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Large Fabric Structures

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 "most recent" order. As of May 2025 we have about 47 projects listed displayed 10 per page.


 

QUT Sports Field Car Park Project
QUT Sports Field Car Park Project

 

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.

Interior view of the Radome Structures
Interior view of the Radome Structures

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.

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.

Internal View of the Te Hiku Sports Hub
Internal 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.

Playford Bowls Club Triple Green Roof Cover
Playford Bowls Club Triple Green Roof Cover

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4432) by MakMax

Application: Cover over 3 adjacent bowling greens at the Playford City Bowls club, South Australia.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Playford Bowls Club Triple Green Roof Cover

The design, fabrication and installation of the largest tensile membrane canopy structure over a bowling green in the Southern Hemisphere. The 5300m2 PVC (Mehler FR900N) structure covers a total of 21 rinks (120m length), lit with state of the art LED sports lighting, allowing year round utilization of the bowling green’s irrespective of the weather conditions. In addition to bowls, the venue is also used to host corporate and social events.

Internal view of the Yogyakarta Airport Terminal
Internal view of the Yogyakarta Airport Terminal

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Airport terminal drop off area roof

The New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) Description

The new Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) at Kulon Progo Regency, serves the Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia, and is operated by Ankasa Pura. As part of the airport development, Fabritecture was contracted for the design & supply of ETFE pneumatic roofing as well as supply system and ducting.

The ETFE component of the roof comprises 84 2-layer cushions covers a plan area of approximately 14,314m2 and is part of an overall canopy integrating polycarbonate elements also, overall providing 18,900m2 of weather cover the exterior drop-off area.

Inglis Selling Centre Fabric Roofs at Warwick Farm Racecourse
Inglis Selling Centre Fabric Roofs at Warwick Farm Racecourse

 

Commendation LSAA 2018 Design Awards Large Structures (Cat 4, 4433)

Application: Large canopies with a fabric surface area over 2800m2 to cover multiple areas at the Inglis Selling Centre Warwick Farm Racecourse

Inglis Selling Centre Fabric Roofs at Warwick Farm - Project Description

The project was the design, fabrication and installation of multiple decorative and functional canopies for the Inglis Selling Centre at Warwick Farm Racecourse. With an overall Chukoh FGT800 PTFE fabric area of approximately 3060m2, the project covered multiple areas and structure types - “Trees” to cover the horse parade ring; a shelter canopy for the patron walkway for the pre-parade ring; a canopy for the wedding pavilion, and awnings for the hotel.

Greenslopes Private Hospital Car Park Canopies
Greenslopes Private Hospital Car Park Canopies

 

Entrant: Architectural Sails (Qld) Pty Ltd - Contractor
Location: Lot 108 Nicholson St - Greenslopes Qld 4120
Client: Ramsey Health Care
Architect: Phillips Smith Conwell Architects Pty Ltd
Struct. Eng.: Bligh Tanner & Wade Design Engineers
Others: Ozrig Pty Ltd (Installation)
Builder: John Holland Pty Ltd
Fabricator: Ruffles Engineering & Atkins Fabrication

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3. (#3120)

No further details have been entered for this project

Memorial Drive Tennis Centre Canopy (Credit Peter Barnes)
Memorial Drive Tennis Centre Canopy (Credit Peter Barnes)

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0008

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:      
Tennis stadium roof

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Memorial Drive Tennis Redevelopment Project was tasked with ensuring the future configuration of the Adelaide Tennis Centre complex met South Australia’s sporting and entertainment needs. Stage One of the project called for a redevelopment of all the court surfaces (over 30 new court surfaces in a mixture of Pluxicushion, grass and clay built to International Tennis Federation (ITF) standards), construction of a new sunken show court, player shelters and landscaping, and crowning the project, a 5800m2 lightweight tensile membrane roof to cover the existing centre court and spectator stands.

An example of close-knit collaboration between Tennis SA, COX Architecture, MakMax Australia and local Adelaide construction firm Kennett Builders, the completion of the Memorial Drive Redevelopment Project Stage One set the scene for an exciting summer of tennis in early 2020. The most eye-catching element of the project is the 5800m2PTFE membrane roof that protects patrons in the permanent and temporary movable seating areas, as well as covering the corporate function event areas installed around the centre court for major tournaments.