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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.


 

Panned side shot of the Rady Shell (photo credit: San Diego Symphony)
Panned side shot of the Rady Shell (photo credit: San Diego Symphony)

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0004

APPLICATION OF PROJECT

Outdoor concert theatre at Jacobs Park

The Rady Shell Concert Venue Description

The Rady Shell in San Diego Symphony’s new bay side venue is the first permanent year-round bay side concert venue in the nation operated by the Symphony Orchestra. The Rady Shell can accommodate audiences of 3,500 – 8,000 per concert and up to 10,000 for special events.

Fabritecture was engaged for the technical design and fabrication of the Rady Shell performance structure and surrounding pavilion structures. The Shell itself comprises a rolled steel frame and PTFE cladding. The entire structure is approximately 236,000lbs (107,000kgs or 107 tonnes).

The stage accommodates an orchestra size of up to 150 musicians and choir with a front of stage width of 32m and depth of 20m.

View of the John Goodman Amphitheatre
View of the John Goodman Amphitheatre

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

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: MSU John Goodman Amphitheatre

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.

Great Southern Oceans Architectural Sails - Sydney Zoo
Great Southern Oceans Architectural Sails - Sydney Zoo

 

Entrant: Architectural Sails 

Client Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales
Architect: Jackson Teece Architects
Structural Engineer: Hughes Trueman (Concept Design)
Specialist Consultant(s): Wade Consulting Group, Meinhardt
Fabricator(s): Architectural Sails 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, Medium Fabric Structures #2469)

Aside from the images, no further details have been entered at this stage. Images follow:

Laneways Canopy Whangarei, New Zealand
Laneways Canopy Whangarei, New Zealand

 

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.

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)

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.

Mildura Riverfront Performance Venue - Corner Connection Detail
Mildura Riverfront Performance Venue - Corner Connection Detail

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2397)

Entrant: Oasis Tension Structures (Australia) Pty Ltd
Location: Hugh King Boulevard - Mildura VIC

Application: This large PVC structure was created to provide a spectacular shelter from which entertainment of all descriptions can operate under cover in the picturesque environment of the banks of the Murray River in Mildura.

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.

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.