• This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.


 

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.

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.

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.

Halo Night Club Brisbane - Interior View of inverted membrane cone
Halo Night Club Brisbane - Interior View of inverted membrane cone

Entrant: Fabritecture

Location: Brisbane
Client: AGS Construction
Completion Date: February 2012

This project was entered in the LSAA 2013 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2301)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Halo was designed to take full advantage of Brisbane's wonderful weather offering a sophisticated, open-air lounge environment. In the trendy suburb of Paddington on the West Side of Brisbane is the Caxton Street Precinct famous for its entertainment venues and bustling nightlife.

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.

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.

General shot of shade structures
General shot of shade structures

M6 Community Recreational Facility Description

As part of Transport NSWs upgrade to the M6 freeway Stage 1 development, new recreational facilities were developed to provide shade to the community in various areas including McCarthy and Brighton Reserve. As part of the McCarthy Reserve upgrade, Fabritecture was contracted for the design and construction of eight (8) structures to provide shade cover for recreational facilities over a playground. The structures feature both Gale Pacific 95 Mesh and architecturally perforated aluminium.

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. 



 

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"