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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.


 

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.

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.

Unique Fabric Roof to a Restuarant
Unique Fabric Roof to a Restuarant

PROJECT NAME:    Trinity Point Tension Membrane Structure

ENTRY CATEGORY (2)
ENTRANT ROLE      (Designer /Engineer/ Fabricator and Installer)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT:       Restaurant roof, recycled water collection and décor

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This project was located in the Central Coast of New South Wales. It is a unique tension membrane structure designed to create a wow factor for a new restaurant. It was not only designed to create a visual impact, but also to provide extensive coverage to maximise the outdoor dining area table space and increase revenue for the restaurant.

We were approach by the client to Bring a design vision to life. The initial vision of the client to produce this project had come to a halt, then we were asked to come on board to use our expertise to bring this project to fruition and create a visual impact that would create global publicity for the restaurant.

HighComm Medium Trinity Point

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:

Night View of New Membrane Structure at Abilene Airport, Texas
Night View of New Membrane Structure at Abilene Airport, Texas

Entrant: Atkins Fabrication (Aust) Pty Ltd - Fabricator
Location: Abilene - Texas USA
Client: USA Shade & Fabric Structures Inc.
Fabricator: Atkins Fabrication (Australia) Pty Ltd

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards - Medium Structures (#2129)

A tensioned membrane structure with multiple panels defined by parallel steel arches.
No further details have been entered at this stage.



 

Green School Pods, New Plymouth, NZ
Green School Pods, New Plymouth, NZ

APPLICATION OF PROJECT: 3 Pod like classrooms at Green School NZ

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

To provide an outer skin from a material that can be recycled if/when replaced and also blends into environment.  Wastage of non-recyclable materials to be kept to a minimum.

Also to provide the support frame to take the PVC membrane.

DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF

It was requested by the architect that we would supply a membrane solution for three-pod like classrooms for Green School New Zealand, to function as an aesthetic cladding and to create a ventilated thermal barrier to reduce a “heat soak effect” into the building.  This was to complement the “green” label for the structure, reducing running costs and adding an organic look.

The New Aquinas College Forum Tensile Membrane Structure - Underside View
The New Aquinas College Forum Tensile Membrane Structure - Underside View

This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (#3197) "Medium Fabric Structures"

Entrant: Tattersall Engineering

Client: Aquinas College / J A Dodd     Architect: Designinc Adelaide (Geof Naim)
Structural Engineer: Tattersall Engineering (See SEMF 2015)
Specialist Consultant(s): Wade Consultants     Builder: Tecraft Pty Ltd
Fabricator(s): Horizon Sailmakers / C E Bartlett, Riband (Steel), A Noble & Son (Cables)

Application and Functions of the New Aquinas College Forum Structure

The structure is a pivotal element in an $8m redevelopment of the main Aquinas College campus, which comprised a new library, Year 9 centre, canteen and arts centre as well as refurbishment of the old library as an IT, arts and careers centre.

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.

Underside View of the Tumbalong Green Sound Shell
Underside View of the Tumbalong Green Sound Shell

2024 LSAA Design Award Entry ID #2863 Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre

ENTRY CATEGORY (1-6)

2 Medium Structures

ENTRANT ROLE

Engineer / Install

PROJECT NAME:

Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre Roof

APPLICATION OF PROJECT:

Public Amphitheatre roof covering

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Creating a showpiece architectural structure in Darling Harbour, the Tumbalong Green Amphitheatre is a remarkable marriage of beautiful elements and engineering expertise. Exemplifying the stunning possibilities of lightweight structure design, the soundshell curves up and over the stage, appearing to almost float over the performance space and encourages sound to wash over the audience like a breaking wave.

An example of architectural design meets functionality, the combination of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structural elements supporting a 1000 square metre PVC membrane have created a lightweight, and visually appealing public amphitheatre roof.