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For the LSAA, Large fabric structures have generally been thought of as those that have a fabric surface area greater than 1000 square metres. These structures may be described as single surfaces or panels in the form of one of the classic hypars, barrel vaults, cones, panels with single or crossing arches - or a combination.

Larger fabric structures can also be made from several modules or panels of similar forms to build up a substantial sized structure. The multiple panels might be arranged in a linear layout, or in a circular or oval pattern commonly found in stadia roofs.  The boundaries are defined structurally and geometrically by straight or curved elements such as arches, edge beams and cables. The prestress forces from adjacent panels often counterbalance and the more efficient structures have a larger degree of symmetry and continuity such as a complete "bicycle wheel" for the roof a major sports stadium. Stadiums are grouped in a separate menu item.

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The following articles are in random order. As of May 2025 we have about 47 projects listed displayed 10 per page.


The Glen ETFE Entry Canopy Description

The Glen ETFE entry canopy was designed to cover the outdoor food court area as part of the shopping centre’s AUD$490 million redevelopment in East Melbourne.

Fabritecture completed the design & construction of a steel and single-skin ETFE clad canopy to provide protection for patrons from the wind & rain in the outdoor dining precinct. The client also desired an aesthetic feature roof with custom artwork printed into the ETFE that would be synonymous with the culture of the surrounding area and that would enhance the overall look and feel of the Centre.

Conical Forms for the Spanish Pavilion
Spanish Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 (4726)

 APPLICATION and DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

The creation of unique Exhibition Pavilion using these large conical forms.  The conical forms to provide both shade and reprieve from the sun but also provide cooling through a passive cooling air ventilation system (reminiscent of the wind towers of traditional Middle Eastern architecture).

Platypus Remediation Facility
Platypus Remediation

The project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Large Structures, #3301)

Entrant: Global Fabric Structures (UFS)

Location: Sydney
Client: Thiess Australia
Completion Date: December 2012

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The former HMAS Platypus site is nestled below the suburb of Neutral Bay, Sydney Australia on a quiet harbour inlet.

This site has been an integral part of the history of Sydney Harbour since the early 1800's. A gasworks, a workshop for servicing torpedoes and a base for Australian Submarines have a left a contaminated industrial site that is excavated out of sandstone and spread over several levels.

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Aerial View of the Te Hiku Sports Hub
Aerial View of the Te Hiku Sports Hub

ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)  3  ALTERNATE CATEGORY (1-6) 5
PROJECT NAME: Te Hiku Sports Hub
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:   Insulated Enclosure

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Te Hiku Sports Hub in Kaitaia, New Zealand, is a state-of-the-art leisure and sports facility designed to cater to the diverse needs of the local community year-round. This innovative project consisted of two insulated wings connected by a central shared space, each tailored to specific functions.

The first wing, a 16.5m x 75m serpentine enclosure, is dedicated to gym spaces and administrative offices. This design not only maximizes the use of space but also ensures that the administrative functions are seamlessly integrated into the facility.

Macquarie University Campus Dining Room
Macquarie University Campus Dining Room Project (2018)

 

Application: Container-mounted architectural structures for university dining hall.

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4, 4001)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Macquarie University Campus Common project comprised of the design & construction of a series of 11 container-mounted architectural awnings to cover a new temporary dining area for students. The design involved 6 market structures, 1 larger 30m x 30m ‘main’ structure, and 4 awning structures. The main structure was required to have an internal environmental control system for temperature regulation inside.

The intention of the temporary solution meant that the design allows for the structures to be easily dismantled and relocated in 5 years.

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Photo Credit: Michael Anderson, Paramount Studios

Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility
Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility

LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation

Entrant:Structurflex Limited

  • Category: 4  ID Number:  4101

  • Location: Auckland, NZ

  • Client: Westlake Girls High School

  • Completion Date: May 2012

Judges Comments:

"Well executed variant of a "Standard" structure for sports."

"A tough site by the side of a motorway. Fine integration of structure and membrane to make the most of the potential of lightweight materials. A generous span provides uncluttered space; a sense of levity throughout."

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Field of Dreams Weather Protection to 2 Courts
Field of Dreams Weather Protection to 2 Courts

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Sports Court Canopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

A specialised canopy structure was commissioned for the Field of Dreams project at Oxford Falls Grammar School in New South Wales, Australia. The design aimed to provide weather protection for two competition playing courts situated on the upper level of a two-story building, covering 2,200 square metres.

In addition to the canopy made of PTFE, stainless steel mesh was incorporated around the perimeter of the open-air facility. The rated mesh effectively enclosed the area and acted as a barrier to prevent equipment from falling through and provided fall protection for users of the courts all while maintaining adequate air circulation.

Brisbane Airport Walkway
Brisbane Airport Walkway

 
This project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards

Entrant: MakMax Australia

  • Category: 4  ID Number:  #4302

  • Location: Brisbane Domestic Airport

  • Client: Brisbane Airport Corporation

  • Completion Date: June 2012

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Pedestrian bridge roof, open air.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This airport terminal access project involves the construction of a major pedestrian bridge linking a new multi-level car park and train platforms to the terminal building one of the country’s business airports.

This covered walkway project is part of a larger group of construction projects which serve to improve all pedestrian and vehicular traffic at the airport.

Our client requested design, fabrication and installation of the tensioned membrane roof system. The purpose was purely weather protection for pedestrian traffic on new pedestrian access bridge.

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Radome
Radome

 

Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 3, 3003)

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp

Client: Bureau of Meterology     Architect: Taiyo Membrane Corporation
Structural Engineer: Michael Lester (TMC)   Builder: OZRIG
Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp

Application and Function:

Air supported structure over a radar antennae to monitor weather for the Bureau of Meterology. The structure is air supported in order to allow for minimal interference with the antennae.

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General View of the Link@Langley Roof
General View of the Link@Langley Roof

2024 LSAA Design Awards Entry #4866 Link at Langley 

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

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ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)

4 – Glazing & Vertical Structures

ALTERNATE CATEGORY (1-6)

3 – Large Structures

ENTRANT ROLE

Designer / Engineer / Fabricator / Installer

PROJECT NAME:

Link@Langley ETFE Atrium

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Clear ETFE ‘glazed’ Atrium Roof over a commercial redevelopment

  

Citation Large Link at Langley

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Link@Langley ETFE Atrium not only enhances the visual appeal of the riverside redevelopment but also demonstrates the successful fusion of modern lightweight glazed roof design with practical engineering solutions.

The result is a harmonious blend of form and function and a symbol of innovation, seamlessly integrating into its surroundings while offering a captivating architectural aesthetic. This project exemplifies the power of clever design and cutting-edge materials in shaping the future of urban architecture. Massive in size and scope, the Link@Langley ETFE Atrium structure is 65 meters long and 40 metres wide and sits atop a former office building between seven and eight storeys above the atrium floor.