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:
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]
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.
Read more: South Hedland Town Centre - LSAA High Commendation
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
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
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.
Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2, 492)
Entrant: Tensys Engineers Pty Ltd (Engineer)
Location: Chicago / New York / Dallas / Las Vegas / San Jose. Completed: 2014
Client: with me. com
Application:
To create a functional and eye catching mobile pop up structure to showcase the technology and new retail ideas of the withme.com group.
Project: Yatala Tank Cover
Entrant: MakMax Australia - Designer
Location: Fosters Australia - Cuthbert Road Yatala QLD 4207
Client: Foster's Australia
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: MakMax (Installation)
Builder: MakMax Australia
Fabricator: MakMax Australia
Details have not been entered for this project. Entered for the LSAA 2009 Design Awards Category "Small Fabric Structures" #1830
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".
This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2, 1429)
Entrant: Shade And Membrane Structures Australia (Design / Project Management / Install)
Completed: December 5 2013
Client: Bennelong Funds Management
Team: Global Membrane Design, SMSA, Shadecom / Fabric Solutions
Application: To provide a waterproof covered solution to four atrium areas to a building in the Milton CBD
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.
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.
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
Entrant: Architectural Sails
Client The Mirvac Group
Architect: Rice Daubney
Structural Engineer: Wade Consulting Group
Builder: Mirvac Constructions (Qld) P/L
Fabricator(s): Architectural Sails
Project Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 1, #1463)
Aside from the images, no further details have been entered.
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.
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.
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:
To provide a retractable shade structure to an existing exposed school quadrangle courtyard in St Kilda, Victoria, that offered flexibility to a highly utilized space. Without detracting from the existing heritage school built in 1873 and working with a 1970’s addition, the project needed to remain respectful of the surrounds whilst providing a vibrant new design proposition and considered functionality. The brief was to provide shade and weather protection to a large external quadrangle, central to major school operations, assemblies, concerts, play area and general shelter.
The following Small Structure Projects were entered into the 2018 LSAA Design Awards in Category 1
1160 Mandura Fishing Pier Shade 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
Read more: Melbourne Girls Grammar School Cover to Communal Deck
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.
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.
Melbourne International Arts Festival - The Clubhouse
Entrant: Tensys
Client: Melbourne International Arts Festival
Entered in the 2007 LSAA Design Awards (Cat 1, 1007)
The Clubhouse: As part of the 2006 Melbourne International Arts Festival program, Artistic Director Kristy Edmunds has commissioned Melbourne’s latest piece of urban architecture – The Clubhouse.
Project: Penbank Sound Shell
Entrant: Structureflex Pacific – Designer / Fabricator
Location: Penbank School, 460 Tyabb Rd, Moorooduc, Vic
Application: Visually striking and functional shelter and Sound Shell, for School outdoor Performing Arts stage.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 1 #1200
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.
