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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.


 

Blacktown Village Green - New PTFE Canopy by MakMax
Blacktown Village Green - New PTFE Canopy by MakMax

This project was entered in the LSAA 2011 Design Awards (#7007)

Blacktown Village Green Covered Public Space - Description

This project was essentially a weather cover over a public space. During discussions with our sales team at the tendering stage it was clear that the project also had an element of environmental consideration. For this reason we developed a custom design that worked to these constraints.

The purpose according to builders was to create an inviting public recreation area. The architects specified a tensile membrane roof in order to cover the area while allowing natural light to enter the space.

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.

Hagley Oval Membrane Roof - Mast details
Hagley Oval Membrane Roof - Mast details

 

Project entered in the LSAA 2016 Design Awards (Medium Structures, #4047)

Entrant: Fabric Structure Systems (Designer / Fabricator / Installer)

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand.   Completed: October 2014  Client: Cantebury Cricket Association

Team: Athfield Architects, Wade Design Engineers Ltd, Southbase, Fabric Structure Systems 

Application: The establishment of an international venue at Hagley Oval for the 2015 cricket world cup and beyond. This required the construction of a new world class cricket pavilion, out of which an architectural fabric was chosen.

Green School Pods, New Plymouth, NZ
2374 Green School Pods - New Plymouth, NZ

LSAA 2022 Plaques 0010 PROJECT CREDITS

Project Name Green School New Zealand
Location 406 Koru Road, Koru  City    New Plymouth
Country New Zealand, 4374
Completion Date Oct-20
Category 2 Medium structures – 250m2 – 1000m2
Entrant Name  Fabric Structures Limited
Address: 141 Dent Street,  Suburb: Central Business, Whangarei
Country: New Zealand, 0110
Telephone Land line:  +64 9 4388343
Mobile:  +64 275276452
Email Address:        This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website address:     www.fabricstructure.co.nz
Entrant Type / Role Designer / Fabricator / Installer
Project Client:         Green School
Project Architect:    Glen Brebner, Milca Severo, Boon
Structural Engineer: Fabspan/XiangDu
Specialist Consultant & Role:       Kayne Jacobson, Project Manager
Building Contractor: Cleland Construction Limited
Fabricator(s): Fabric Structures Ltd – for membrane fabric
Others:         Meco Engineering Co for Steel (under FSL contract)

 

 

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.

Southern Plaza Bar - Central Mast Fabric details
Southern Plaza Bar - Central Mast Fabric details

 

Southern Plaza Bar - 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)

View of the Green School Kina Roof Project
View of the Green School Kina Roof Project

DESIGN FABRICATION INSTALLATION BRIEF

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.

CityCentre Automated People Mover - Tensile Roof Canopy
CityCentre Automated People Mover - Tensile Roof Canopy

This project was entered in the LSAA 2009 Design Awards (Cat 2, #2066)

Entrant: Tensys Engineers Pty Ltd
Location: Las Vegas, USA

Description of the Tensile Roof to the APM in Las Vegas

The tensile fabric roof (approximately 10,000 sq ft) each covers the APM station at Monte Carlo and Bellagio Casino/Resort.  The APM stations are part of the US7 billion dollar development in Las Vegas (designed by Gensler LA) due for opening in various stages the end of 2009. 

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.

Ocean Supercenter - New Signature Structure
Ocean Supercenter - New Signature Structure

 Signature Structure at the Ocean Supercenter Shopping Mall

Entrant: GeoMetal Limited (Design & Engineering) - LSAA Design Awards 2016 (Cat 2, Medium Structures #72)

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

Description: The shopping mall is one of first projects to use a tensile fabric structure in Myanmar. It was a pleasure for Geometal to design and install for this project. Client’s enquiries Geometal team to create a significant landmark at main entrance of the shopping mall.