Project Title Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre Roof
Caption: The Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre in Darling Harbour – photo by MakMax Australia.
Media Release Statement
Stunning Shell-Shaped Amphitheatre Roof Unveiled at Darling Harbour
The Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre in Darling Harbour now boasts a striking new architectural landmark – a shell-shaped roof designed to captivate audiences and elevate performances. The newly completed amphitheatre roof blends cutting-edge design with engineering excellence, marking a significant upgrade from the previous bat-wing style tensile membrane stage roof.
The architectural vision behind the project was to create a visually stunning yet functional structure, reminiscent of the natural shells found along Sydney’s beaches. The resulting design is a perfect marriage of form and function, featuring a combination of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Tensile Membrane to create a lightweight, durable stage roof.
Our company played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life by designing and engineering the architectural fabric cladding. This involved intricate three-dimensional form-finding and patterning to achieve the desired multi-plane curvature. Additionally, we developed an innovative extruded aluminium fixing system to seamlessly integrate with the steel and CLT elements of the roof.
The project utilised Serge Ferrari Xtrem TX30-II, a high-performance architectural PVC renowned for its durability and dimensional stability. Addressing concerns about material reflectance, we collaborated with the architect, head contractor, and Serge Ferrari to ensure compliance with Light Reflectance Value (LRV) standards, allowing the project to move forward smoothly.
Despite facing challenges such as project delays and the need for precise site measurements, the membrane canopy was fabricated and installed efficiently. The final fan-shaped membrane, constructed from nearly 280 fabric panels, spans 56 meters at its widest point and 32 meters from front to back.
The installation phase was executed swiftly, with crews completing the main installation in just five days. While value engineering decisions led to minor aesthetic adjustments, the overall membrane fabrication and installation were completed on time and within budget.
MakMax is immensely proud of our contribution to the Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre project, this iconic structure not only enhances the visual appeal of Darling Harbour but also sets a new benchmark for architectural and engineering excellence.
The Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre began hosting performances under its stunning new roof in 2024, offering audiences an unparalleled experience in one of Sydney's most beloved public spaces.
Contact Details
Alastair Morris – Marketing Manager
MakMax Australia
07 3900 5600
This project received an Award of Excellence at the LSAA 2024 Design Awards