber and concrete undercarriage was to be partially retained and converted into an attraction.

Award of Excellence, LSAA 2018 Design Awards Cat 1 Small Structures (1400)

Application of Project

Retail Development Travelator Canopy

Project Description

As part of Ryde Shopping Centre upgrade with a new major first floor supermarket tenant, a new travelator was installed linking two existing structures; the main shopping centre and the shopping centre car park.

The canopy protects the travelator users from adverse weather.

The canopy is stretched between two large steel rings attached to the building facades and provides an interesting screen for coloured LED projections.

Commendation LSAA 2018 Design Awards

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Al-fresco canopies over street area for hospitality and retail for the Pacific Bondi mixed use development.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

An architecturally styled pair of al-fresco canopy covers for the hospitality area of the Pacific directly facing Bondi Beach, designed to reflect the beach front environment with a form chosen to evocate waves and the ocean. The structures were envisioned to generate a different look from traditional al-fresco umbrellas, awnings and canopies to compliment the seaside position and included infrared heaters and white LED up-lighting to add warmth and atmosphere for night time use.

Entrant: Shade And Membrane Structures Australia (Design / Project Management / Install)

Completed: May 8 2014

Client: James Trowse Constructions

Team: Opus Architecture, Osborn Lane, James Trowse Constructions, Shadecom

This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards - Category 1, Small Fabric Structures, #1434

The application of the project was to provide a waterproof covered structure to the School's new Amphitheatre

Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 1, Small Fabric Structures, #1290)

SEMF Pty Ltd (Architect / Engineer)

Location: Ringwood, Victoria. Completed: 31 July 2016

Client: Aquinas College

Team: SEMF, SEMF, Walsh Industries (Steel), Horizon Sailmakers (Membrane & cables)

The design brief was to Install an extension to an existing large (1550 sq m) canopy over a small area of approximately 12 sq m to provide additional sun and rain protection to existing and proposed servery windows at a school canteen.

Northern Busways Park & Ride Terminals

Entrant: Structurflex Ltd
Client: North Shore Council
Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 1, 1022)

The architect's requirements were:

To create a space that retained a sense of daylight.
To provide a unique roof as a landmark for the bus stations.
To provide a number of connected canopies that gave a cloud effect.
To provide a means of hiding the florescent lighting and components within the "clouds".
Read more: Northern Busways Park & Ride Terminals

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 1, 1017)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Playground Shade Structure: the amphitheatre provides a modern sheltered assembly area for students and teachers, and boasts a unique architectural focal point within the school.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

As part of the Queensland Government National School Pride Program, a project was created for the design and construction of twin architectural roof canopies to cover the Nerang State School outdoor amphitheatre.

Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2837)

Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd

Client: Jirrawun Arts Pty ltd Architect: Bruce Henderson Architects
Structural Engineer: Craft Projects Specialist Consultant(s): UFS
Fabricator(s): Fabric Shelter Systems, DMG Engineering

Application and Function(s) of Project:

1. To provide an arts studio for indigenous artists to both work and display their art

2. The studio had to be designed in accordance with the severe local climatic conditions both structurally and mechanically

Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 3, #3001)

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp (later MakMax)

Client: Victoria Racing Club Architect: Taiyo Membrane Corporation
Structural Engineer: Xiang Du (TMC) Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp

Application and Function:

The purpose was to provide a dynamic meeting point to the North of the Flemington Racecourse, where people can meet, greet and gather prior to entering the grounds. [Stored as a Small Fabric Structure]

This structure was entered in the LSA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2001) Small Fabric Structures

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp, Tattersall Engineering, Minifie Nixon Arch

Client: Zoos Victoria Architect: Minifie Nixon Structural Engineer: Tattersall Engineering
Specialist Consultant(s): Wade Consultants, Taiyo Membrane Corporation
Builder: Behmer and Wright Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp

Application:

Based in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Healesville Sanctuary wanted an eye-catching structure for the redevelopment of their innovative new native animal hospital and research facility. Design to provide an interactive experience for visitors, the centre uses the innovative membrane surface both as a roof and an enclosure over an internal courtyard.

Aussie World Entrance Canopy

Entrant:   Light Weight Structures Advisory Service - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location:     Bruce Highway - Palmview
Client:     Aussie World Theme Park
Struct. Eng.:       Trevor Scott & Jeremy Hunter
Specialist:            LTWSAS
Builder:               Aussie World Project Management
Fabricator:          Made 4 Shade (Maroochydore)

Entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards Category 1. Small Fabric Structures

No further details have been entered

Project Entry in LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 7, 5004) John Power Stand - Eagle Farm, Brisbane

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Eagle Farm Racecourse is an iconic Brisbane building, hosting race days twice weekly and accommodating hoards of racegoers every year. The main stand named John Power Stand was erected in the early 1900s. Since then the structure has aged leaving an unsightly concrete ceiling viewable from the main observation area.

South Hedland Town Centre

LSAA 2013 Design Awards High Commendation (Cat 5, ID 4304)

Judges Comments:
"A lot of effort for a small structure, should become iconic."

"Good to see a combination of timber frame and lightweight fabric, although the structure seems less than graceful."

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Fabric cladding to wooden frame, roofing structure.

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 1, 1968)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Inverted conic covering a communal deck for year 5 & 6 girls at Melbourne Girls Grammar

The structural form is an asymmetric inverted conic, with what is basically a rectangular upper perimeter. In plan the area covered is small, about 12.5m by 11m, and the height varies from 3m at the bale ring to 5.5m at the lower edge to 9m at the highest edge