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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.


 

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. 

Verandah Cafe - Hamilton New Zealand
Verandah Cafe - Hamilton New Zealand

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. 



 

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.

Hornsby Aquatic Seating Covered Areas
Hornsby Aquatic Seating Covered Areas

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2, Medium Fabric Structures 1293)

Entrant: Shade And Membrane Structures Australia (Design / Project Management / Install)

Location: Hornsby, NSW.   Completed: April 30 2014

Client: ADCO Constructions / Hornsby City Council

Team: Peter Hunt Architects, Larry Shyu Global Membrane Design, ADCO Constructions, Shadecom / Fabric Solutions

Application: To design, engineer, fabricate and install approximately 400 sqm of waterproof shade structures to cover two seating areas.

John Street Bridge - New Covered Walkway - Whangarei, NZ
John Street Bridge - New Covered Walkway - Whangarei, NZ

John Street Bridge Whangarei, NZ - A New Permanent Canopy over Walkway and Weekend Market

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2321)

APPLICATION: Public space & market canopy

As part of a major revitalisation and landscaping project for the Whangarei City Town Basin, the local council approached FSS to design a permanent canopy structure for the recently closed John Street bridge.

The John Street Bridge was one of two original road bridges connecting the Northern and Southern shores of the upper Whangarei harbour and forms part of the City Town Basin.

Jakarta ETFE Floating Canopy
Jakarta ETFE Floating Canopy

 

Jakarta Australian Embassy 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)

New Porte Cochere at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
New Porte Cochere at the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

 

This project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards Category 2 (Medium Fabric Structures # 2114)

Entrant: Fabritecture (Designer and Installer)

Location: Broadbeach, QLD.   Completed: Feb 29 2016

Client: Scentre Group (Westfield)

Team: Scentre Group (Westfield), Wade Design, Fabritecture, Textile Fabrication Services, Fabritecture

Application

A spectacular feature porte cochere architectural fabric structure for the main entry point of the new Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.

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"

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.