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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.


 

Interior shot of the Dreamworld Switchback canopy
Interior shot of the Dreamworld Switchback canopy

Dreamworld Taipan Theme Park Entrance Canopy Description

The Steel Taipan ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast is the theme parks newest attraction. The AUD$32million roller coaster features a 1.2km track roller coaster and the Southern Hemisphere’s first triple launch system that launches the train forward, backwards, and then forwards again at a top speed of 105km/hr!

Fabritecture was contracted for the design & construction of a bespoke walkway canopy structure to shelter patrons as they wait in line for the Steel Taipan ride. The structure features custom printed Serge Ferrari PVC designed to match the architectural intent of the structure – to emulate the scales of a taipan snake!

St Joseph's College Netball Court Tensile Membrane Roof
St Joseph's College Netball Court Tensile Membrane Roof

 

Project entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Medium Fabric Structures Entry 2698)

Entrant: Structureflex (Designer / Engineer)

Location: Echuca, Victoria. Completed: January 2015
Client: St Joseph's Catholic College
Team: Y2 Architects, Steve Huppert, John Killmister (Cert. Eng), Shade Living Pty Ltd, Fabric Solutions (membrane), Thornton Engineering (steel)

Application

As part of a new gymnasium and music centre it was proposed to extend a covered outdoor area over the new netball court that adjoins the building with a 38m x 22m PVC barrel arch roof structure attached to new steel framed gymnasium. 

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.

Fabric Structures at Soul Surfers Paradise
Fabric Structures at Soul Surfers Paradise

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2131)

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Hospitality and Recreation: The tensile fabric structures provide shade canopies for the patrons of the alfresco dining areas as well as creating an aesthetic focal point to the front of the apartment building at Soul, Surfers Paradise.


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.



  

Yas Island Gateway Park Shade Structures - 2011
Yas Island Gateway Park Shade Structures - 2011

 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2575)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

In total three structures with a combined coverage of 1930m2.  The project consisted of two identical shade cloth structures comprising of eight Monotech HDPE 370 shade sails, 806m2 in plan area. The third structure of similar design comprised of six main sails of Fibertop PTFE and two hypar decorative sails in Monotech HDPE 370, 318m2 in plan area. The requirement for the project was an Iconic Design providing Solar Shading to shelter play equipment and BBQ facilities.

OTHER IMAGES

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.

New Courtyard Canopy to the Al Raheeb Kindergarten UAE
New Courtyard Canopy to the Al Raheeb Kindergarten UAE

 

Entrant: Structurflex Ltd

Client: Dubai Municipality   Structural Engineer: Wade Consulting Group
Builder: Mazroui General Contracting   Fabricator(s): Structurflex Ltd 

This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Medium Structures, #2022)

Al Raheeb Kindergarten UAE - Description of the Application

Provide a simple ascetically pleasing structure over the courtyard of a kindergarten. The small awnings around the perimeter to provide shade in the classrooms.

La Piazza - Jakarta Lightweight Roof Canopy Over Café and Exhibition Stage
La Piazza, Jakarta - A Lightweight Roof Canopy Over Café and Exhibition Stage

La Piazza, Jakarta - A Lightweight Roof Canopy Over Café and Exhibition Stage 

Entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, #2007, Medium Fabric Structures)

Entrant: PT Binatama Akrindo
Client: PT Summarecon Agung Tbk.
Unit La Piazza
Architect: PT Binatama Akrindo Sarjono Sam
Structural Engineer: PT Binatama Akrindo Tensys
Builder: PT Binatama Akrindo
Fabricator(s): Atkins Fabrications Pty Ltd, 
PT Binatama Akrindo - Tridome space frame system + steelwork

Application: Lightweight Roof Canopy Over Café and Exhibition Stage