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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.


 

Interior shot of the Dreamworld Switchback canopy
Interior shot of the Dreamworld Switchback canopy

Dreamworld Taipan Theme Park Entrance Canopy Description

The Steel Taipan ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast is the theme parks newest attraction. The AUD$32million roller coaster features a 1.2km track roller coaster and the Southern Hemisphere’s first triple launch system that launches the train forward, backwards, and then forwards again at a top speed of 105km/hr!

Fabritecture was contracted for the design & construction of a bespoke walkway canopy structure to shelter patrons as they wait in line for the Steel Taipan ride. The structure features custom printed Serge Ferrari PVC designed to match the architectural intent of the structure – to emulate the scales of a taipan snake!

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:

Point Boston Peninsular Club - New Membrane Roof
Point Boston Peninsular Club - New Membrane Roof

 

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.



  

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)

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



 

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.

Fabric Structures at Soul Surfers Paradise
Fabric Structures at Soul Surfers Paradise

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.


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"

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.