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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.


 

Elizabeth Quay Redevelopment Project in Perth
Elizabeth Quay Redevelopment Project in Perth

 

The Elizabeth Quay Project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards

Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)

Location: The Esplanade.   Completed: August 20 2015

Client: Leightons

Team: ARM Architects, Maffeis Engineering, Fabritecture, Seele, Fabritecture

Application

A unique ferry terminal structure utilising custom ETFE cushion system paired with aluminium cladding as part of the Elizabeth Quay upgrade development in the Perth CBD.

Finished-Shore-Pool-Skylight 1
Shore School Pool Hall Skylight (DA 2022 Entry by MakMax)

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0006

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:      

ETFE 600 sqm Skylight over an indoor swimming pool

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:The Shore Physical Education Centre (SPEC) was built to deliver a suite of new flexible learning spaces including a multi-purpose sports complex and an indoor swimming pool. The 16 pillow, 3-layer ETFE skylights were a key part of the indoor swimming pool roof, designed to fill the indoor aquatic centre with natural lighting, while also providing a modern, highly aesthetic architectural feature to the roof.

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.

Catholic College - Bendigo - Mast Details
Catholic College - Bendigo - Mast Details

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards  - (Cat2, 2697)

Entrant: Structureflex (Designer / Engineer)

Location: Junortoun, Bendigo.   Completed: December 2015

Client: Catholic College Bendigo

Team: Y2 Architects, Steve Huppert, John Killmister (Cert. Eng), Shade Living Pty Ltd, Glarfab (membranes), Thornton Engineering (steel)

 Application

A large asphalt courtyard area was upgraded to provide a focal point for the students for play and school functions.

Isa Royal Military College Grand Stand
Isa Royal Military College Grand Stand

 

Entrant: Light Weight Structures Advisory Service - Engineering Fabrication Installation
Location: Isa Royal Military College - Kingdom of Bahrain
Client:  Alasco Group & Al Alaa Shade Company
Struct. Eng.: Trevor Scott & Jeremy Hunter
Specialist: LTWSAS
Builder & Fabricator: Al Alaa Shade Company

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, Medium Fabric Structures #24558)

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.

View of the Green School Kina Roof Project
View of the Green School Kina Roof Project

DESIGN FABRICATION INSTALLATION BRIEF

The Kina building at Green School New Zealand was conceived as a groundbreaking educational facility, designed to embody sustainable and innovative principles. The client’s vision was for a building that would integrate biophilic design with neuroarchitecture, enhancing both cognitive function and emotional well-being. The challenge was to create a structure that not only supported Green School’s commitment to holistic education and environmental stewardship but also reflected a deep connection to nature.

In addressing the design brief, Fabric Structures focused on several key aspects. The project demanded the use of cutting-edge fabric materials that would contribute to both the aesthetic and functional goals of the building.

Night View of New Membrane Structure at Abilene Airport, Texas
Night View of New Membrane Structure at Abilene Airport, Texas

Entrant: Atkins Fabrication (Aust) Pty Ltd - Fabricator
Location: Abilene - Texas USA
Client: USA Shade & Fabric Structures Inc.
Fabricator: Atkins Fabrication (Australia) Pty Ltd

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards - Medium Structures (#2129)

A tensioned membrane structure with multiple panels defined by parallel steel arches.
No further details have been entered at this stage.



 

Sydney Aquarium Dugong's at Mermaid Lagoon
Sydney Aquarium Dugong's at Mermaid Lagoon

 

Sydney Aquarium Dugong's at Mermaid Lagoon

This Project was entered into the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (29047)Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: Sydney Aquarium - Darling Harbour Sydney
Client: Sydney Attractions Group
Struct. Eng.: Wade Consulting
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Fabric Shelter Systems

No further details have been entered.