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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.

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


Porto Chino Shopping Mall
Porto Chino Shopping Mall

LSAA Design Awards 2013 High Commendation (Cat 4, 4166)

Project: Porto Chino

Entrant: Geometal Limited

  • Location: Samut Sakhon, Thailand

  • Client: D Land Group Co., Ltd

  • Completion Date: July 2012

Judges Comments:

"Contemporary structures have departed this dramatic curved shape tensiles, a nice return to Otto era."

"Seems an imaginative and successful answer to the challenge of unifying a shopping centre in need of some focus. The geometry of the main roof form adds interest to what could have been merely a pragmatic solution."

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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

The Cloud on Queens Wharf in Auckland
The Cloud on Queens Wharf in Auckland

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry: Cat 4 The Cloud, Auckland, New Zealand

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The Cloud is a semi permanent multi purpose event & exhibition structure, initially developed for the Rugby World Cup

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Cloud is a semi permanent structure erected on the western edge of Queens Wharf to accommodate the city's commitment to hosting an inner-city fanzone, festival and showcase event during the Rugby World Cup 2011. Installed as part of the recent 18 month redevelopment of Queens Wharf, The Cloud will be utilised by NZ2011 to showcase the best of New Zealand innovation and creativity during the REAL New Zealand Showcase. At almost 180m long, The Cloud can accommodate up to 6,000 people.

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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).

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 

4866

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.

Inverted conical umbrella fabric structures for Panoli Gate House
Inverted conical umbrella fabric structures for Panoli Gate House

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (Category 4): Panoli Gate House - India

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

As a flagship development in the area Panoli needed a striking and unique entrance. MakMax’s Indian office was able to provide a prominent entrance structure to suit. The project, Panoli Gate House presented a new challenge for MakMax engineers. The large 1,300 sqm area required shade, weather protection, as well as a plan for collecting run off. Inspired by the design and functionality of the St Tropez products MakMax already produces as standard products, engineers decided to replicate this shape and function on a grand scale.

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Cabramatta Lawn Bowls Club Sun Protection Roof
Cabramatta Lawn Bowls Club Sun Protection Roof

LSAA 2013 Design Award Entry (#4301): Cabramatta Bowls Club

Entrant: MakMax Australia

  • Category: 4 ID Number:  4301

  • Location: Fairfield Rd, Cabramatta NSW

  • Client: Paynter Dixon Constructions Pty Ltd

  • Completion Date: October 2011

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Long span sporting arena roof.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Sun safety in sport is a growing concern across all sectors of our community. Providing a playing surface protected from harmful sun is vital to the continuity of some sports. The sport of lawn bowls in particular have realised this is especially true for their aging demographic and shrinking membership.

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QUT Sports Field Car Park Project
QUT Sports Field Car Park Project (2018)

 

Application: Sports stadium on top of a multi-level car park

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4066)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Sportsfield Car Park project was part of the construction of a $27 million multi-story car park at the QUT Kelvin Grove campus in Brisbane. The roof-level is home to a FIFA accredited sports field, developed as part of the long-term expansion plans for the University.

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Sportsfield Car Park features a FIFA-accredited sports field on the roof of the AUD$27 million multi-level car park. This unique project included the design and construction of the steel, PTFE fabric membrane, fall arrest mesh, static line and score board.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre

 

Entered into the LSAA 2011 Awards (Cat 4, 4610)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Sheltered below an innovative woven timber canopy, new amenities for visitors to the Waitomo Caves includes tourist gathering areas, 250-seat dining, retail, seminar and exhibition areas as well as a café and theatre for Tourism Holdings Ltd (Fig.1). (Note: These Figures / drawings are not available)

The cave entrance is accessed from the car park on the upper path while a lower path returns the visitors back alongside the stream exit (Fig. 2). Between these paths the amenities were accommodated within a simple base structure that extended the contours of the land (Fig. 3). The form of the base is distinguished and separate from the curved geometry of the overhead canopy.

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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.