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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.


 

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


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.

Auckland Zoo Aviaries Enclosures
Auckland Zoo Aviaries Enclosures

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry: Fabric Structure Systems - Auckland Cablenet Zoo Aviaries 

APPLICATION OF PROJECT 

As part of a major upgrade to Auckland Zoo, Fabric Structure Systems built four new aviaries to accommodate different New Zealand bird & animal species.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Thirteen years in the planning and almost four years in the design and building, Te Wao Nui is Auckland Zoo’s most significant project in its eighty-eight-year history. Covering more than 20 percent of the zoo’s seventeen hectares, the exhibit showcases New Zealand species in their natural environment.

The Grand Pavilion RAS - Mast and Fabric Roof Details
The Grand Pavilion RAS - Mast and Fabric Roof Details

 

The Grand Pavillion RAS New Fabric Roof Entered into the LSAA Design Awards 2007 (Large Structures, 3195)

Entrant: Oasis Tension Structures
Client: Multiplex Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd
Architect: Darryl Jackson Pty Ltd
Structural Engineer: Tensys
Specialist Consultant(s): Drafting Steel One
Builder: Oasis Tension Structures (Australia) Pty Ltd
Fabricator(s): Atkins Fabrications Pty Ltd Structurflex NZ, 
Geelong Fabrications, Ronstan

Aside from the images below, no other details have been entered for this project.

 

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.

Mehler Coated Technical Textiles supplied large quantities of coated fabric for the 2015 Milan Expo.

The major application was for sun shading the two main axes of the Expo. The 85,000 sqm of fabric was essentially planar rectangular panels attached to opposing valley and ridge cables.

One important concept behind the simple forms was the re-use of the fabric following the Expo.

Other projects included:

  • Iranian Pavillion (2,500 sqm)
  • Ferreo Pavillion (1,600 sqm)
  • Institution Bologna Pavillion (4,500 sqm)
  • Tent at the entrance (6,000 sqm)

For further details see HERE

East Cessnock Bowling Club - New Fabric Roof
East Cessnock Bowling Club - New Fabric Roof

This project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Large Structures, 4352)

Entrant: Light Weight Structures

  • Location: Neath Street Cessnock NSW
  • Client: East Cessnock Bowls Club
  • Completion Date: September 2012

East Cessnock Bowling Club - New Fabric Roof

The project covered one Bowling Green measuring 1820 sqmts. The project was designed to offer weather protection to bowlers, including night time use of the Bowling Green (in a residential setting) and minimal cleaning maintenance over the life of the structure.

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."



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.