LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry: Cat 4, (7008) Panoli Gate - 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.
The inverted cone shape of the modular structure eliminates rain water run off by collecting all water through integrated concealed drains. The design allows all water collected to enter the supporting columns, from there it is either stored or eliminated below ground.
To maintain the crisp new look of the tensile membrane structure MakMax recommended using a TiO2 fabric unique to the Taiyo Group. This fabric is self cleaning through a photo catalytic process which removed dirt, dust and contaminates more efficiently.
Panoli now have a beautiful and fictional entrance structure they can say has direct relatives at major infrastructure locations including Mumbai Airport, Fox Studios Australia among others. As well as being attractive this new addition to the pharma valley is highly functional, and modern, not unlike the facility it’s self.
DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF
MakMax along with the Indian office of Taiyo Membrane India was approached to design and construct an eye-catching and distinct entry canopy structure for the new Panoli industrial district. Some of the design parameters included the shade and weather protection as well as rain water remediation. MakMax engineers chose an inverted conic shape to effectively meet the client’s needs.
The installation of this structure presented challenges that are uniquely Indian. A lack of local infrastructure and machinery meant logistics and installation methodology were carefully thought through.
STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
This structure employs various adaptations from the MakMax standard structural systems. The design was adjusted to suit a larger scale, transport and installation parameters in the developing country.
MATERIALS
The material chosen for this project was of most importance. The dusty atmosphere on site meant there was a danger of dirt build-up over time. MakMax suggested the use of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) coated fabric as it is a superior self cleaning coating. This eliminated the issue of dirt build up and the fact that the inner surface of the fabric would be especially difficult to clean in the future. This fabric was sourced through the Taiyo Group’s purchasing department and originated in Japan.
FABRICATION
Fabrication of the 1,300 sqm structure took place at MakMax’s Brisbane factory, all steelwork was sourced locally in India. Because the fabric is simple PVC, radio frequency welders were used on the entire stricture.
COLLABORATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Design collaboration took place between MakMax engineers and the end client, immediately the design put forward to Panoli managers was accepted.
Construction on site went smoothly, MakMax engaged local contractors to manage and carry out the entire install with great success.
Maintenance to this structure is planned annually and includes an inspection check to the four main components of the structure as well as a cleaning procedure. Because a specialist fabric is used the cleaning recommendations are stringent and generally cleaning is not recommended at all as its not needed.
CREDITS
Project Number: 7008
Title: Panoli Gate
Location: Panoli Village, Taluka, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Gujarat, India
Entrant: MakMax
Role: Design, Engineer, Fabricator, Installer
Client: Panoli Industrial Estate
Architect: HBS Realtors
Structural Engineer: MakMax
Builder: JB SEZ Pvt Ltd
Fabricator: Sood Technicians
