This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2 Medium Structures, 2047)

Entrant: Fabric Structure Systems (Designer / Fabricator / Installer)

Location: Whangarei, New Zealand.   Completed: April 2016

Client: Whangarei District Council

Team: Wade Design Engineers Ltd, Fabric Structure Systems, Culum Engineering (Steel)

Application

To enhance the CBD environment and aid in the rejuvenation of the central business district to encourage the return of pedestrian traffic therefore enhancing the shopping experience.

Description

A local council initiative to revitalise the existing town center mall. The new canopy to be an integral feature of the ‘ shared space’ pedestrianizing of the dated 40 year old mall.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:      

3 Pod like classrooms at Green School NZ

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

To provide an outer skin from a material that can be recycled if/when replaced and also blends into environment.  Wastage of non-recyclable materials to be kept to a minimum.

Also to provide the support frame to take the PVC membrane.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

It was requested by the architect that we would supply a membrane solution for three-pod like classrooms for Green School New Zealand, to function as an aesthetic cladding and to create a ventilated thermal barrier to reduce a “heat soak effect” into the building.  This was to complement the “green” label for the structure, reducing running costs and adding an organic look.

ID NUMBER  2284 
ENTRY CATEGORY    2 – Medium structures
ENTRANT ROLE    Designer / Installer
PROJECT NAME: MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre 
APPLICATION:       Amphitheatre canopy 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre stands as a testament to innovative design meeting environmental challenges. Covering 6,792 square feet, and constructed with PVC TX30 material for durability and weather resistance, it offers exceptional acoustics and a versatile venue for concerts, plays, lectures, and cultural events, ensuring a premier outdoor experience for performers and audiences alike.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

Missouri State University (MSU) sought to construct a versatile outdoor amphitheatre for diverse performances and events, including concerts, theatre, lectures, and cultural activities.

Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp
Client: Taiyo Birdair Asia PTE LTD
Architect: Taiyo Membrane Corp
Structural Engineer: Robert McDonald (TMC)
Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp  

This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2002) Medium Fabric Structures

Application:

The project was designed to enhance the area around the mosque where believers come to pray. It allowed for a unique and innovative design for the Mosque and its congregation. Installed in Taman Rasuna, Jakarta, this outdoor area has been enhanced through the structures without it defaming the mosque and its ambient presence.

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:      

3 Pod like classrooms at Green School NZ

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

To provide an outer skin from a material that can be recycled if/when replaced and also blends into environment.  Wastage of non-recyclable materials to be kept to a minimum.

Also to provide the support frame to take the PVC membrane.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

It was requested by the architect that we would supply a membrane solution for three-pod like classrooms for Green School New Zealand, to function as an aesthetic cladding and to create a ventilated thermal barrier to reduce a “heat soak effect” into the building.  This was to complement the “green” label for the structure, reducing running costs and adding an organic look.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

The overall complexity of the project was caused by the intriguing shape and challenging geometry, also the construction materials which were proposed.  

The glulam timber beams implicated large tolerances on site, which required the steel components to be customized to match each of the three structures.

3d- digitizing of the design assisted by the construction of the tension-membranes.  The high stretch of the fabric paired with the shape of the structures added the additional complexity of staged tensioning over multiple weeks.

MATERIALS

Mehler – Valmex Lodge de lux FR – 580gsm PVC

FABRICATION

The fabrication had complex geometry as the fabric had a high weft compensation which meant minimum tolerance to allow for the correct fit. The geometry for the fabric started with digital site measure using a Proliner first, followed by computer controlled cutting many checks and keder length dimensions to ensure accurate final panel size.

A similar process was used for the steel fabrication given the challenging geometry.

COLLABORATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

Being a bespoke membrane structure Cleland Construction Limited had to overcome the different approach from standard construction methodology and Fabric Structures & Cleland Construction work well to get the desired effect. This was mainly around a realization that fabrication off a 3D model was not going to create a successful outcome, therefore a proliner measure once the steel had been installed, then fabrication (with multiple QA check s) was agreed.

COSTS

Design – 12%   Fabric – 6%   Fabrication – 6%     Steel – 50%     Extrusion etc – 4%  Installation – 22%

PROJECT CREDITS

Project Name  Green School New Zealand
Location       406 Koru Road, Koru
City    New Plymouth
Country        New Zealand, 4374
Completion Date     Oct-20
Category 2    Medium structures – 250m2 – 1000m2
Entrant Name         Fabric Structures Limited
Address:       141 Dent Street,
Suburb:        Central Business, Whangarei
Country:       New Zealand, 0110
Telephone Land line:         +64 9 4388343
Mobile:         +64 275276452
Email Address:        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website address:     www.fabricstructure.co.nz
Entrant Type / Role Designer / Fabricator / Installer
Project Client:         Green School
Project Architect:    Glen Brebner, Milca Severo, Boon
Structural Engineer: Fabspan/XiangDu
Specialist Consultant & Role:       Kayne Jacobson, Project Manager
Building Contractor: Cleland Construction Limited
Fabricator(s): Fabric Structures Ltd – for membrane fabric
Others:         Meco Engineering Co for Steel (under FSL contract)

2024 LSAA Design Award Entry #2863 Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Creating a showpiece architectural structure in Darling Harbour, the Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre is a remarkable marriage of beautiful elements and engineering expertise. Exemplifying the stunning possibilities of lightweight structure design, the soundshell curves up and over the stage, appearing to almost float over the performance space and encourages sound to wash over the audience like a breaking wave.

An example of architectural design meets functionality, the combination of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structural elements supporting a 1000 square metre PVC membrane have created a lightweight, and visually appealing public amphitheatre roof.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Close to completing the tensile membrane roof at Metricon Stadium, our client engaged MakMax to cover a smaller outdoor area. This project was a simple solution to shade and weather protection with a twist. Considerations for maximum ground space and design constraints made this project far more interesting.

Our brief for this project outlined a need for a large covered area for common use. Specifics included limited space for footings and design considerations to match the structure’s surroundings. The structure also needed to compliment the design of the stadium roof, MakMax engineers and architects Populous came up with a simple looking yet highly complex shape.

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 6, 6005)

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2575)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In total three structures with a combined coverage of 1930m2.  The project consisted of two identical shade cloth structures comprising of eight Monotech HDPE 370 shade sails, 806m2 in plan area. The third structure of similar design comprised of six main sails of Fibertop PTFE and two hypar decorative sails in Monotech HDPE 370, 318m2 in plan area. The requirement for the project was an Iconic Design providing Solar Shading to shelter play equipment and BBQ facilities.

OTHER IMAGES

Jakarta ETFE Canopy

Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia.   Completed: June 2015  Client: Leightons Asia
Team: Denton Corker Marshall, Maffeis Engineering, Fabritecture, Seele Covertex

Application: ‘Floating’ canopy suspended over a courtyard using a 2-layer ETFE cushion system, supported exclusively by stainless steel tie rods

This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Medium Fabric Structures, 8128)

Entrant: Structurflex Ltd - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Hamilton Lake Domain
Client: Hamilton City Council
Architect: 360 Architects
Struct. Eng.: Compusoft Engineering
Builder: Foster Construction
Fabricator: Structurflex

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards - Medium Structures (#2022)

No further details have been entered to date.