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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.


 

Whitten Oval Project - Interior View of roof
Whitten Oval Project - Interior View of roof

2024 LSAA Design Awards Entry Whitten Oval Project

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

3864

ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)

3 Large Structures

ALTERNATE CATEGORY (1-6)

 

ENTRANT ROLE

Design / Engineer / Fabrication / Installation

PROJECT NAME:

Whitten Oval Indoor Training Facility

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Tensile Membrane Roof integrated into a solid-wall building.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Whitten Oval Project

Whitten Oval Indoor Training Facility is an example of modern architectural materials incorporated into a high-performance sporting facility. A fully enclosed 50m x 35m building with a tensile membrane roof, rarity in Australia, the facility sets new standards for design innovation and functionality.

HighComm Large Whitten

The multi-purpose indoor training facility, with its high-translucency PTFE fabric roof allows natural daylight into the indoor field, providing a lighting level much brighter than a traditional building with internal lights.

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.

Clarke Quay Redevelopment - New Shade Structures - Singapore
Clarke Quay Redevelopment - New Shade Structures - Singapore

Entry in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 4, 4007)  "Large Fabric Structures"

Entrant: Tensys

Location: Clarke Quay Redevelopment - Singapore   Client: Capital and Commercial Ltd
Architect: SMC Alsops & RSP Architects   Structural Engineer: Tensys
Specialist Consultant(s): Arup (Environmental)   Builder: Kajima Overseas Asia Pte Ltd
Fabricator(s): Skyspan (Asia) Pvt Ltd – Riverside/Bluebell 
canopies HIghtex GmbH – Street/Angel Canopies

Application and Function:

More than $50 million was spent upgrading the outdoor precinct to increase the shade and add to the comfort of visitors.

The Angel Structures are made from high performance thermoplastic film (ETFE).  It is the first time this material has been used on such a large scale in Asia.

Around the river’s edge, striking bluebell canopies over lilypads revitalize the area, helping to create a new trend in outdoor dining and entertainment.

Brisbane Airport Walkway - New Roof Details
Brisbane Airport Walkway - New Roof Details

 

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.

Brisbane Airport Walkway - 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.

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."



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.


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."



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

2024 LSAA Design Awards Entry #4866 Link at Langley 

Entrant: MakMax Australia
Category: Large Fabric Structures
Entrant Role: Designer / Engineer / Fabricator / Installer
Project Name: The Link at Langley Atrium

Application of the Link at Langley is a Clear ETFE "glazed" Atrium Roof over a Commercial Development.

  

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.

Interior shot of Ken Rosewall Arena (photo credit: COX Architecture)
Interior shot of Ken Rosewall Arena (photo credit: COX Architecture)

The Ken Rosewall Arena Description

The Ken Rosewall Arena project is a redevelopment project for the original stadium which was constructed in 2000 for the Sydney Olympic Games. The project included the installation of an innovative cable-tension and PTFE fabric design roof. The striking new roof is the first of its kind for stadia in Australia. The redevelopment has transformed the venue into a multi-purpose outdoor covered arena with new and upgraded facilities. The arena now operates as a multi-purpose venue, including tennis and netball, and is home to the Sydney Giants.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

The Ken Rosewall Arena redevelopment project aimed to transform the existing tennis arena from an open-air venue into a multi-purpose indoor arena. The idea behind the roof was to allow the venue to operate unaffected by environmental impacts such as extreme heat, wind, and rain. The client requested a solution that could transform the venue into a multi-purpose outdoor covered arena with upsized in-stadia videoboards, new seating, and shade for 10,000 spectators.