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.
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.
The following articles are in random order whilst the List of Medium Structures is in order of most recently modified article first:
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.
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
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.
Transport for NSW is delivering new recreational facilities for the Bayside Community before construction begins on Stage 1 of the M6 motorway in Rockdale, NSW. Fabritecture was contracted for 8 structures for installation at McCarthy Reserve. The structures are a combination of mesh shade structures clad with Gale Pacific Commercial 95 Heavy shade cloth, and aluminum architectural metal structures with custom artwork perforations in the panels.
The aluminium structures feature a steel frame with a grid system for the aluminium. The perforated panels are underslung, so the custom perforated artwork can be seen clearly from underneath the structures in the playground.
The shade structures are also steel framed and are tensioned using a Fabritecture extrusion system.
The chosen material for the shade structures was Gale Pacific Commercial 95 340 Mesh, in 4 colours: Aquatic Blue, Desert Sand, Yellow and Orange. The fabric was chosen based on the colour specifications from the client.
The aluminium panels for the architectural metal structures was 6mm thick with a Colourbond Monument equivalent RAL 7021 with custom artwork perforations.
FABRICATION
The aluminium artwork features custom perforations in the patterning of native flora such as bottlebrush, and flora such as birds and frogs. There are 6 mesh structures in total at McCarthy Reserve, with 4 having an 8m diameter, and 2 with an 11m diameter. The 2 aluminium structures are 11m and 17m in diameter.
COLLABORATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
The installation of the structures occurred over existing playground equipment. This required specific planning. Construction involved the installation of all columns first and preassembling of roof discs on the ground. These were then crane lifted into their final install position. There was no overhead install.
Gale Pacific Commercial 95 340 Mesh is used widely for projects that require maximum sun protection and strength. The durable mesh fabric has low maintenance requirements and a long life performance.
COSTS
The M6 Community Recreational Facility project was valued at approximately AUD$730k.
PROJECT CREDITS
Project Name: M6 Community Recreational Facility
Location: West Botany Street
City: Rockdale, NSW, 2216
GPS Location: -33.955663, 151.146580
Completion Date: 12-Oct-21
Category (1-8): 2 – Medium structures
Entrant Name: Fabritecture
Address: Unit 14/15 John Duncan Court, Varsity Lakes, QLD 4227
Telephone: +61 7 5587 7000
Mobile: +61 408 402 716
Email Address:
Website Address: www.fabritecture.com
Entrant Type / Role: Designer / Fabricator / Installer
Project Client: Transport NSW
Project Architect: Design Inc.
Structural Engineer: Greenup Design Engineers; Cardno
Building Contractor: Ertech Pty Ltd
Fabricator(S): Confidential
This Project was entered into the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (29047)
Entrant: UFS Australasia Pty Ltd - Designer / Fabricator
Location: Sydney Aquarium - Darling Harbour Sydney
Client: Sydney Attractions Group
Struct. Eng.: Wade Consulting
Builder: Universal Fabric Structures / Ozrig
Fabricator: Fabric Shelter Systems
No further details have been entered.
Entrant: Taiyo Membrane Corp
Client: Taiyo Birdair Asia PTE LTD
Architect: Taiyo Membrane Corp
Structural Engineer: Robert McDonald (TMC)
Fabricator(s): Taiyo Membrane Corp
This project was entered in the LSAA 2007 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2002) Medium Fabric Structures
Application:
The project was designed to enhance the area around the mosque where believers come to pray. It allowed for a unique and innovative design for the Mosque and its congregation. Installed in Taman Rasuna, Jakarta, this outdoor area has been enhanced through the structures without it defaming the mosque and its ambient presence.
This project was entered into the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Cat 2 Medium Structures #72)
Entrant: GeoMetal Limited (Design & Engineering)
Location: Ocean Supercenter, Myanmar, Thailand. Completed: January 2016
Client: Capital Properties
Team: Process Architect & Planner Co., Ltd., Fastech Company Limited
Application: Signature Structure at a shopping Mall
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.
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)
No further details have been entered at this stage.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 2264
ENTRY CATEGORY (2)
ENTRANT ROLE (Designer /Engineer/ Fabricator and Installer)
APPLICATION OF PROJECT: Restaurant roof, recycled water collection and décor
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.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards - (Cat2, 2697)
Entrant: Structureflex (Designer / Engineer)
Location: Junortoun, Bendigo. Completed: December 2015
Client: Catholic College Bendigo
Team: Y2 Architects, Steve Huppert, John Killmister (Cert. Eng), Shade Living Pty Ltd, Glarfab (membranes), Thornton Engineering (steel)
Application
A large asphalt courtyard area was upgraded to provide a focal point for the students for play and school functions.
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
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"
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.
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:
Beyond a school’s playing fields, exposed concrete surfaces often represented the extent of outdoor space in many schools built a century ago. Knox Grammar was no different.Today the definition of outdoor space is much more exciting and open to design possibilities. For schools with resources, outdoor spaces can be unique, comfortable, multifunctional and aesthetic.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Close to completing the tensile membrane roof at Metricon Stadium, our client engaged MakMax to cover a smaller outdoor area. This project was a simple solution to shade and weather protection with a twist. Considerations for maximum ground space and design constraints made this project far more interesting.
Our brief for this project outlined a need for a large covered area for common use. Specifics included limited space for footings and design considerations to match the structure’s surroundings. The structure also needed to compliment the design of the stadium roof, MakMax engineers and architects Populous came up with a simple looking yet highly complex shape.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 6, 6005)
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.
DESIGN / FABRICATION / INSTALLATION BRIEF
The ETFE skylights located over the indoor swimming pool in the new Shore Physical Education Centre (SPEC) were required to interface with the surrounding Kingspan insulated roof system. We worked closely with the project Architect, Structural Engineer and Builder to develop design details that allowed the two elements to seamlessly connect.
Hiding of ductwork and the air supply plenum was important to the overall finish and as part of our value engineering approach to design, we proposed unique design touches, such as painting the air supply lines to match the internal fascia and keeping the ductwork hidden adjacent to structural elements in order to keep the premium-quality project finish required by the project brief.
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.
This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (Cat 2, 2600)
Entrant: Tensys Engineers
Aside from the images below, no further details have been entered at this stage.
This is a replacement structure for the one built in 1989 that was damaged in a storm
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.
