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


 

Porto Chino Shopping Mall - Freeform Fabric Roof
Porto Chino Shopping Mall - Freeform Fabric Roof

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."



Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility - Steel detailing
Westlake Girls High School Sports Facility - Steel detailing

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."



View of the new Fabric Roof covering the Bowling Greens
View of the new Fabric Roof covering the Bowling Greens

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Hamilton Workingman’s Club Canopy

Hamilton Workingmen's Club was established in 1955, and in the last two decades has experienced significant growth with more than 7000 members, to become one of the Premier Clubs in New Zealand. Infrastructure development is important to both the club and community, and over the years the club has invested in maintaining and elevating their amenities. Fabric Structures was engaged to design, fabricate, and install a new partial enclosure over the green at the Hamilton Workingmen's Club. This project aimed to provide a versatile, weather-resistant space for club members and visitors, enhancing the usability of the green throughout the year.

Marrara Tennis Centre Fabric Roof - Aerial View
Marrara Tennis Centre Fabric Roof - Aerial View

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4431)

Application: 2 roof canopies for tennis courts – one to cover the synthetic show court and stadium seating; and one to cover another synthetic multipurpose court.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The project involved design, fabrication and installation of 2 fabric roof structures at the Marrara Tennis Centre (now Darwin International Tennis Centre) – one weatherproof shelter to cover the Main Show Court and its associated seating; and another protective shade shelter over a multi-purpose court. The project had a total plan covered area of over 3,750m2 with Mehler FR1000N being used on the Main Court and Gale Commercial Heavy 430 on the Multipurpose Court.

The main show court is a long spanning roof, covering a 60m x 50m space. Given the cyclonic location, this presented additional design challenges throughout the project.

View of Pacific Fair Resort Roof
View of Pacific Fair Resort Roof

 

Pacific Fair Resort Roof - Entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4, Large Fabric Structures #4114)

Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)

Location: The Esplanade.   Completed: 2016

Client: Scentre Group (Westfield)

Team:  Scentre Group (Westfield), Wade Design, Textile Fabrication Services, Fabritecture 

 Application

Statement architectural fabric structure with complex steel geometry and state-of-the-art LED lighting system as part of a $670 million redevelopment of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.

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.


The Link at Chadstone - External View
The Link at Chadstone - External View

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0001

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:      

The Link Chadstone is a covered walkway between Chadstone shopping Centre and Hotel Chadstone Melbourne.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Link Covered Walkway

The Link walkway in Chadstone is a visually stunning fabric-over-glulam structure that provides easy covered access for patrons between the Chadstone Shopping Centre and Hotel Chadstone Melbourne.

Commissioned by leading Australian real estate investment trust Vicinity Centres, and completed in October 2019, The Link is a 100m arched walkway that soars up to 15m above the pedestrian zone and is covered with 1750m2 of high-translucency THV-coated PTFE fabric.

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.

Cabramatta Lawn Bowls Club Sun Protection Roof - During Construction
Cabramatta Lawn Bowls Club Sun Protection Roof - During Construction

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.