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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.


 

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.

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.

Macquarie University Campus Dining Room
Macquarie University Campus Dining Room

 

Application: Container-mounted architectural structures for university dining hall.

This project was entered in the LSAA 2018 Design Awards (Cat 4, 4001)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Macquarie University Campus Common project comprised of the design & construction of a series of 11 container-mounted architectural awnings to cover a new temporary dining area for students. The design involved 6 market structures, 1 larger 30m x 30m ‘main’ structure, and 4 awning structures. The main structure was required to have an internal environmental control system for temperature regulation inside.

The intention of the temporary solution meant that the design allows for the structures to be easily dismantled and relocated in 5 years.

Photo Credit: Michael Anderson, Paramount Studios

Platypus Remediation Facility - Aerial View of the site
Platypus Remediation Facility - Aerial View of the site

The project was entered in the 2013 LSAA Design Awards (Large Structures, #3301)

Entrant: Global Fabric Structures (UFS)

Location: Sydney
Client: Thiess Australia
Completion Date: December 2012

HMAS Platypus Site Remediation - Project Description

The former HMAS Platypus site is nestled below the suburb of Neutral Bay, Sydney Australia on a quiet harbour inlet.

This site has been an integral part of the history of Sydney Harbour since the early 1800's. A gasworks, a workshop for servicing torpedoes and a base for Australian Submarines have a left a contaminated industrial site that is excavated out of sandstone and spread over several levels.



Marassi Beach Resort, Egypt
Shade Sails - Marassi Beach Resort, Egypt

 

LSAA 2011 Design Award Entry (3185)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Shading systems: The Marassi beach Clubhouse, resort villas, and spas required a large range of shading systems.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION - Marassi Beach Resort

Marassi is a Mediterranean‐styled resort development sprawling across 1,544 acres of pristine waterfront. Situated along the magical shores of Sidi Abdul Rahman bay, the resort is close to Alexandria and a few miles away from the historic city of El Alamein.

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.

Brisbane State Tennis Outdoor Show Courts - Roof Detail
Brisbane State Tennis Outdoor Show Courts - Roof Detail

Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: 190 King Arthur Terrace - Tennyson Qld 4105
Client: Mirvac  Architect: Mirvac Design   Struct. Eng.: Wade Engineering
Specialist: Steel Structures Australia
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Skyspan Asia

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards, Category 3 (#37008)

Description 

The Queensland State Government approved and funded the development of a first class international tennis facility for Queensland to be located in the Brisbane CBD at Tennyson. The facility offers all tennis playing surfaces, a covered main court stadium and two covered outdoor championship size show courts. The State Tennis Centre was completed in time for the Adidas international in January 2009.

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.