Southern Plaza Bar

Project entered by MakMax

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)

MakMax engineers designed a canopy that is circular in plan, however, from the side the undulating shape of the membrane edge is highly curved to mimic the stadium roof design. Creating a structure with these elements presented a unique geometric difficulty. MakMax engineers designed the outer ring of the structure to ensure minimal fabrication costs and to minimize the need for double roiling of steel members. The stability of this structure is found within the compression ring at the height of the conic shape as well as in the raking columns.

With instructions to minimize supporting steelwork and the restrictive nature of the site our engineers developed an efficient support system. Raking columns on the perimeter of this circular structure supply the majority of the support for this 320sqm structure. Another central column supports the conic shape. Considerations for electrical conduit and other amenities are included in the design.

Our engineers were confident in providing a design that was in keeping with the surrounding architecture. Keeping the area underneath as open as possible means this public space is as accessible as possible while providing the necessary cover and protection. Our client is very happy with the result.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

Our brief for this project outlined a need for a large covered area for common use. This space at the southern edge of the stadium grounds was to hold a bar area. 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.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

The complex geometry of this structure is not outwardly noticeable, at least not to the average sports fan. The combination of a single spigot post in the centre of this circular structure in plan and the curved outer ring in elevation indicates some serious engineering and calculations were required. In inner spigot holds a compression ring from which all fabric is attached, from here the fabric forms an integral part of the structures stability, holding the perimeter steel ring in place. The undulating edge beams are carefully calculated to react to this inner compression ring and provide a perfectly balanced structure. The entire roof structure is suspended on just 4 raking perimeter columns as well and the central post. The raking of these outer columns adds to the light weight aesthetics of the build, it also keeps all steelwork sheltered under the membrane roof thus improving the structures life span.

MATERIALS

Sheerfill 5 was used on Southern Plaza Bar, the fabric was sourced from Saint Gobain via our internal purchasing division. The choice to use Sheerfill 5 was easy considering the main fabric roof at Metricon Stadium also used a Sheerfill product, our client was comfortable with the maintenance and warranties offerd with this product and we have a good track record with its quality.

The entire fabric roof was fabricated in our Brisbane factory and transported direct to site in a short time frame.

FABRICATION

This highly thought through design combined with MakMax’s experienced factory staff meant the fabrication of the membrane roof was uneventful and smooth. Using standard detailing the 320sqm membrane was completed withouth incident and in little time.

COLLABORATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

The design of this structure was heavily influenced by the overall stadium design by Populous architects. During the concept development stage Populous architects were consulted regularly, the end result is one both parties are proud of.

The maintenance schedule at Southern Plaza Bar consists of a 6 point inspection and cleaning plan to be carried out every two years. From 2020 the inspection period will extend to every 3 years. One inspection will encompass the following areas: