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Medium Fabric Structures

In terms of our LSAA Design Awards, a Medium sized Fabric Structure, or tensioned membrane structure, would have a surface area of between 250 and 1000 sqm.

Tensioned fabric or membrane structures of this size are often of one geometric form such as a conical structure with a central bale ring attached to a mast or tied down. The perimeter could be a series of edge cables, trusses or beams. If multiple units are used they the final structure may fall into the "large" category.

Other forms could be panels with internal diagonal arches, crossed arches, barrel vaults with intermediate valley cables. Sample structures in the following image gallery.



The following articles are in random order whilst the (separate) List of Medium Structures is in order of most recently modified article first. As of May 2025 approximately 42 articles are available.


 

Hagley Oval Membrane Roof - Mast details
Hagley Oval Membrane Roof - Mast details

 

Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Medium Structures, #4047)

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

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand.   Completed: October 2014  Client: Cantebury Cricket Association

Team: Athfield Architects, Wade Design Engineers Ltd, Southbase, Fabric Structure Systems 

Application: The establishment of an international venue at Hagley Oval for the 2015 cricket world cup and beyond. This required the construction of a new world class cricket pavilion, out of which an architectural fabric was chosen.

Point Boston Peninsular Club - New Membrane Roof
Point Boston Peninsular Club - New Membrane Roof

 

Entrant: MakMax Australia - Designer
Location: Port Lincoln South Australia
Client: Kym Clarke Constructions
Architect: John Diekman Architects
Struct. Eng.: MakMax Australia
Others: Cost Management Partners
Builder: Kym Clarke Constructions
Fabricator: MakMax Australia

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat2, Medium Fabric Structures #2813)

No further details have been entered to date.



  

Knox Grammar School - Detail of Mast Base
Knox Grammar School - Detail of Mast Base

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

The project was to design and install a unique waterproof shade structure to a Year 11/12 study area at an elite private Grammar School in Sydney.

The area under cover is 760sqm. The space to be shaded was clearly defined and located between the austere 19th century red brick buildings on a second floor flat tiled roof

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Knox Grammar School Project

Beyond a school’s playing fields, exposed concrete surfaces often represented the extent of outdoor space in many schools built a century ago. 

Canopy over Inner City Child Care Centre
Canopy over Inner City Child Care Centre

Credits - Entered by MakMax

Category: Tension structures - (coated fabrics) less than 500sqm
Client: W. Eggerking & Co Pty Ltd
Engineer: Tensys, Peter Lim
Fabric: Hiraoka 212-II SAC
Date completed: 21 February 2012
Address: 60 Margaret Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Size: 600sqm
Steel Supplier: Steelman
Fabric Supplier: Hiraoka Australia
Installer: Sydrig

Covering an area surrounded by buildings and infrastructure can be challenging, this project succeeds in proving 300sqm of covered space to a Sydney inner city child care centre. Our client requested a complete coverage solution to an odd shaped terrace area in Sydney’s inner city.

Jakarta Mosque - Membrane Covered Outdoor Area
Jakarta Mosque - Membrane Covered Outdoor Area

 

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.

CityCentre Automated People Mover - Tensile Roof Canopy
CityCentre Automated People Mover - Tensile Roof Canopy

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, #2066)

Entrant: Tensys Engineers Pty Ltd
Location: Las Vegas, USA

Description of the Tensile Roof to the APM in Las Vegas

The tensile fabric roof (approximately 10,000 sq ft) each covers the APM station at Monte Carlo and Bellagio Casino/Resort.  The APM stations are part of the US7 billion dollar development in Las Vegas (designed by Gensler LA) due for opening in various stages the end of 2009. 

Conical Membrane Structure for the Glen Eira Aquatic Centre - Exterior View
Conical Membrane Structure for the Glen Eira Aquatic Centre - Exterior View

LSAA 2013 Design Awards - High Commendation (Category 2 Medium Structures #2926)

Entrant: Oasis Tension Structures

  • Location: East Boundary Rd, East Bentleigh
  • Client: Glen Eira City Council; Completion Date: December 2011

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: To encapsulate two vertically inter-twined waterslides, stairwell and support tower with a fully insulated tension structure. 

Glen Eira Aquatic Centre - Judges Comments

"Advances the technology in insulated membranes"

"Rather idiosyncratic form which answers a functional challenge, has a bit of fun, and provides some identity to a facility not short of disparate elements"

Blacktown Village Green - New PTFE Canopy by MakMax
Blacktown Village Green - New PTFE Canopy by MakMax

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (#7007)

Blacktown Village Green Covered Public Space - Description

This project was essentially a weather cover over a public space. During discussions with our sales team at the tendering stage it was clear that the project also had an element of environmental consideration. For this reason we developed a custom design that worked to these constraints.

The purpose according to builders was to create an inviting public recreation area. The architects specified a tensile membrane roof in order to cover the area while allowing natural light to enter the space.

Dubai Outlet Mall Entrance Dome - Under Construction
Dubai Outlet Mall Entrance Dome - Under Construction

Application and FunctionDubai Outlet Mall Entrance Dome

Client: Emirates Engineering Services    Architect: ARENCO
Structural Engineer: Wade Consulting Group
Fabricator(s): Structurflex Ltd

This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Medium Structures #3022) by Structurflex Ltd

Provide an ascetically pleasing entrance structure that is visible from a great distance.
The instruction was to supply an open and light atrium at the entrance to the mall.