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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.


 

Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) - View of Mast and Cone from Below
Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) - View of Mast and Cone from Below

 

LSAA 2007 Design Award Entry (Cat 3, 3002)

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp (Later as MakMax in Australia)

Client: Major Projects Australia      Architect: Peddle Thorpe Architects
Structural Engineer: Xiang Du (TMC) & Connell Mott McDonald
Specialist Consultant(s): Connell Wagner (steel design)
Builder: John Holland Pty Ltd

Application and Function:

Designed to be suitable both during and after major events, the roof has been designed in two sections.
Section one is a permanent roof made from PTFE fabric.  This roof covers the pool as well as stadium seating for 3,000 spectators.  Section two extends the roof for “Commonwealth Games” mode.
Two temporary PVC roofs are erected either side of the permanent roof to cover a further 8,000 seats. The temporary structures create a festive effect with their high pitches and large sloping support columns.

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.

Queensland State Velodrome - Interior View of Roof
Queensland State Velodrome - Interior View of Roof

 

Queensland State Velodrome Roof Project - Entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, 4771)

Entrant: MakMax Australia (Engineer, Fabricator, Installer)

Location: Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane.   Completed: August 2016  Client: Watpac
Team: Cox Rayner Architects, Tensys, Arup, MakMax Australia

Application: Cycling Velodrome / indoor stadium


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.

ITE College West, Singapore
ITE College West, Singapore

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (4210)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Canopy shade structure: The architectural PTFE membrane canopy provides weather protection for an outdoor events plaza and exterior walkway.

ITE College Membrane Roof, Singapore - Project Description

A truly stunning piece of fabric architecture was created with this stunning lightweight membrane roof at ITE College (West) in Singapore. Supported only by a complex cable system and large steel wall plates bolted to 4 different buildings, the 3000m2 PTFE Canopy provides shelter to the Events Plaza and exterior walkways below spanning an incredible 75m span in one direction and 45m in the other.

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.


Chevron Renaissance Fabric Roof Canopy - View from above
Chevron Renaissance Fabric Roof Canopy - View from above

Chevron Renaissance Project Entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 4 Large Fabric Structures, #4773)

Entrant: MakMax Australia (Engineer, Fabricator, Installer)

Location: Gold Coast, QLD.   Team: MakMax Australia

Application: Retail Shopping Centre

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.

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