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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.


 

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:

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. 

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.

Catholic College - Bendigo - Mast Details
Catholic College - Bendigo - Mast Details

 

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.

Penguin Parade Phillip Island
Penguin Parade Phillip Island

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



 

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

Jakarta Mosque - Membrane Covered Outdoor Area
Jakarta Mosque - Membrane Covered Outdoor Area

 

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.

Knox Grammar School - Detail of Mast Base
Knox Grammar School - Detail of Mast Base

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: Knox Grammar School Project

Beyond a school’s playing fields, exposed concrete surfaces often represented the extent of outdoor space in many schools built a century ago. 

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.